Words for Vocabulary Quiz #2

Use ‘terse’ to describe brevity in writing or speech.

He was not long-winded; on the contrary, he expressed himself in terse statements, pausing to compose his thoughts after each utterance.

Use ‘circumspect’ for diplomacy or restraint in a person’s behavior, attitude or speech.

The congresswoman had stated that the Air Force general was sure to be indicted, but today she was more circumspect in her comments about the case.  

(adapted from an example on superiorvocabulary.com)

Use ‘amorphous’ to describe an attitude, a statement, or an object that is shapeless or indistinct.

Most people found the cloud to be amorphous, but Paul insisted that it closely resembled the shape of a turtle.

Use ‘evoke’ as a near-synonym for the word ‘express’, especially in the sense of giving off a certain aura, feeling, reminder, attitude or idea.

Her thoughtful words evoked the wisdom of Socrates.

'Music is used to evoke a particular mood.'  (adapted from Australia Network)

Fitzgerald’s writing evokes the spirit of the Roaring Twenties.

Use ‘invoke’ for the act of calling upon a higher authority, especially in connection with writing, speech, religion, or the law.   A near-synonym for 'invoke' is the verb 'quote'.

The witness invoked his 5^th Amendment right to remain silent.

His poetry invokes the subtle interior rhythms of Shakespeare’s sonnets.

To feign means “to pretend,” BUT the word is used a particular way:

He feigned ignorance as a way to avoid testifying in court.

Please don’t try to feign modesty; I know you are quietly gloating on the inside. 

(The latter example comes from http://vocabulary-vocabulary.com/dictionary/feign.php)

Originally used to describe ancient texts that had been excluded from the Bible (‘apo’ = beyond or outside of; ‘cryph’ = scripture), the word ‘apocryphal’ is used today to characterize statements that are outlandishly false or misleading.

Some people claim that the story of George Washington and the cherry tree is apocryphal – a myth designed to inspire children’s patriotism.

The traveling salesman made apocryphal claims about the healing powers of the patent medicines he sold to pharmacists.

antithesis = an Opposite.  (adj. antithetical)
Although we are good friends, when it comes to politics we are antithetical!

to implore = to plead or beg.
We implored Mr. Bratnober to postpone the Vocabulary Quiz until Thursday, and - mirabile dictu! -- he relented, conceding the point that we hadn't been given enough time or information to prepare for Wednesday's class.

hyperbole = exaggeration.  (hyper = beyond; -bole = orbit or arc... so 'hyperbole' stems from words meaning "beyond the normal orbit.... beyond the usual or predictable scheme of things.")  (adj., hyperbolic)
When I was in third grade, I got worried when my friend said, "My parents are going to kill me!".  I didn't realize that she was engaging in hyperbole!