This section is for advanced vocabulary words. You won't likely find these words in normal, daily conversations, but it helps to know the words for reading and writing. These words may come up in conversation, or you may use them in your interaction with others. The problem is that most people won't know the meaning behind your words, which can make conversations uncomfortable.

 

Practice these words mostly in an environment where you write. This gives you the experience with the words and lets others look them up in the dictionary!

 

Abject (aab-ject)

Adjective

Despicable; hopeless; humiliating

 

As the robber ran, the crowd watched as his abject speed couldn't outrun the police following him.

 

Analogous (an-aal-uh-gus)

Adjective

The same as; similar

 

A bee has wings analogous to other winged animals, but its sting is much worse than other species.

 

Bourgeois (boor-zwah)

Noun

Someone from the middle class; conventional

 

Part of the economic classes that define history, the bourgeois represent most of the population.

 

Compulsory (cum-pulse-err-ee)

Adjective

Required; mandatory

 

In these times where everyone is fighting for a job, an education is a compulsory advantage.

 

Fortuitous (for-too-it-us)

Fortunate

As David continued to take tests without studying, his high grades were seemingly fortuitous.

 

Incorrigible (in-core-ij-uh-bl)

Adjective

Not easily changed; impervious to restraints

 

As the boy continued to sit in class, the teacher could not keep him in place since his behavior was completely incorrigible.

 

Indolent (in-doh-lent)

Adjective

Lazy; slothful

Although it was the middle of the week, Sue's indolent attitude kept her from going to work.

 

Ostensible (os-tenz-uhble)

Adjective

Professed; pretended

As the politician spoke of his upcoming laws he wished to promote, his ostensible intensions were questionable.

 

Palpable (pal-puh-buhl)

Adjective

Perceived; obvious

 

As Sue explained the reason why she was late, her palpable intensions were quite clear.

 

Sanguine (sayng-gwin)

Adjective

Cheerful; optimistic; hopeful

 

As Joe went from high school to college, his sanguine attitude became apparent as he became excited for graduate school.

 

Surreptitious (ser-up-tish-us)

Adjective

Secretly obtained; sneaky

 

As the criminal explained how he received the jewels, it was apparent to the jury that his means were surreptitious.

 

Truncate (trun-kate)

Verb

To cut off or shorten

 

The secretary had so many files to process, she decided to truncate her work by half.