Vocabulary Flashcards - F Words

A person who composes or relates fables; a liar (The novelist was known as a fabulist who often blurred the lines between truth and fiction.)

Treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; flippant (His facetious remarks during the meeting were not appreciated by his colleagues.)

Based on a mistaken belief (The argument was fallacious, as it was based on incorrect data.)

Silly and pointless (The comedian's fatuous jokes did not amuse the audience.)

Producing or capable of producing an abundance of offspring or new growth; fertile (The fecund garden produced more vegetables than they could eat.)

To pretend to be affected by (a feeling, state, or injury) (She feigned surprise when she heard the news, even though she already knew.)

Intense happiness; the ability to find appropriate expression for one's thoughts (Her speech was delivered with great felicity and charm.)

In a wild state, especially after escape from captivity or domestication (The feral cat had to be captured and brought to the shelter.)

Having or displaying a passionate intensity (The fervent supporters of the team cheered loudly during the game.)

1. A chain or manacle used to restrain a prisoner, typically placed around the ankles (The prisoner was bound in fetters.)
2. To restrain with chains or manacles (He was fettered by his responsibilities and couldn't pursue his dreams.)

Having a red or flushed complexion; elaborately or excessively intricate or complicated (His florid writing style was difficult to read.)

To openly disregard (a rule, law, or convention) (He flouted the rules and was subsequently punished.)

To prevent (something considered wrong or undesirable) from succeeding (The police foiled the robbery in progress.)

Patient self-control; restraint and tolerance (She showed great forbearance in dealing with her difficult colleague.)

To prevent or obstruct (an anticipated event or action) by taking action ahead of time (The company took measures to forestall a strike.)

Happening by a lucky chance; fortunate (It was fortuitous that she found a $20 bill on the ground.)

Irritable and quarrelsome; (of a group or organization) difficult to control; unruly (The fractious child was difficult to discipline.)

Filled with or likely to result in (something undesirable); causing or affected by anxiety or stress (The negotiations were fraught with tension.)

Fast and energetic in a rather wild and uncontrolled way (The frenetic pace of the city made her feel overwhelmed.)

Not having any serious purpose or value (The lawsuit was dismissed as frivolous by the judge.)

Sparing or economical with regard to money or food (He lived a frugal lifestyle, saving most of his income.)

Attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble; secretive (She gave him a furtive glance during the meeting.)

Incapable of producing any useful result; pointless (Their efforts to revive the plant were futile.)