| A | B |
|---|
| archaic | referring to words and language that were once common but are now rarely used; ancient; no longer applicable |
| argot | the informal vocabulary used by a particular class or group, such as criminals; a secret language |
| connotation | the mental connections or associations suggested by a word that go beond its literal meaning or its dictionary definition |
| denotation | the exact meaning of a word |
| idiom | an expression having a special meaning that is not lear from the usual meaning of the individual words in the expression; the specific grammatical and structural characteristics of a language; the accepted pattern of word usage; speech that is characteristic of a particular region |
| jargon | the specialized technical vocabulary used by people in the same profession or field; confusin, meaningless talk |
| semantics | the study of historical changes in the meanings of words; the study of the relation of words to the objects they stand for |
| slang | highly informal language that occurs most often in casual conversation |
| standard | conforming to established usage in speech or writing; commonly used and accepted as an authority; a rule or model used to judge the quality or correctness of soemthing; criterion; a level of requirement, excellence, or attainment |
| vernacular | the normal spoken language of a country or region as distinct from the litereary or learned language; everyday speech; native to or commonly spoken by residents of a particular country or region |
| boycott | to take part in an organized group refusal to use a product or service as a means of protest; an organized group refusal |
| galvanize | to stir to action or awareness; to stimulate or shock with an electric current; to put a coating of zinc on iron or steel as protection against rust |
| jovial | full of fun and good cheer; sociable |
| macadam | a paving material made of layers of small stones that are packed together with asphalt or tar; a road surface that has been paved with layers of small stones |
| maverick | a person who refuses to go along with the policies or views of his or her group; someone who is independentminded; a nonconformist; an unbranded calf or colt; a horse or steer that has excaped from the herd |
| mentor | a person depended upon for wise advice and guidance; a trusted counselor |
| nemesis | someone or something that is the source of just punishment; just punishment for wrongdoing; an unbeatable rival |
| odyssey | a long, adventurous, wandering journey; an intellectual or spiritual quest |
| quixotic | full of impractical ideas; idealistic |
| tantalize | to tease or torment by presenting something desirable while it is out of reach |
| bland | mild; soothing, not irritating; dull; lacking in interest |
| culinary | pertaining to cooking or the kitchen |
| delectable | greatly pleasing, especially to the sense of taste; delicious; delightful |
| devour | to eat up greedily; swallow; engulf; to consume enthusiastically |
| edible | suitable for eating; capable of being eaten |
| epicure | a person with refined tastes in food and drink; a gourmet |
| morsel | a bite or small amount of food; a small piece; a tidbit |
| pungent | sharp; strong; penetrating; producing a sharp sensation, usually of taste or smell |
| quaff | to drink heartily and deeply of |
| ravenous | extremely hungry |
