Day 21 Vocabulary

Intended as a punishment; inflicting or intended to inflict punishment.

" The judge imposed a very punitive sentence on the defendant, hoping it would deter others from committing the same crime."

In accordance with a law or legal document; following a set of rules or regulations.

" The company's actions were pursuant to a new law that was passed by the government."

An uneasy feeling of doubt, worry, or fear, especially about one's own conduct.

" She had some serious qualms about lying to her boss, even though it was a small and seemingly harmless one."

Complaining in a whining or petulant manner.

" The querulous old man was always complaining about the weather, no matter what it was like outside."

To raise a trivial or petty objection about a minor detail.

" The lawyers spent hours to quibble over the wording of the contract, delaying the entire agreement."

The minimum number of members of a committee or society that must be present to make the proceedings valid.

" The vote was delayed because there were not enough members present to establish a legal quorum."

To steal or cause damage to things in a place during a chaotic and messy search.

" The burglars ransacked the house, leaving every room in disarray as they searched for valuables to steal."

The belief that knowledge is gained primarily through reason rather than through sensory experience.

" The philosophy of rationalism was a key part of the Enlightenment, as it emphasized the importance of reason and logic."

Accusations or insults that are made in response to others.

" The meeting quickly devolved into a series of recriminations, as each person blamed the other for the project's failure."

To censor or obscure parts of a text or document for legal or security purposes.

" The classified documents were heavily redacted, with almost all of the information blacked out."

A return to a former state, typically a worse one, after a period of improvement.

" He was afraid that he would relapse after he stopped taking his medication, as he had been doing so well."

Something that drives back or away; a substance that repels insects or water.

" The campers used insect repellent to ward off the mosquitoes that were swarming around them."

To evoke or suggest images, memories, or emotions; to have a powerful and lasting effect.

" The speaker’s story of overcoming hardship deeply resonated with the audience, and many of them cried."

Small waves on the surface of water; a small movement or event that spreads outward from a central point.

" The CEO’s surprise resignation sent ripples throughout the company, affecting every single department."

The process of decaying or decomposing, often with a foul smell.

" The apples in the fruit bowl were slowly rotting, attracting flies and emitting a bad odor."