Advanced Academic Vocabulary Set A

Front

Aberrant

Back

Departing from the accepted standard or norm. The scientist noted that the aberrant data point skewed the regression analysis significantly. Origin: Latin *aberrare* 'to stray away'.

Front

Capitulate

Back

To surrender or give in to demands. The union refused to capitulate to management's pressure regarding wage cuts. Origin: Latin *capitulum* 'little head' (chapter/terms).

Front

Enervate

Back

To cause to feel drained of energy or vitality; to weaken. The humid, oppressive heat served to enervate the marathon runners. Origin: Latin *e-* (out) + *nervus* (sinew/nerve).

Front

Obfuscate

Back

To render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible; to bewilder. The politician used convoluted syntax to obfuscate the scandal's details. Origin: Latin *ob-* (against) + *fuscare* (to darken).

Front

Laconic

Back

Using very few words to express a complex idea; concise to the point of seeming rude. His laconic reply, 'Fine,' ended the debate abruptly. Origin: Greek *Lakonikos* 'Spartan'.