Vocab #8

Cursory- going rapidly over something without paying much attention
If you read a book in a cursory manner, its hard to understand what is being said.
Impetus- a moving force, stimulus
Her sincere advice gave me an impetus to keep moving forward in life.
Pinnacle- highest peak of something
When Sam was able to walk again, she was at the pinnacle of her recovery after the surgery.
contumely- a humiliating insult
Talking about her insecurities were a contumely in her eyes.
bereavement- a period of mourning due to a loss
When I lost my grandma, i went through bereavement and had to see a counselor.
cache- a hiding place
The young teenage boys cache of bad magazines were under his bed.
consummation- completion
The consummation of the race was when the last runner passed the finish line.
calamity- a great misfortune or disaster
The Boston bombing was a huge calamity, but people are very lucky that it wasn't any worse than it was.
avarice- insatiable greed for wealth
Large companies sometimes loose everything they have when their avarice becomes to large to handle.
fortify- to protect or strengthen against attack
The flu shot is supposed to fortify the illness, but many believe it doesn't work like it should.
erratic- having no certain course
The erratic bowling ball had no chance of hitting a pin.
ubiquitous- being everywhere especially at the same time
During winter, the fog in town is ubiquitous for hours, but then somehow seems to disappear as the day goes on.
fortitude- mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty
People with self control have a huge range of fortitude in any given situation.
nonchalant- unusually cool
Josh was very nonchalant when being questioned about his parents death.
affect- to act on; produce a change
My dads opinion could ultimately affect my decision of whom i marry.
effect- something that is produced by a change; result
The shooting was ruled out to be an effect of alcohol.
misappropriate- to put to a wrong use
The lottery money was misappropriated by the winner, because he spent it all on fancy cars and houses, when he could have used it to clear past debts.
pragmatic- pertaining to a practical point of view
The governments decision was based on a pragmatic vote in the House.
metacognition- higher order of thinking that enables understanding
Memorization creates metacognition. 
devoutly- devoted to divine worship or service
The devoutly woman went to church twice a day.