ACT Vocab Lesson 1
Write each word, part of speech,
definition, and any synonym and/or
antonyms. Then, use the word correctly
in a sentence.
1. factious - adj. causing
disagreement
• syn: belligerent; contentious
• ant: cooperative; united
The factious students disrupted the assembly.
2. ignoble - adj. dishonorable;
shameful
• syn: despicable; base
• ant: noble; glorious
The ignoble dog chewed the couch cushions.
3. boor - n. a rude or impolite
person
syn: buffoon; clown
•
• ant: sophisticate
The ignoble boor mooned his neighbor.
4. aegis - n. a shield; protection
• syn: backing
The girl’s aegis was her big brother.
His aegis saved him from the thrown spear.
5. perspicacity - n. keenness of
judgment
• syn: perceptiveness
• ant: stupidity; ignorance
The captain’s perspicacity saved the crew in the
storm.
6. fervent-adj. eager; earnest
• syn: burning; passionate
• ant: apathetic
The pastor prayed a fervent prayer for the
victims..
7. rectify-v. to correct; to make
right
• syn: remedy; resolve
He tried to rectify his mistake by using an eraser.
8. enervate - v. to weaken
• syn: devitalize; exhaust
• ant: energize; strengthen
Too much school and not enough sleep can enervate
a student..
9. besiege - v. to overwhelm; to
surround and attack
• syn: blockade, incircle
The protestors in Ferguson besieged the police
force.
10. ephemeral - adj. lasting only a brief
time; short-lived
• syn: transient; fleeting
• ant: permanent
High school seems to drag on forever, but
compared to the rest of your life, it is ephemeral.
11. altruism -n. a concern for others;
generosity
• syn: unselfishness; magnanimity
• ant: selfishness; egoism
Her altruism was not sincere because she gave to
her own charity.
12. carrion - n. decaying flesh
The carrion on the highway was a feast for the
vultures.
13. erotic adj. pertaining to sexual love
Clothing that is erotic is is not allowed in
schools.
14. amorphous - adj. shapeless,
formless, vague
The amorphous directions on the test made it
impossible to pass.
15. opulent - adj. rich, luxurious;
wealthy
The opulent wedding in Hawaii put them in debt
for years.