Vocabulary List 2

Accelerate

To increase in speed.

Synonyms: hasten, expedite, quickenAntonyms: slacken, slow, delay

You need to accelerate your pace if you want to finish the race.

To stir forcefully or keep in motion

to disturb or excite

to stir up political, civil, or industrial unrest.

Synonyms: provoke, shake, arouse

Antonyms: soothe, pacify, placate

Clarify

to make clear or understandable

Illustrations can often clarify a subject better than words.

Synonyms: explain, elucidate, illuminate

Antonyms: confuse, muddle, obfuscate

To turn aside; to get off the main subject in talking or writing.

Synonyms: deviate, stray, rambleAntonyms: focus, conform

In order to make classes more interesting, Mr. Kotter will sometimes digress from the topic by telling a humorous story.

To call forth; to bring out

Synonyms: elicit, summon, suggestAntonyms: suppress, repress, quell

Freddie’s prolonged illness evoked considerable concern among his classmates.

Fortitude

Courage or strength in the face of danger or difficulties

Synonyms: endurance, resolution, resilience

Antonyms: weakness, timidity, cowardice

Mary showed great fortitude in caring for her dying mother.

Jeer

To speak or shout derisively at someone; to abuse vocally

Synonyms: ridicule, deride, taunt, mock

Antonyms: applaud, compliment

It is not polite to jeer at the mistakes our friends make.

Nautical

Pertaining to sailors, ships, and sailing.

Synonyms: marine, naval, maritime

The old sailor told fascinating stories from his nautical life.

To use noisy or violent language; (n) violent or extravagant speech or writing.

Synonyms: bluster, rave, rail; outburst, tiradeAntonyms: cajole, charm

My mom went on a rant because I was playing video games instead of doing my homework.

Having no real value or chance of success; having or showing an excessively high regard for one’s self, looks possessions, ability; conceited.

Synonyms: empty, futile, fruitless; proud, egotistical

Antonyms: effective, successful; modest, humble

She made some vain promises that she had no intention of fulfilling.

 “You’re so vain; I bet you think this song is about you, don’t you?”