Vocabulary Flashcards - H Words

Lacking significance through having been overused; unoriginal and trite (The hackneyed phrase "break a leg" is often used in theater.)

Unfortunate (The hapless man seemed to have bad luck wherever he went.)

A lengthy and aggressive speech (The politician's harangue against his opponent lasted for over an hour.)

Arrogantly superior and disdainful (Her haughty attitude made it difficult for her to make friends.)

Utterly odious or wicked (The criminal was charged with a heinous crime.)

Belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religious doctrine (His teachings were considered heresy by the established church.)

A pause or gap in a sequence, series, or process (The band took a brief hiatus before recording their next album.)

A system or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority (The corporate hierarchy dictates the flow of information.)

Overly theatrical or melodramatic in character or style (Her histrionic reaction to the news was unnecessary.)

Grayish white; old and trite (The hoary legends have been told for centuries.)

A humorous or malicious deception (The email about winning the lottery turned out to be a hoax.)

Of the same kind; alike (The town's population was fairly homogeneous in terms of ethnicity.)

Excessive pride or self-confidence (His hubris led to his downfall.)

Having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance (Despite his fame, he remained humble and approachable.)

Lacking excitement or variety; dull; monotonous (The daily routine became humdrum after a while.)

Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally (The phrase "I've told you a million times" is an example of hyperbole.)