Vocabulary 12, Lesson 1-15

Lesson 1
1. amoral (adj.) without a sense of moral responsibility; chaste
synonym: immoral antonyms: chaste; innocent
2. avert (v.) prevent; turn away; avoid
synonyms: avoid; deflect; divert antonyms: aid; help
3. ancillary (adj.) subordinate or supplementary
synonyms: auxiliary; subsidiary; accessory antonyms: central; key; main; principal
4. apprise: (v.) to inform of; to make aware of by giving oral or written notice
synonyms: acquaint; notify antonyms: keep secret; withhold information
5. attenuate: (v.) make thin; weaken
synonyms: abate; constrict; debilitate antonyms: expand; increase; intensify
6. behest (n.) command, order; personal decree (Behest is a stronger term than request.)
synonyms: demand; injunction; mandate
7. bourgeois [boor-zhwah] (adj.) having to do with the middle class; held to be preoccupied
with respectability and material values; (n. pl.) person whose attitudes reflect conformity to the
middle class
8. bowdlerize (v.) to remove material considered offensive
synonyms: censure; purge; expunge antonyms: endorse; allow
9. cajole (.v.) persuade by pleasant words; wheedle; coax
synonyms: flatter; tantalize antonyms: bully; force; repel
10. condescend (v.) to come down or stoop voluntarily to a lower position; to deal with people in a
patronizing manner
synonyms: acquiesce; bend; deign antonym: rise above
11. cozen (v.) to trick; cheat; or swindle
synonyms: dupe; deceive; beguile; inveigle antonyms: debunk; expose; reveal
antonyms: foster; implant; instill; nurture
12. eleemosynary: (adj.) charitable; dependent upon or supported by charity
synonyms: philanthropic; beneficent antonyms: selfish; self-seeking; uncharitable
13. hierarchy (n.) body of rulers or officials grouped in ranks, each being subordinate to the rank above it
synonyms: chain or command; pecking order
14. indigenous: (adj.) originating in the country or region where found, native; inborn; inherent
synonyms: endemic; domestic; homegrown antonyms: alien; foreign
15. versatile (adj.): able to turn with ease from one thing to another- adaptable
Word origins: Provide definitions for the words listed below.
a (an): not, without (L1, amoral)
amorphous (adj.): without shape
anemia (n.): lack of normal number of red blood cells
anomaly (n.): deviation from the common rule
anonymous (adj.): without a name
atheism (n.): denial of the existence of God
atypical: not typical
archy: rule (L1, amoral, hierarchy)
anarchy (n.): total absence of rule or government
matriarchy (n.): form of social organization in which the mother rules, descent being traced through
the mother
oligarchy (n.): form of government in which few people have the power
patriarchy(n.): form of social organization in which the father rules, descent traced through the father
vert (vers) turn (L1, avert)
controversy (n). : dispute- a turning against
extrovert (n.): someone turned outward- social, outgoing
introvert (n.): someone turned inward- shy, diffident
Lesson 2
1. capitulate (v.) yield; to surrender under specified conditions; give in
synonyms: relent; surrender antonyms: conquer; defeat; resist
 Vocabulary 12, Lesson 1-15
2. convalesce (v.) recover health after illness, recuperate
synonyms: heal; mend; recover antonyms: regress; weaken
3. convivial (adj.) sociable; fond of eating with friends
synonyms: hospitable; jovial antonyms: taciturn; stolid; unemotional
4. lachrymose: (adj.) given to tears or weeping; causing to shed tears; mournful
synonyms: tearful; doleful; dolorous antonyms: cheerful; merry
5. liturgy (n.) a religious service or rite; the form of a ritual
synonyms: ceremony; observance
6. macrocosm (n.) the universe as a whole; the entire complex structure of something
synonyms: cosmos; entirety antonyms: model; miniature; microcosm
7. mirage (n.) something illusory, without substance; an illusion
synonym: optical illusion
8. morass (n.) a patch of low, soft, wet ground; a swamp; a confusing situation
synonyms: bog; quagmire antonyms: solid; ground; bedrock
9. mountebank [moun-tuh-bangk] (n.) a trickster or swindler
synonyms: imposter; quack antonyms: sucker; dupe
10. noisome (adj.) offensive or disgusting; foul-smelling harmful or injurious
synonyms: fetid; noxious; vial; loathsome antonyms: moral; upright
11. obfuscate: (v.) to darken or obscure; to confuse or bewilder
(In sentence completions exercises, do not confuse this verb with the adj. oblivious.)
synonyms: muddy the waters antonyms: clarify; elucidate; explicate
12. oblivious: (adj.) [usually followed by of ) forgetful; unaware
synonyms: absent-mined; insensible antonyms: aware; cognizant, alert
13. persiflage (n.) lighthearted joking; talk; or writing
synonyms: banter; jesting; repartee; badinage
14. plethora (n.) over-fullness; superfluity
synonyms: surplus; surfeit; glut; excess antonyms: shortage; surfeit
15. polarize: (v.) to cause to concentrate around two conflicting or contrasting positions; to cause
light to vibrate in a pattern
synonyms: split; divide; alienate; estrange antonyms: reconcile; unify; unite
Word origins:
viv: live, alive (L2, convivial)
revive (v.): bring back to life; restore
survive (v.): remain alive after…
vivacious (adj.): lively in temper or conduct
vivacity (n.): liveliness of spirit
vivid (adj.): (used with things)- having the vigor and spirit of life; sharp, clear, graphic (Use this word to
describe writing, not vivacious)
macro: large, long (an): (L2, macrocosm); micro: small, minute
macro (n.): computer instruction standing for a series of steps
macron (n.): horizontal mark indicating that the vowel over which it is placed is long
macroscopic (adj.): large enough to be visible to the naked eye
microbe (n.): microscopic life form; germ
microsurgery (n.): surgery with the aid of small instruments
microscopic (n.): invisible
Lesson 3
1. affinity (n.) a natural attraction to a person, thing, or activity
synonyms: inclination; penchant antonyms: distaste; aversion
2. browbeat (v.) to intimidate by a stern or overbearing manner; to bully
synonyms: badger; cow; coerce antonyms: coax; compliment
3. cognate (adj.) closely related in origin, essential nature, or function; (n.) such a person or thing
 Vocabulary 12, Lesson 1-15
synonyms: (adj.) allied; affiliated: (n.) relative antonyms: dissimilar; unrelated
4. contumelious (adj.) insolent or rude in speech or behavior; insultingly abusive
synonyms: vituperative; scurrilous; excoriating antonyms: commendatory; deferential
5. corpulent (adj.) bulky; large, voluminous
synonyms: fat; immense antonyms: insubstantial; small; thin
6. derring-do (n.) valor or heroism; daring deeds or exploits (often used to make fun at false heroics)
synonyms: audacity; bravado; pyrotechnics antonyms: cowardice; poltroonery; timidity
7. dictum (n.) a short saying; an authoritative statement
synonyms: maxim; precept; aphorism; axiom
8. elixir (n.) a potion once thought capable of curing ills and maintain life indefinitely; a panacea
synonyms: cure-all; nostrum; tonic
9. ensconce (v.) to settle comfortably and firmly in position; to put or hide in a safe place
synonyms: entrench; lodge; nestle antonyms: displace; oust; unseat
10. hoi polloi (n.) the common people; the masses
synonym: rank and file antonyms: aristocracy; elite; upper class
11. immure (v.) to enclosed or confine within walls; to seclude or isolate
synonyms: incarcerate; mew up antonyms: emancipate; liberate; release
12. ineffable (adj.) not expressible in words; too great or too sacred to be uttered
synonyms: inexpressible; indescribable antonyms: definable; describable
13. maladroit (adj.) lacking skill or dexterity; lacking tact, perception, or judgment
synonyms: inept; awkward; clumsy; gauche antonyms: skillful; dexterous; deft; tactful
14. mnemonic (adj.) relating to or designed to assist the memory; (n.) a device to aid the memory
synonyms: (n.) reminder, cue
15. ribald (adj.) coarse; vulgar; indecent in language; irreverently mocking
synonyms: bawdy; risqué antonyms: proper; seemly
Word origins: Provide definitions for the words listed below.
corp: body (L3, corpulent)
corporal (adj.): bodily ( as corporal punishment)
corporation (n.): body authorized by law to act as a single person and to have rights and duties
corps (n.): organized body of persons; branch of the military (as Marine Corps)
corpse (n.): dead body
incorporate (v.): incorporate so as to form one body
mon (monit): warn (L3 premonition)
admonish (v.): warn of a fault; reprove; rebuke
monitor: (n.) person or thing that keeps track, checks, or warns; (v.) to keep track
premonition (n.): forewarning; intuitive anticipation of a coming event
Lesson 4
1. aberration (n.) a departure from what is proper, right, expected, or normal; a lapse from a sound mental state
synonyms: deviation; anomaly; irregularly antonyms: conformity; sameness
2. ambivalent (adj.) having opposite and conflicting feelings about someone or something
synonyms: equivocal; ambiguous; of two minds antonyms: clear-cut; unambiguous
3. beatitude (n.) a state of perfect happiness or blessedness; a blessing
synonyms: bliss; rapture antonyms: despair; misery
4. bode (v.) to be an omen; to indicate by signs
synonyms: presage; auger; foreshadow
5. deflect (v.) turn aside, bounce off
synonyms: avert; deviate; disperse
6. depredation (n.) the act of preying upon or plundering
synonyms: looting; pillage; outrage
7. parameter (n.) a determining or characteristic element; a factor that shapes the entire outcome

8. philippic (n.) a bitter verbal attack

synonyms: harangue; tirade; diatribe antonyms: encomium; panegyric; tribute
9. poltroon: (n.) a base coward
synonyms: craven; dastard; chicken antonyms: hero; stalwart; gallant
10. proselyte: (n.) a convert; a disciple
 Vocabulary 12, Lesson 1-15
synonyms: novice; neophyte
11. pundit (n.) a learned person; one who gives authoritative opinions
synonyms: expert; opinion; savant antonyms: laymen; amateur; dilettante
12. purview: (n.) the range, extent, or scope of something; in law, the scope or limit of what is provided in a statute
synonyms: jurisdiction; outlook
13. rapacity (n.) inordinate greed
synonyms: avarice; cupidity; voraciousness antonym: generousness
14. regressive: (adj.) disposed to move backward; towards the rear
synonyms: behind; inverted; retrograde antonyms: ahead; forward; to the front
15. verisimilitude: (n.) the quality of appearing to be true, real, likely or probable
synonyms: realism; likeliness; authenticity antonym: falseness
Word origins
fleck, (flex): bend (L4, deflect)
flex (v.): bend, as to flex a limb
flexible (adj.): capable of being bent; not rigid; tractable
genuflect (v.): bend the knew, as in worship
reflect (v.): throw (bend) back light rays
reflex (n.): involuntary response (bending back) to a stimulus, for example, sneezing as a reflex
gress (grad): step, walk, go (L4, regressive)
egress (v.): means of going out; exit
gradation (n.): change by steps or stages; act of grading
progressive (adj.): going better to something considered better
transgress (v.): step beyond the limits or barriers; break the law; sin
Lesson 5
1. ad hoc (adj. & adv.) for this specific purpose; improvised; with respect to this
synonym: makeshift
2. bane (n.) the source or cause of harm, ruin, irritability, and even death (don’t confuse with cataclysm)
synonyms: spoiler; bête noire antonyms: blessing; solace; balm
3. carte blanche (n.) full freedom or authority to act on one’s own discretion
synonyms: blank check; free reign
4. cataclysm (n.) a sudden, violent, or devastating upheaval; a surging flood, deluge
synonyms: disaster; catastrophe
5. chimerical (adj.): absurd; wildly fantastic; impossible
synonyms: fanciful; quixotic antonyms: realistic, practical
6. dank (adj.) unpleasantly damp or wet
synonyms: clammy; moist; soggy antonyms: dry; arid; parched; desiccated
7. debauch (v.) to corrupt morally, seduce; to indulge in dissipation; (n.) an act or occasion of dissipation or vice.
This verb is not commonly used. More commonly used is the noun, debauchery: A bout of excessive indulgence in
sensual pleasures, in particular, drinking and eating
synonyms: (v.) carouse; (n.) spree; orgy antonyms: (v.) elevate; inspire; purify
8. ecumenical (adj.) worldwide or universal in influence or application
synonyms: general; comprehensive antonyms: parochial; regional; insular
9. elocution (n.) the art of speaking out or reading effectively in public
synonyms: articulation; declamation antonym: inarticulation; mis-pronouncement
10. fractious (adj.) irritable; tending to be trouble; apt to break out into passion
synonyms: pettish; petulant; recalcitrant antonym: agreeable; amiable; peaceful
11. panache (n.) a confident and stylish manner, dash; a strikingly elaborate or colorful display
synonyms: style; verve; élan; éclat; flamboyance
12. portentous (adj.) foreshadowing an event to come; causing wonder awe; self-consciously weighty
synonyms: foreboding; ominous; pretentious antonyms: auspicious; propitious; encouraging
13. pragmatic (adj.) concerned with practical considerations or values
synonyms: down-to-earth; businesslike antonyms: idealistic; impractical; visionary
14. protégé (n.) someone whose welfare, training, or career is under the patronage of an influential person
synonyms: ward; charge; disciple; trainee antonyms: sponsor; mentor; benefactor
15. sanguine: (adj.) having a ruddy complexion; of a naturally cheerful, confident, or optimistic outlook
synonyms: flushed; rosy; upbeat antonyms: ashen; gloomy; pessimistic
Word origins: Provide definitions for the words listed below.
 Vocabulary 12, Lesson 1-15
fract (frag); break (L5, fractious)
fracture (n., v.): break or crack
fragile (adj.): easily broken; frail; delicate
infraction (n.): act of breaking; breach; violation as an infraction of te law
refractory (n.): resisting; hard to manage; intractable
locut (loqu): speak, talk (L5, elocution)
colloquial (adj.): conversational; informal (as colloquial speech or writing)
eloquent (adj.): speaking with force and fluency;
interlocutor (n.): questioner; one who participates in conversation
loquacious (adj.): talkative; garrulous
Lesson 6
1. dystopia (n.) imaginary place where living conditions are terrible antonym: utopia
2. fastidious (adj.) overly demanding or hard to please; excessively careful in regard to details; easily disgusted
synonyms: precise; meticulous; finicky antonyms: careless; sloppy; slovenly
3. genealogy (n.) account of the descent of a person or family from an ancestor
4. hedonism (n.) the belief that the attainment of pleasure is life’s chief aim; devotion or pursuit of pleasure
synonyms: pleasure seeking; sensuality antonyms: asceticism; self-denial
5. imbue (v.) to soak or stain thoroughly; to fill the mind synonyms: infuse; instill; inculcate
antonyms: remove; eradicate; erase
6. infrastructure (n.) a basic foundation or framework; a system of public works; the resources and facilities required
for an activity; permanent military installations
synonyms: base; basis; underpinning antonym: superstructure
7. inveigle (v.) persuade someone to do something by deceit or flattery
synonyms: induce; beguile; cajole; wheedle
8. malleable (adj.) capable of being formed into different shapes; capable of being altered or adapted
synonym: foreknowledge antonyms: rigid; inflexible; unyielding;
9. nemesis (n.) an agent or force inflicting vengeance or punishment; retribution itself; an unbeatable rival
synonyms: comeuppance; avenger antonyms: guardian angel; ally; patron
10. nepotism (n.) undue favoritism to or excessive patronage of one’s relatives
11. pander (v.) to cater to or provide satisfaction for the low tastes of vices or others; (n.) a person who does this
synonyms: (v.) cater to; indulge; (n.) procurer
12. prescience (n.) knowledge of event or actions before they happen; foresight
synonym: foreknowledge antonym: hindsight
13. prototype (n.) an original pattern shortcoming or model
synonym: archetype antonyms: copy; imitation
14. solecism: (n.) a substandard or ungrammatical usage; a breach of etiquette; any impropriety or mistake
synonyms: misusage; blunder; faux pax
15. wax (v.) grow; increase (e.g. The moon waxes, then wanes.) synonyms: augment; expand
Word origins:
dys: bad, ill, difficult (L. 6, dystopia)
dysentery (n.): inflammation of the large intestine
dysfunction (n.): abnormal functioning
dyslexia (n.): impairment of the ability to read
dystrophy (n.): faulty nutrition; muscle disorder
logy: science, study, account (L. 6, genealogy)
anthropology (n.): science dealing with the origin, races, customs, and beliefs of humankind
biology (n.): science dealing with the study of living organisms
dermatology (n.): science dealing with the skin and its diseases
paleontology (n.): science dealing with fossil plants and animals
Lesson 7
1. abeyance (n.) the state of being temporarily inactive, suspended, or set aside
synonyms: deferment; postponement; suspension
2. beleaguer (v.) to set upon from all sides; to surround with an army; to trouble, harass
synonyms: besiege, encircle, pester
3. despicable (adj.) worthy of contempt; contemptible
synonyms: abject; detestable antonyms: laudable; lovable; respectable
 Vocabulary 12, Lesson 1-15
4. ebullient (adj.) overflowing with enthusiasm; exuberant
synonyms: effervescent; high-spirited antonyms: apathetic; unenthusiastic
5. euphemism (n.) substitution of a “good” expression for an unpleasant one (e.g. passed away for died)
6. gambol (v.) to jump or skip about playfully
synonyms: frolic; romp; cavort antonyms: lumber; plod; trudge
7. impediment (n.) hindrance; obstacle (literally, “something entangling the feet”)
synonyms: obstruction; defect antonyms: advantage; aid; opening
8. inane (adj.) lacking significance or sense; silly
synonyms: absurd; fatuous; pointless antonyms: intelligent; profound
9. inchoate (adj.) just beginning; not fully shaped or formed
synonyms: embryonic; incipient antonyms: complete; developed; mature
10. indemnify (v.) compensate for loss, damage, or injury (This verb form is not commonly used. The
noun form is indemnity.)
synonyms: reimburse; repay antonym: forfeit
11. remand (v.) to send or order back; in law, to send back to jail or to a lower court
synonyms: remit; return antonyms: advance; expedite
12. reticent (adj.) inclined to be silent or secretive; uncommunicative; reserved
synonyms: reserved; taciturn antonyms: forward; frank; unrestrained
13. savoir-faire [sav wär fâŕ] (n.) the ability to say and do the right thing in any situation; social competence
synonyms: tact; finesse; sophistication antonyms: tactlessness; boorishness
14. syndrome (n.) a group of symptoms or signs that collectively characterize or indicate a disease, disorder, etc.
synonyms complex; pattern
15. tractable (adj.) easily led, taught, or controlled; yielding; docile; amenable
synonyms: amenable; compliant; manageable antonyms: intractable; obstinate; unruly
Word origins
eu: good, well, advantageous - opposite of dys (L7, euphemism)
eulogize (v.): write or speak in praise of someone
euphonious (adj.): pleasing in sound
euphoria (n.): sense of great happiness or well-being
euthanasia (n.): controversial practice of putting someone to death who suffers from an incurable disease
ped: foot (L7, impediment)
expedite (v.): facilitate (literally extricate someone caught by the foot)
impede (v.): hinder; obstruct (literally entangle the feet)
pedestal (n.): support or foot of a column or statue; foundation
pedestrian (n.): person traveling on foot
Lesson 8
1. abhorrent (adj.) utterly opposed; abominable
synonyms: loathsome; odious; repugnant antonym: inoffensive
2. augment (v.) make greater by adding something to it; enlarge in size, number, strength, or extent
synonyms: aggrandize; amplify; build up antonyms: decrease; degrade
3. casuistry (n.) the determination of right and wrong in questions of conduct or conscience by the application of
general ethical principles; specious argument
synonyms: sophistry; quibbling
4. de facto (adj.) actually existing or in effect, although not legally required or sanctioned
synonym: in actuality; in point of fact antonyms: de jure; by right
5. effrontery (n.) shameless boldness; insolence
synonyms: gall; nerve; temerity antonyms: manners; modesty
6. ephemeral (adj.) lasting one day only; fleeting
synonym: evanescent; transient antonyms: enduring; eternal
7. gullible (adj.) easily deceived or cheated; credulous
synonym: naïve antonyms: discerning; unbelieving
8. harbinger (n.) a forerunner, herald; (v.) to herald the approach of
synonyms: (n.) precursor (v.) presage antonyms: (n.) aftermath; epilogue, sequel
9. malcontent (adj.) disconcerted with or in open defiance of prevailing conditions; (n.) such a person
synonyms: (adj.) dissatisfied, disgruntled; (n.) grumbler antonyms: satisfied; contented
 Vocabulary 12, Lesson 1-15
10. nettlesome (adj.) causing annoyance or vexation (literary means full of nettles)
synonym: irritating antonyms: pleasing; soothing
11. parsimonious (adj.) unduly sparing in the spending of money; stingy
synonyms: avariciousness; frugal, greedy antonyms: generous; lavish
12. stigmatize (v.) brand with a mark of disgrace synonyms: characterize; classify
13. stricture (n.) adverse criticism; censure; restriction
14. tortuous (adj.) full of tricks and curves; tricky, circuitous, crooked
antonyms: direct, straight, untwisted
15. unwittingly (adv.) unintentionally; by accident
synonyms: inadvertently; unconsciously antonym: knowingly
Word origins
string (strict): bind, draw, tight (L9 stricture)
astringent (adj.): drawing tightly together; stern; austere
constrict (v.): draw together; render narrower; shrink
restrict (v.): keep within limits; confine
stringent (adj.): strict; rigid; severe
tort (tors): twist (L8, tortuous)
contortionist (n) : person who can twist his or her body into odd postures
distort (v.): twist out of shape; contort; misrepresent; falsify
extort (v.): take (money, promises, etc.) from a person by force
retort (v.): quick, witty
Lesson 9
1. anachronism (n.) a chronological misplacing of events, objects, customs, or persons in regard to each other
synonym: chronological error
2. blithe (adj.) merry; joyous (Do not confuse with fervid in sentence completion.)
synonyms: animated; buoyant; carefree antonyms: heavy-hearted; morose
3. chagrin (n.) embarrassment; mortification; disappointment
synonyms: embarrassment; humiliation
4. complacent (adj.) showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one’s achievements
synonyms: self-contented; self-righteous; smug antonym: concerned
5. delectable (adj.) very pleasing; delightful
synonyms: agreeable, sumptuous antonyms: horrible; unpleasant
6. fervid (adj.) burning with enthusiasm or zeal; extremely heated
(Do not confuse with pertinacious or blithe in sentence completion.)
synonyms: ardent, zealous, fervent, earnest antonyms: half-hearted; indifferent
7. fetid (adj.) having an unpleasant or offensive odor
synonyms: smelly, putrid, noisome, malodorous antonyms: aromatic: fragrant; sweet
8. inhibit (v.) to restrain or hold back; prohibit, hinder, arrest
synonyms: repress, check, suppress antonyms: aid, allow, approve, assist
9. pertinacious (adj.) adhering (holding) firmly to a purpose or opinion; very persistent
(Do not confuse with fervid in sentence completion.)
synonyms: determined; dogged antonyms: irresolute, tentative
10. prodigious (adj.) extraordinary in amount or size; enormous
synonyms: colossal; stupendous antonyms: insignificant; small
11. prolix (adj.) long-winded and wordy; tending to speak or write in such a way
(Do not confuse with the noun tautology.)
synonyms: garrulous; prolonged; verbose antonyms: brief, concise, terse
12. reprehend (v.) fault find with someone or something; rebuke; reprimand
synonym: disapprove antonym: approve
13. scrutinize (v.) examine very closely; inspect
synonym: analyze
14. sycophant (n.) someone who attempts to win favors or advance him-or herself by flattery or servile behavior; a
slanderer, defamer
synonyms: yes-man, toady, flunky, bootlicker antonym: leader
15. tautology (n.) needless repetition of an idea by using different but equivalent words; a redundancy
(Do not confuse with the adjective prolix.)
 Vocabulary 12, Lesson 1-15
synonyms: pleonasm; verbiage antonym: conciseness
Word origins:
prehend (prehens): sieve, grasp (L9, reprehend)
apprehend (v.): seize or take into custody; understand
apprehensive (adj.): quick to understand or grasp; anxious: fearful of what might come
comprehensive (adj.): complete; including all aspects of
ten (tin, tent): hold, keep (L9, pertinacious)
impertinent: irrelevant; not pertinent; inappropriate
pertinent: having to do with the mater at hand
tenacity: firmness in holding fast; persistence
untenable: incapable of being held or defended
Lesson 10
1. adjudicate (v.) to act as judge in a matter; to settle through use of a judge or a tribunal
synonyms: arbitrate, referee, mediate antonym: defer
2. bravado (n.) a display of false or assumed courage
synonyms: swagger, bluster, braggadocio
3. debilitate (v.) to make weak or feeble
synonyms: enervate, sap, exhaust, enfeeble antonyms: aid, assist, energize
4. dichotomy (n.) a division into two contradictory or mutually exclusive parts; a branching or forking in
an ancestral line
synonyms; schism, division, bifurcation
5. dissimulate (v.) to hide or disguise one’s true thoughts, feelings, or intentions
synonyms: dissemble, pretend, misrepresent antonym: reveal honestly
6. empirical (adj.) derived from, dependent upon, or guided by practical experience, observation, or
experiment, rather than by theory.
synonyms: observed, experiential, pragmatic antonyms: hypothetical, impractical
7. euphoria (n.) a feeling or general happiness or well-being, often with no objective base
synonyms: elation, bliss, ecstasy, rapture antonyms: despair; woe
8. execrable (adj.) utterly detestable, hateful, or abhorrent; extremely inferior
synonyms: odious, abominable, reprehensible antonym: pleasant
9. fidelity (n.) faithfulness to a trust or vow; accuracy
synonyms: faithfulness, loyalty antonyms: disloyalty; treachery
10. impasse ( n.) a dead end; a position from which there is no escape; a problem to which there is no solution
synonyms: deadlock, standoff, stalemate antonyms: agreement; breakthrough
11. impinge (v.) to strike against or collide with violently; to encroach or obtrude upon; to make an impression upon
synonyms: affect, horn in, trespass antonyms: avoid, dodge,
12. labyrinth (n.) a bewildering maze; any confusing or complicated situation
synonyms: tangle, mystery, enigma
13. liaison (n.) the contract or means of communication between two groups; someone acting as a “go-between”
synonyms: intermediary, channel
14. mystique (n.) an aura or attitude of mystery or veneration surrounding something or someone
synonyms: charisma
15. omniscient (adj.) knowing everything
Word origins:
omni: all, every, everywhere (L10, omniscient)
omnipotent (adj.): unlimited in power
omnipresent (adj.): present everywhere at the same time; ubiquitous
omnivorous (adj.): eating everything, both plant and animal substances; avidly taking everything (as
an omnivorous reader)
tomy (tom): cutting; operation of cutting (L10, dichotomy)
atomizer (n.): device for converting a liquid into a fine spray
tome (n): one volume of a work of several volumes; a scholarly work
appendectomy (n.): surgical removal of the appendix
mastectomy (n.): surgical removal of a breast
 Vocabulary 12, Lesson 1-15
Lesson 11
1. apathy (n.) lacking in feeling, emotion, interest or excitement; indifference
synonym: indifference antonyms: care; interested
2. disparity (n.) a difference or inequality in age, rank, degree, amount, or quality; a dissimilarity, unlikeness
synonyms: discrepancy, incongruity antonyms: equality; similarity
3. empathy (n.) a sympathetic understanding or identification with another person’s feelings, thoughts, or opinions
synonyms: compassion, sympathy antonyms: detachment, insensitivity
4. narcissism (n.) excessive self-love; absorption in oneself
synonyms: egotism, conceit, vanity, amour proper
5. nihilism (n.) a total rejection of existing laws, institutions, and moral values; extreme radicalism
antonyms: belief, faith, optimism
6. precarious (adj.) very uncertain or unsure; dangerous or risky
synonyms: perilous, dubious, ticklish antonyms: certain; definite
7. propitiate (v.) to make someone or something favorably inclined toward oneself; to conciliate, satisfy, appease
(n.) propitiation
synonyms: placate, mollify
8. quixotic (adj.) extravagantly or romantically idealistic; visionary without regard to practical considerations (often
connotation is chimerical)
synonyms: fanciful, impractical, utopian antonym: practical
9. risible (adj.) pertaining to laughter
synonyms: droll, ludicrous antonym: serious
10. salubrious (adj.) conducive to health or well-being; wholesome
synonyms: beneficial, healthy, invigorating antonyms: unwholesome
11. sic (adv.) thus so; intentionally written so (generally inside square brackets, [sic])
[Sic] tells the reader that you did not make an error in quotation.
Note the example: She wrote, “They made there [sic] beds.”
12. systemic (adj.) of or pertaining to the entire body; relating to a system or systems
synonyms: extensive, comprehensive, system-wide
13. utilitarian (adj.) stressing practicality over other considerations; relating to the belief that what is good
or desirable is determined purely by its usefulness
synonyms: practical, functional, pragmatic antonyms: impractical; unnecessary
14. vendetta (n.) a prolonged feud, often between two families characterized by retaliatory acts of revenge
synonyms: blood feud, rivalry
15. viable (adj.) capable of living or developing under normal circumstances
synonyms: practical, workable, feasible antonyms: impossible; unreasonable
Word origins
fid: faith, trust (L11, fidelity)
affidavit (n.): sworn written statement made before an authorized official
confidant (n.): one to whom secrets are entrusted
diffident (adj.): lacking self confidence
infidel (n.): one who is unfaithful
perfidy (n.): treachery; violation of a trust
path (patho, pathy): feeling, suffering; disease (L11, apathy, empathy)
antipathy (n.): aversion (feeling against); dislike
apathy (n.): indifference; lack of feeling, emotion, or excitement
pathos (n.): quality in drama, speech, literature, music, or events that arouses a feeling of pity or sadness
pathogenic (adj.): causing disease
Lesson 12
1. accolade (n.) praise or approval; a ceremonial embrace or greeting
synonyms: kudos; acclaim; cheers; plaudits
2. amorphous (adj.) shapeless; having no definite form; unorganized
synonyms: indeterminate; irregular; nondescript antonyms: distinct; shaped
3. ascetic (adj.) practicing strict self-denial for the sake of personal or spiritual discipline; (n.) one who leads a life of
self-discipline; especially to express religious devotion
synonyms: (adj.)austere, Spartan; (n.) celibate
4. attrition (n.) the process of wearing down by friction or gradual impairment
 Vocabulary 12, Lesson 1-15
synonyms: abrasion; erosion; exhaustion; reduction antonyms: building; strengthening
5. burgeon (v.) [bur-juh] to put forth new buds, leaves, or greenery; to develop rapidly or suddenly
synonyms: sprout; blossom; bloom; flourish antonym: shrink
6. convolution (n.) a rolling up, coiling, twisting together
synonyms: twist; turn; complexity; intricacy; loop; spiral antonyms: line; straightness
7. credulous (adj.) too ready to believe; easily deceived
synonyms: simple; trusting; unsophisticated antonyms: skeptical; suspicious
8. cull (v.) to pick out or select; to gather or collect
synonyms: glean choose; pluck
9. didactic (adj.) intended to instruct; especially morally; inclined to moralize too much
synonyms: educational; instructional; moralistic
10. disingenuous (adj.) lacking in sincerity or candor
synonyms: artful; deceitful; duplicitous; two-faced; insincere antonyms: frank; honest; sincere
11. disconsolate (adj.) cheerless; inconsolable
synonyms: crestfallen; doleful; gloomy antonyms: cheerful; consoled
12. dogmatic (adj.) certain of the truth of one’s own ideas; inclined to state opinions as if they were indisputable
facts
synonyms: opinionated; doctrinaire; authoritarian antonyms: flexible; indecisive
13. exculpate (v.) to clear of guilt or blame
synonyms: absolve; exonerate; acquit antonyms: blame; condemn; sentence
14. expound (v.) to explain in detail
synonyms: elucidate; explicate; delineate
15. faux pas [fō pä] (n.) a slip in manners or conduct; a social blunder
synonyms: indiscretion; gaffe
Word origins
cred (credit): believe (L12, credulous)
credence: belief as to the truth to something
credential: document, letter, reference, etc. that inspire belief or truth
credible: believable
morph: form (L12, amorphous)
dimorphous (adj.): occurring under two distinct forms
metamorphous (adj.): change of form
Lesson 13
1. expurgate (v.) remove objectionable material from a book; bowdlerize
synonyms: purge; screen antonyms: allow; permit
2. ingratiate (v.) work (oneself) into favor
synonyms: brownnose; flatter; play up to antonyms: deter; repel
3. licentious (adj.) morally or sexually unrestrained; having no regard for accepted rules
synonyms: wanton; dissolute; lascivious antonyms: chaste; controlled; moral
4. mete (v.) to distribute or apportion by measure; to allot
synonyms: assign; parcel out
5. niggardly (adj.) misery; stingy; not generous
synonyms: meager; stingy antonym: generous
6. polytheism (n.) belief that there is a plurality of gods
antonym: monotheism
7. probity (n.) complete and confirmed honesty, total integrity
synonyms: uprightness; rectitude antonyms: deceit; dishonesty
8. protocol (n.) customs and regulations with official behavior and etiquette, as in a court or among diplomats;
a type of international agreement; a memorandum, official account, or record.
synonyms: code of conduct; minutes
9. tendentious (adj.) intended to promote a particular point of view (particularly a controversial one),
doctrine or cause; biased or partisan
synonym: bigoted; partial
10. truncate (v.) to shorten; to cut off the top or the end
synonyms: trim; abbreviate; curtail antonyms: elongate; expand; lengthen
 Vocabulary 12, Lesson 1-15
11. unconscionable (adj.) not guided by conscience, prudence, or reason; unscrupulous; immoderate
synonyms: unjustifiable; indefensible antonyms: decent; moral; principled
12. unimpeachable (adj.) beyond doubt or reproach; unquestionable
synonyms: irreproachable; irrefutable; unassailable antonyms: blameworthy; culpable
13. vestige (n.) a trace or visible evidence of something that once existed but now is lost or vanished
synonyms: artifact; relic; remains
14. volition (n.) the power to choose, will, or decide; the act of choosing, willing, or deciding. .
synonyms: free will; choice
15. vociferous (adj.) producing a loud outcry; clamorous; noisy
synonym: loud and insistent antonyms: quiet; silent
Word origins
fer(ous): bearing, producing, yielding (L13, vociferous)
coniferous (adj.): bearing cones, as pine trees
odoriferous (adj.): yielding an odor, usually fragrant
proliferous (adj.): producing new growth rapidly and extensively
vociferous (adj.) producing a loud outcry; clamorous; noisy
grat: pleasant, thank, favor (L13, ingratiate)
gratis (adv.): without charge; free
gratuitous (adj.): given freely; unwarranted (as a gratuitous remark)
ingrate (n.): ungrateful person (unthankful)
Lesson 14
1. accouterments (n.pl.) accessory item of clothing or equipment; a soldier’s outfit (not including arms or clothing)
synonyms: gear equipage, appurtenances
2. coalesce (v.) to blend together or fuse so as to form one body or substance
synonyms: amalgamate; combine; merge antonyms: diffuse; scatter; separate
3. immaculate (adj.) spotless; without blemish or fault
synonyms: unsoiled; impeccable antonyms: dirty; tainted; corrupted
4. invigorate (v.) to  energize;  to  refresh;  to  strengthen
synonyms: activate; enliven; excite antonyms: dishearten; dull; enervate
5. maudlin (adj.) self-pity or tearfully sentimental (often associated with drunkenness)
synonyms: insipid; lachrymose antonym: calm
6. misanthrope (n.) hater of mankind
7. noxious (adj.) harmful to physical or moral health
synonyms: noisome; pernicious antonyms: beneficial; wholesome
8. peculate (v.) embezzle or steal money, in particular, public funds
9. philanthropist (n.) lover of humanity; person active in promoting the good of mankind
10. remiss (adj.) lacking care or attention to duty; negligent
synonyms: culpable; inattentive; lackadaisical antonyms: scrupulous; thorough; thoughtful
11. supervene (v.) to take place or occur as something additional; to follow immediately after
synonyms: ensue; succeed antonyms: antecede; precede
12. scrupulous (adj.) extremely attentive to details; thorough
synonyms: conscientious; exact; precise; punctilious antonyms: negligent; unscrupulous
13. vicissitude (n.) change, variation, or alteration; (pl. successive or changing phases or conditions
synonyms: fluctuation; vacillation antonyms: stability; stagnation
14. vitiate (v.) to weaken, debase, or corrupt; to impair the quality or value of
synonyms: degrade; undermine antonyms: aid; assist; protect
15. waggish (adj.) fond of making jokes; characteristic of a joker; playfully humorous or droll
synonyms: whimsical; jocular
Word Origins
mis: hate (L14, misanthrope)
misanthropy (n.): hatred of humanity
misology (n.): hatred of argument, reasoning, or discussion
misogynist (adj.): strongly  prejudiced  against  women
 Vocabulary 12, Lesson 1-15
misoneism (n.): hatred of anything new
phil (philbio): love (L14, philanthropist)
bibliophile (n.) lover of books [Phile at the end of the word means one who loves or supports.]
philanthropy (n.): love of humanity, especially as shown in donations to charitable and social causes
philharmonic (adj.): pertaining to a musical organization (loving music)
philology (n.): study (love) of language and literature
Lesson 15
1. adjunct: (n.) something added to help; (adj.) added or connected in a subordinate capacity (like extra
faculty)
synonyms: associate; addition; accessory antonym: detriment
2. concur (v.) agree; be of the same opinion; happen together, coincide
synonyms: agree; coincide antonyms: contend; demur; disagree; contradict
3. commensurate (adj.) equal in size, extent, duration, or importance
synonyms: comparable; corresponding; coordinate antonyms: inadequate; unacceptable
4. contumacious (adj.) [archaic] obstinately or willfully disobedient; openly rebellious
synonyms: impudent, unruly antonyms: cooperative, docile
5. esoteric (adj.) understood by or meant for only the select few who have special knowledge or interest;
secret; private; confidential
synonyms: abstruse; cryptic; profound antonyms: common; familiar; known; obvious
6. genocide (n.) deliberate extermination of a racial or cultural group
7. imprecation (n.) an  offensive  word  or  phrase  that  a  person  says  when  angry ; a curse; the act of cursing
(Do not confuse with polemic in sentence completion exercises. Imprecation connotes angry,
perhaps an out-of-control response.)
synonyms: execration, malediction
8. imperceptible (adj.) extremely slight; incapable of being perceived by the sense or the mind
synonyms: minimal, undetectable antonyms: conspicuous, flagrant, noticeable
9. lampoon (n.) a malicious satire; (v.) to satirize, ridicule antonyms: applaud; approve; praise
10. lugubrious (adj.) doleful; mournful
synonym: pensive antonym: joyful
11. non sequitur (n.) an inference or conclusion that does not follow logically from the facts or premises
synonyms: illogical reference; unsound conclusion antonyms: evidence; fact; reality
12. paradigm (n.): an outstandingly clear or typical example of
synonym: archetype
13. polemic (n.) an argument or aggressive attack on or refutation of a specific opinion or doctrine
(Do no confuse with imprecation in sentence completion exercises. Polemic connotes a
controlled, logical, thought-out argument or response.)
synonym: diatribe
14. touchstone (n.) a means of testing worth or genuineness
synonyms: criterion, yardstick, benchmark
15. wane (v.) decrease; dwindle; diminish; lessen antonyms: grow; increase; strengthen
Word origins
cide: killing, killer (L15, genocide)
germicide (n.): substance that kills germs
homicide (n.): killing of one human by another
infanticide (n.): killing of an infant
insecticide (n.): substance that kills insects
cur (curr, curs): run (L15, concur)
concurrent (adj.) running together; simultaneous; occurring at the same time
cursive (adj.): running or flowing ( as of handwriting)
cursory (adj.): superficially done; hasty and therefore not thoroughly done
discursive (adj.) wandering from one topic to another; rambling; digressive
precursor (n.): forerunner; predecessor