Vocabulary

Unit 7

ALLAY Definition: (v.) to calm or pacify, set to

rest; to lessen or relieve Synonyms: reduce, alleviate, moderate Antonyms: aggravate, exacerbate,

intensify

BESTIAL Definition: (adj.) beastlike; beastly,

brutal; subhuman in intelligence and sensibility

Synonyms: animal, depraved Antonyms: human, humane, virtuous

CONVIVIAL Definition: (adj.) festive, sociable, having

fun together Synonyms: fun-loving, jovial, merry Antonyms: dour, grim, sullen, unsocialble

COTERIE Definition: (n.) a circle of acquaintances;

a close-knit, often exclusive group of people with common interest

Synonyms: clique, set

COUNTERPART Definition: (n.) a person or thing closely

resembling or corresponding to another; a complement

Synonyms: match

DEMUR Definition: ( v.) to object or take

exception to; (n.) an objection Synonyms: protest, object to Antonyms: consent to, accept, agree to

EFFRONTERY Definition: (n.) shameless boldness,

impudence Synonyms: gall, nerve Antonyms: shyness, timidity

EMBELLISH Definition: (v.) to decorate, adorn, touch

up; to improve by adding details Synonyms: ornament, garnish Antonyms: strip, mar, disfigure

EPHEMERAL Definition: (adj.) lasting only a short

time, short-lived Synonyms: fleeting, transitory Antonyms: durable, long-lasting,

permanent

FELICITOUS Definition: (adj.) appropriate, well chose;

marked by well-being or good fortune, happy

Synonyms: fortunate Antonyms: inappropriate, unhappy

                                             

“And when the doctor said I didn’t have worms anymore, that was the happiest day of my life.” – Ralph Wiggum

FURTIVE Definition: (adj.) done slyly or stealthily,

sneaky, secret; stolen Synonyms: clandestine, covert Antonyms: open, aboveboard

GARISH Definition: (adj.) glaring; tastelessly

showy or overdecorated in a vulgar or offensive way

Synonyms: gaudy, flashy Antonyms: subdued, muted, understated

ILLUSORY Definition: (adj.) misleading, deceptive; lacking

in or not based on reality Synonyms: fanciful, imaginary Antonyms: actual, real, factual

INDIGENT Definition: (adj.) needy, impoverished Synonyms: penniless, poverty-sticken Antonyms: wealthy, affulent

INORDINATE Definition: (adj.) far too great, excessive Synonyms: extravagant Antonyms: moderate, reasonable

JETTISON Definition: (v.) to cast overboard, get rid

of as unnecessary or burdensome Synonyms: cast off, discard Antonyms: conserve, retain

MISANTHROPE Definition: (n.) a person who hates,

despised, or distrusts mankind Synonyms: people-hater, recluse, cynic

PERTINACIOUS Definition: (adj.) very persistent, holding firmly

to a course of action or a set of beliefs Synonyms: stubborn, determined

PICAYUNE Definition: (adj.) of little value or

importance, small-minded Synonyms: trifling, inconsequential Antonyms: important, significant

RAIMENT Definition: (n.) clothing, garments Synonyms: apparel, attire