Vocab #3

Apostate: a person who forsakes their religion

He was deemed an apostate after he partied on a Sunday and went against Mormon ways.
Effusive: pouring, overflowing

She effusively reacted to the movie, crying for hours even after it was finished.
Impasse: position where there is no escape

They were at an impasse in their argument, neither person would budge.
Euphoria: state of intense happiness and self confidence

She said Buddhism helped her reach a state of pure euphoria.
Lugubrious: mournful, dismal, gloomy

The lugubrious house gave Lisa the chills.
Bravado: pretentious display of courage

The players victory dance could be described as cheap bravado.
Consensus: conclusion, agreement

After a three hour meeting, the group finally reached a consensus.

Dichotomy: division into two parts

Our country is based on the dichotomy of Church and State.
Constrict: to draw or press in

She felt constricted by her parent’s endless list of rules.
Gothic: noting or pertaining to a style of architecture, originating in France in the middle of the 12th century and existing in the western half of Europe through the middle of the 16th century, characterized by the use of the pointed arch and the ribbed vault, by the use of fine woodwork and stonework, by a progressive lightening of structure, and by the use of such features as flying buttresses, ornamental gables, crockets, and foils.

The aspiring architect studied many Gothic structures in France.

Punctilio: fine point or detail of a ceremony

She presented a beautiful ceremony, no punctilio was overlooked.
Metamorphosis: a complete change

Laura experienced a sort of metamorphosis while away at boarding school.
Raconteur: a person who is skilled in relaying stories effectively

The raconteur of the village told countless myths and legends.
sine qua non: something essential

Patience is sine qua non when dealing with children.
Quixotic: impulsive

Her quixotic behavior resulted in many consequences.
Vendetta: private feud

It seemed as though they had a vendetta that began years ago.
non sequitur: illogical conclusion

Her argument was non sequitur, her points did not seems to relate.
Mystique: framework of doctrines

The book The Feminine Mystique did wonders for women’s rights.
Quagmire: dilemma

She was in sort of a quagmire when two boys asked her to prom.
Parlous: dangerous

The parlous snake should be avoided at all times.