Anthropology and Vocabulary Quiz

Vocabulary Study Notes

Abstract: Represents an idea not tied to tangible experience; often conceptual rather than physical.
Anthropology: Discipline focused on studying and comparing cultures among humans, examining practices, beliefs, and social structures.
Comprehensive: Involves thoroughness and completeness, often used to describe studies or reviews that cover all necessary aspects.
Construe: The act of interpreting information in a specific manner, which can vary based on context or perspective.
Discerning: Characterized by the ability to perceive and distinguish subtle elements, indicating a refined judgement.
Discriminating: Exhibits good taste or judgment, especially when distinguishing between quality or value.
Disseminate: The process of widely distributing information, akin to scattering seeds in a field to spread knowledge.
Erudite: Represents a person with great knowledge and learning, often demonstrating depth in a specific field.
Indoctrinate: Involves teaching someone to accept a set of beliefs uncritically, often without room for questioning or dissent.
Insular: Describes a state of being isolated from outside cultural or intellectual influences, leading to narrow perspectives.
Orthodox: Refers to strict adherence to traditional teachings or established beliefs, often in religious or ideological contexts.
Pedantic: Indicates a tendency to show off learning or knowledge, often focusing on trivial aspects rather than broader understanding.
Peruse: The act of reading something thoroughly and carefully, often with intent to understand deeply.
Postulate: The assumption of the existence or truth of something as a starting point for reasoning or action.
Provincial: Describes a lack of sophistication or narrow-mindedness, typically associated with non-urban or limited experiences.
Revelation: A surprising fact or significant piece of information that is disclosed unexpectedly.
Advocate: A person who provides public support for a specific person, cause, or policy, often pushing for change or recognition.
Apologist: Someone who argues in defense of a particular position, which is often controversial or disputed.
Appease: The act of yielding to demands to placate or calm someone or a group as a means of reconciliation.
Bolster: To strengthen or support something, whether an argument, idea, or physical structure.
Buttress: Refers both to a physical support for a structure and to any strong support for an idea or argument that strengthens it.
Cajole: Persuasion by means of flattery or gentle coaxing, often used in a social context to instructively influence others.
Circumlocutory: Characterized by evasion in speech; typically involves speaking indirectly to avoid directly addressing a topic.
Circumscribe: The act of defining limits or boundaries for an issue or problem, thereby clarifying scope.
Cohesive: Indicates a united whole, essential for collaboration and teamwork where elements work well together.
Provocative: Intentionally designed to elicit a strong, often negative emotional response, typically challenging the status quo.
Pugnacious: Describes someone who is prone to fighting; displaying a combative nature.
Qualify: The act of moderating a statement, making it less extreme or more palatable through careful wording.
Rebut: A response that asserts the falsity of an accusation or claim, often in a debate or argumentative context.
Recalcitrant: Describes a stubbornly uncooperative attitude; resistant to authority or control.
Refute: To demonstrate the falsity of a claim or belief, often through argument or evidence.
Resolute: Characterizes a person who is purposeful and unwavering in their duties or beliefs.
Rhetoric: The art of persuasive language and communication designed to influence others' beliefs or actions.
Specious: Appears plausible but is actually misleading or false, often used to describe flawed arguments.
Speculation: An assumption or guess often made with insufficient evidence, leading to potential inaccuracies.
Steadfast: Refers to someone who is firm in purpose and unwavering in their commitments.
Strident: Describes a loud, harsh quality in speech, especially when presenting an opinion forcefully.
Subjective: Based on personal feelings or opinions, contrasting with objective assessments that rely on factual data.
Substantiate: To provide adequate evidence or support for a claim, strengthening its validity.
Tenuous: Describes something weak or flimsy, often referring to arguments or claims lacking solid foundation.
Tirade: A lengthy, angry speech or outburst, typically expressing strong criticism or condemnation.
Viable: Indicates the capability of an idea, plan, or method to work successfully or be practical.
Vindicate: To clear someone from blame or suspicion, reaffirming their actions as justified or correct.