1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
adduce
confound
construe
conundrum
cryptic
6. equivocate
7. paradox
8. patent
9. perspicacity
10. rudimentary
a)
To cite as an example or means of proof in
an argument; bring forward for
consideration.
Ex: In her lecture the chemist adduced gasoline
as one of the best- known carbon
compounds.
a)
b)
To cause a person to become confused;
bewilder.
To fail to distinguish; mix up
Related Word: confounded
Ex: The strange results of the experiment
confounded the scientist.
a)
To place a certain meaning on;
interpret.
Ex: Allison construed her cousin’s
silence as support of her plan.
a)
b)
c)
A problem with no satisfactory solution.
A difficult and complicated problem.
A riddle in which a fanciful question is
answered by a pun
Ex: The cause of the epidemic was a conundrum
for state health officials.
a.
b.
Having an ambiguous or hidden meaning;
enigmatic.
Of a secret nature; mystifying.
Related Words: cryptically
Ex: Scholars have provided several
interpretations of the ancient poet’s cryptic
verses.
a)
b)
To use ambiguous and misleading language
intentionally; hedge.
To avoid making an explicit statement.
Related Words: equivocal; equivocally;
equivocation.
Ex: The witness equivocated to such an extent
that members of the jury were unable to
evaluate the validity of his testimony.
A seemingly contradictory statement that
may nonetheless be true.
b) An assertion that is essentially self
contradictory, although based on a valid
deduction from acceptable premises.
c) A person with inexplicable or contradictory
qualities.
Related Words: paradoxical; paradoxically
Ex: William Wordsworth’s assertion that “The
child is father of the man” is an example of a
paradox.
a)
a)
Obvious; plain.
Related Words: patently
Ex: Afraid of their reaction, Morgan made
patent attempts to avoid his friends.
a)
Acuteness of perception, discernment, or
understanding.
Related Words: perspicacious; perspicaciously
Ex: For a twelve-year-old, Rafaela’s perspicacity
about human motivation is quite amazing.
a)
b)
Of or relating to basic facts or principles that
must be learned first; elementary;
fundamental.
In the earliest stages of development;
incipient.
Related Words: rudiment
Ex: Before going into detail, Mrs. Ling outlined
the rudimentary aspects of advertising.