Vocabulary Flashcards - O Words

Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action (The obdurate child refused to eat his vegetables.)

To render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible (The teacher's complicated explanation only served to obfuscate the concept.)

Neither parallel nor at a right angle to a specified or implied line; slanting (The artist painted the oblique lines to create a sense of movement.)

Not aware of or not concerned about what is happening around one (She was oblivious to the noise outside as she read her book.)

Obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree (The obsequious assistant agreed with everything her boss said.)

Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so (The obstinate man refused to admit he was wrong.)

Noisy and difficult to control (The obstreperous crowd was difficult for the police to manage.)

To remove (a need or difficulty); to avoid or prevent (The new medical treatment obviates the need for surgery.)

To stop, close up, or obstruct (an opening, orifice, or passage) (A blood clot occluded the artery, preventing blood flow.)

Extremely unpleasant; repulsive (The odious smell from the garbage can made everyone gag.)

Assertive of authority in an annoyingly domineering way, especially with regard to petty or trivial matters (The officious manager constantly micromanaged his employees.)

(Of a task, duty, or responsibility) involving a great deal of effort, trouble, or difficulty (The onerous task of cleaning the entire house took all day.)

Stated or appearing to be true, but not necessarily so (The ostensible reason for the meeting was to discuss the budget, but the real purpose was to address the company's recent scandals.)

Characterized by vulgar or pretentious display; designed to impress or attract notice (The ostentatious mansion was filled with gold-plated furniture.)

Done or shown openly; plainly or readily apparent, not secret or hidden (The overt hostility between the two coworkers was obvious to everyone.)