Vocabulary #8

cursory-  hasty/not thorough or detailed
Ex. I performed a cursory review of the test because I did not have time to study.
impetus- force or energy
Ex. The approaching deadline gave impetus to the investigation.
pinnacle- peak
Ex. Most people reach the pinnacle of their career during their 30's.
contumely- insulting language or treatment
Ex. The little girl contumely interrupted my speech.
bereavement- grief
Ex. It took three years of bereavement to get over my grandmother's death.
cache- a collection of items stored in a hidden place
Ex. Many drug dealers have a cache where they keep their drugs.
consummation- the point at which something is completed
Ex. Many couples cosummate their marraige on their wedding night.
calamity- a disaster
Ex. Many hurricanes and earthquakes are considered calamities, causing billions of dollars in damage.
avarice- greed
Ex. Out of pure avarice, the young boy lunged for the last piece of cake.
fortify- strengthen
Ex. The military base made sure to fortify their defenses prior to the incoming attack.
erratic- unpredictable
Ex. The teenage girl was known for being erratic, often times changing her mind at the last minute.
ubiquitous- found everywhere
Ex. Poverty is one thing that is ubiquitous around the world.
fortitude- courage in pain or adversity
Ex. She endured her illness with great fortitude.
nonchalant- not displaying enthusiasm
Ex. The boy nonchalantly walked up and won the prize at the carnival booth.
affect- make a difference to
Ex. The cold weather began to affect my mood.
effect- a change that is the result or consequence of an action
Ex. One effect of drinking alcohol is impaired judgement.
misappropriate- dishonestly/unfairly take
Ex. Department officials had missappropriated funds.
pragmatic- dealing with things sensibly/realistically 
Ex. The senator had a pragmatic approach to politics.
metacognition- understanding of one's own thought processes
Ex. He had a metacognition of the way his brain solved arithmetic problems.
devoutly- in a devoted way
Ex. The priest spoke devoutly of his love for God.