CHAPTER 3 / BUILDING AN IMPRESSIVE
VOCABULARY
t 43
.=i€=,mfumffi,mm.
ffiwea#ffi
ffi
Vocabulary Lesson 36: What the Heckt
Todayts roots:
J
ambiguozs
gradi to step, to go
crypto
secret
(adj)
egui equal
dis' apart
unclear in meaning (ambigere to wander)
The teacher's ambiguous instructions left us with no idea of what we were supposedto do,
Synonyms: i)agu.e,obscure
Antonyms: apparent, lucid
J
obscure (adj)
J
equivocal (adj)
J
corwoluted
J
cryptic (adj)
not easily understood; indistinct (obscurus darkness)
The comedian's jokes contained obscure referencesthat left the audience confused and silent.
Synonyms: lague, enigmatic, cryptic
Antonyms: evident, lucid
deliberately ambiguous or misleadin g (equi- same+ vocltre to call)
The defendant's equivocal answers made it hard for the prosecutor to prove his case,
Synonl.rns:evasive, indirect
Antonyms: straightfotward, forthright, candid
(adil
intricate and hard to follow (con- together +volvere to roll)
The instructions in this manual are so convoluted that I don't even know where to begin.
S}'nonyms: cryptic, inscrutable, hrcomprehcnsiblc
Antonyms: coherent, intetligiblc
enigmatic; mysterious (crypto concealed, secret)
The soldier's crylrtic reply over the radio to his captain suggestedthat something was amiss.
Synonyms: crltptic, obscure, incomprehensiblc
Antonyms: cohaent, intelligiblc
(adj)
J
to grasp)
The idea that time slows as our speed increasesis unfathomable to most of us.
synonyms: bffing
impene*ahlc, inscnttablc
Anton5rms:coherent, inteltigibtc
J
nebutous (adj)
unfathomnble
impossible to comprehend (un- not+fathom
vague;indefinite
(nebulamist)
Bill's memory of the car accident was nebulous; he remembered only bits and pieces of the ordeal.
Synonyms:hazy,unclear
Antonym:htcid.
a
enigma (n)
amystery orriddle (oenigmariddle)
Synonyms: conundram, riddLe
3
esoteric (adj)
Q ramblc (v)
difficult to understand (Gr esotertftos belonging to an inner circle)
to wander aimlessly, either verbally or physically
Synonyms: stray, babbl.e
A dcsultory @dj)
Q digress (v)
aimless; prone to random digressions (desukorious skipping about)
to go off topic (dis- away + gradi to step, to go)
Synonyms: diverge, dcviate, rumblc
J
profound
(adj)
deep; insightfirl
Synonyms: pft ila sophic al sagacious
(pro- torth+fundusbottom)
McGRAW-HILL'S SAT
1 44
Vscabulary Lesson 37: True or Falsel
verax true
genuinus natural
Today's roots:
condere to shine
oPo- awaY
iirl
irt
A candor (n) honesty;straightforwardness (canderetoshine)
I appreciatedmy doctoy'scandor; I prefera straightforwardapproachwhendiscussingmy health.
Antonyms:disingenuousness,
Synonyms:forthrightncss,frankncss
fraudutence,equivocation
A affect (v) to put on airs; to behave unnaturally
Hopingto fit in while in London,Julesaffected a British accent.
: feign, impus onate
Synonyms
Q veracity(n) truthfulness (veraxtrue)
Sincewe cant testthe veracity of his statements,wewill neverknow for sureif hewastelling the truth.
Antonyms:fallaey,falsehooil
Synonyms:sincerity, candor
(bunkum nonsense)
A dcbunk(v) to exposesomething as fraudulent
TheDAknewthat the copwascrookedandmadeit his missionto debunk the officer'sclaims.
Antonyms:conceal,camluflase
Synonyms:u.ncove4revul
Q apocryphal (adj) of doubtful authenticity (apo- away+krypteinhide)
Beforetheyfound out it wasa fake,the apocryphalVan Goghpaintingsoldfor overa million dollars.
Antonym:authentic
Synonyms:countufeit,forged
A forthrigkr (adj) honest; straightforward
by theprincipal,who reducedhis suspension'
Thestudent'sforthright admissionof guilt wasappreciated
Antonyms:ilcceitful,treachetous
Synonyms:candid,frank
Q d.isingenuous (adj) insincere; crafty (dis' away from + genuinus natural)
Daphne'sexpressionof remorsewasclearlydisingenuous,becauseshedid not feelanyregretfor her actions'
Antonyms:fothright, candiiL
Synonyms:deceitful,treacherous
A cand.id(adj)
straightforward; honest (canderetoshine)
Synonyms:frazlc, fortbight
A duhious (adj) doubtful (dubium doubt)
Synonyms:suspect,questionahlc
Q prevaricate (v) tolie (pre- before +vaicare to straddle)
Synonyms
: eguivocate,fahric ate
Q verisimilitude (n)
the quality of appearing to be true (verax- true + similis like)
Q outspoken(adj) candid and unsparing in speech
: fo fthright, ft ank
Synonyms
A fraudalcnt (adi) deceitful (fraus deceit)
: &tplicitous ; uool<cd
Synonyms
a facadc (n) outward appearance;a false front (faccia tace)
Synonyms:supuficiality, frontispiece
i,
l'
i
&
t 45
VOCABULARY
CHAPTER 3 / BUILDING AN IMFRESSIVE
Vocabulary Lesson 38: Arts and Entertainment
curare to take care of
jocus joke
Today's roots:
levis light in weight
pora- beside, beyond
A mirth (n) merriment; laughter
Thelittle boy couldnot containhis mirth whenplayingwith the bubbles.
Antonyms:melancholy,fulectton ilespondcncy
Synonyms:/ollity, levity, gaiety
A acsthctic (adj) relating to beauty or a theory of beauty (aisthetikos Gr perception)
Thebeautifulcolorsthat emergedfrom the crystalwhenstruckby the sunlightwereaesthedcallypleasing.
Q satire (n) a mocking literary ordramatic work (satiraapoetic medley)
AnimalFarmby GeorgeOrwellis a satlre that mockssocialism.
ttavesty,spoof
Synonyms:buflesquc,puo4l,
J curator (n) the individual in charge of a museum (curare to take care of)
Thecurator in chargeof the Louvrein Pariscontrolsthe MonaLisa,perhapsthe world'smostfamouspainting.
Q witticism (n) a clever or funny remark
Will Rogerswasfamousfor his witdclsms aboutAmericanlife.
Synonyms:epigram,bonmot, quip, badinage
J iocular (adj) done in a joking way (jocus joke)
Jeffsjocul'ar tonerelaxedthe visitorstrappedin the elevator;he evenmadea fewpeoplelaugh.
Antonyms:dcspottdcttt,somber,mrrtose,plaintive, lugqhrious
Synonyms:facetious,waggish,salty
e malapropism (n) the outrageous misuse of a word
Sayrng"for all intensivepurposes"insteadof "for all intentsandpurposes"is a classicexampleof a malapropiem.
Synonyms:misusage,solccism,catacltesis
a lack of seriousness(/eudslight in weight)
J larity (n)
Synonyms
: fr ivolity, flipp anc2
A bard (n)
a skilled poet
: sonneteer,versifier
Synonyms
J pmody (n)
a spoof (para- beside+ ode song)
Synonyms:burlcsquc,lampoo4 ttavesty,satire
A epic (n)
a lengthy poem that celebrates the life of a hero (Gr eposword, story)
Q acsthete (n)
a person interested in the pursuit of beauty (Gr akthetikos sensitive)
Q dilcttante (n)
onewho dabblesinanart
Synonym: amaleut
Q lampoon (v)
to make fun of
Synonyms:satirize, mack,parody
(dilenareto delight)
McGRAW-HILL'S SAT
, 46
Vocabulary Lesson 39: Youtre in Trouble
Today's roots:
culpa blame
dictare to declare
censuro iudgment
probus honest, worthy
Q clustise (v) to punish or criticize (casfas pure)
waschastisedin the mediafor his tiesto big business.
Thecongressman
Antonyms:applaad, lnil
Synonyms:condetnn,rebulca
to scold (re- not+probus worthy)
Q reprove (v)
Theteacherreproved her studentsstronglyfor talking during her lecture.
Antonyms:luil, compliment,acclaim
Synonyms:rebukc,berate,
worthy of blame or censure
Q reprehcnsiblc (adi)
Thewomancouldnot believethat her sonwould do somethingsoreprehensibleastorturing smallanimals.
Antonym:Iaililablc
Synonyms:culpabla,ilisgaceful' censurahlc
deservingblame (culpablame)
O culpablc(adil
Althoughthe DNAevidenceclearlyprovedhe wasculpable, the defendantcontinuedto claim innocence.
Antonyms:innocent,blatnclcss'sinlcss
Synonyms:gailty, blatnetwrtlry
A indict (v) to accuseof an offense (dictareto declare)
Themob bosswasindicted on ten countsof moneylaundering.
Antonyms:acquit, exonerate
Synonyms:aactrse,impeach
to blame; to expressdisapproval
Q reproach(v)
hitting
the
softball
throughthe window,Ella wasrreproachedby her motherfor beingsocareless.
After
re.hice
Antonyms:complitncnt, comfttend
condcmn,
Synonyms:ceruture,
A rebulcc (v) to scold (re- back + bukc to strike)
BecauseBelindawasrebuked the last time sheleft her toysout, shecleanedup thoroughlyto avoidanotherscolding.
reprelund, reprbnand' chida
Synonyms:repftrve,
Q castigate(v) topunishseverely
Synonyms:reprimand, berate,chastise
O impeach (v) to accuseof wrongdoing (im- in + pedica shackle)
Synonyms:brdict, charge
A ireproachahlc (adj) beyond blame
: innocent, impeccahlc
Synonyms
topunishseverely (be-thorougily+rale to scold)
castigatc,clrcstbe
Synonyms:
a berote (v)
oneguiltyof acrime (culpablame)
Synonyms:offender,timinal
Q culprit(n)
J asquit (v) to clearof a charge (a- to +quitefree)
Synonyms:vindicate, exoncrate
toscold (reprimaretoreprove)
O reprimand(v)
leprqrte,
castigate,censure
Synonyms:
CHAPTER3 / BUILDING AN IMPRESSIVE
VOCABULARY
Vocabulary Lesson 4O: YYorking Hard
Today's roots:
f
sedere to sit
integer whole
fatigare tire
metus fear
diligence (n)
hard work and dedication
(diligenfia attentiveness)
Ty's diligence paid offwhen his boss gave him a promotion and a raise.
Antonyms: la.ziness,indolence
Synonyms: assidilousncss, in&6try, perseverance
(adj)
scrupulous
(scruples ethical standards)
careful, ethical
Always a scrupulous student, Simone made sure she got her assignmentsin on time.
Antonyms: immoral, wanton
Synonyms: conscientious,honorahlc, meticulous
(adj)
D meticulous
attentive to detail (metus tear)
The accountant was incredibly meticulous; no detail ever slipped by her.
Antonyms: laclcadaisica[ cavalicr
Synonyms: thorough, painsnking
tr
(adil
indefatigablc
untiring
(in- not+fatigare
to tire)
Despite working 100 hours per week, the lawyer was indefatigable, remaining energetic about his job.
AntonSrms:tistless, lcthargic
Synonyms: tirelcss, unremitting, dogged
o
spartan (adj)
(from Sparta whose army was known for its discipline and valor)
full of self-discipline
Alissa's spartan regimen included learning fifty new vocabulary words each week.
Antonyms: catalie4laclcadaisical
Synonyms: ascetic, rigorous
a
(adj)
painstaking
meticulous; payrng great attention to detail
After elevenpainstaking hours in the operating room, the surgeon declared the brain surgery a complete success.
Antonyms: lackadaisical, capalicr
Synonyms: thorough, meticulous
tr
(adj)
assiduous
hard working
(sedere to sit)
My parents are always telling me that my grades would improve if I were more assiduous in my studies.
Antonyms:indol.ent,slatlful
Synonyms:diligent,indastrious
u
prolific
extremely prodrrctive (pro- forth+facere to make)
(adj)
Synonyms: pro ductiv e, ahundant
o
integrity
(n)
honesty and virtue
(integerwhole)
Synonym:purity
tr
enterprising(adj)
n
entreprencur (n)
firllof initiativeandimagination
a self-made businessman (entreprendre to undertake)
Synonyms: magnotq indilstrialist
a
industrious
(adj)
hard-working;
diligent
Synonym:assidaaus
tr
resolute (adj)
(entreprendre toundertake)
determined; willing to push on
Synonyms: iloqg"fl steaSast, tenacious
t 47
McGRAW-HILL'S SAT
t 48
Vocabulary Lesson 4l: The Faithful and the Unfaithful
orthos straight,strict
surgere to rise
Today's roots:
J
subklan
under
to break
to do what one is expected to do (com- together + fonnare to fotrn)
His desireto avoid punishment at all costscauseshim to conform to his parents'many rules.
Antonyms: defy, rebel
Synonyms: comply, obey
confonn
(v)
A orthodory
(n)
strict adherence to tradition
(orthos- straight, strict + doxa opinion)
The Amish are well known for their orthodoxy; tradition is very important to their culture.
Antonyms: hercsy, *Irostasy
Synonyms: conventionality, traditionalism
one who challenges tradition (eikon Gr image + klan to break)
Always an iconoclast, Michael did everything in his power to do the opposite of what was expected.
Antonyms: conforrist, traditionalist
Synonyms: heretic, apostate, rebel, nonconfonnbt, infidcl
Q iconoclast (n)
Q heresy (n)
opinion or action that violates traditional belief
In many villages in colonial New England, to question religious doctrine was considered heresy.
Antonl.rns: sycophancy, toadyism, comptiance, submission, obsequy
Synonyms: iconoclasm, apostasy
rebellious (in- against+ surgere to rise)
O insurgent (adj)
The villagers became more insurgent each day that the army remained in their midst.
Antony'rn: confonnist, yes-mrn4 toady, sycoplunt
Synonyms: insubordinate, mutittous
J
a practice that comports with the norms of a society
corwention (n)
Ms. Frazier's teaching style went against convention and thus angered the conservative school board.
Antonym:ir'regularity
Synonyms:protocol, practice
refusal to submit to authority (in- against + sub- under + ordinare arrange)
By punishing all insubordination, the commander showed his troops that no disobediencewould be tolerated.
Antonym:pacffication
Synonyms:agitatioqsubversion,rcbellion
(n)
Q insubordination
an outlaw (negareto deny)
Q renegadc (n)
SYnonS'rns:defector, traitor
anuprising
Q insurrection(n)
(iru- against +surgere to rise)
: coup, mutitty, rebellion
S1'non1'rns
J
one who strongly opposes accepted opinion (dis- apart+ sedereto sit)
dissident (n)
Synonym:rebel
O mutiny (n)
a rebellion
Synonl'rns: rettoh, riot, uprising
J
sentile (adj)
overly submissive (serus slave)
Sy'nonym:obsequious
Q heretic (n)
one who dissents
Synonyms: rebel, iconoclast
J
apostasy(n)
abandonmentof abelief (apo- awayfrom +stanaitostand)
Synonym: heresy
VOCABULARY
CHAPTER 3 / BUILDING AN IMPRESSIVE
t49
Vocabulary Lesson42: How Rudel
pudere to cause shame
solere accustomed
Today's roots:
trux
haut
fierce
high
A insolcnt (adil rudely disrespectful(in- not + solereaccustomed)
Thedespotpunishedthe rebel'sinsolencewith a lengthyprison sentence.
Antonyms:cottrteous,deferential,dccorous
Synonyms:itnpudent, impertinent
Q affront (n)
an insult (afronter Fr to confront)
When he found out that his dad had let him win, Franl<took it as an affront to his tennis skills.
Antonyms: tribute, exaltation, veneration
Synonyms: slur, bmb, aspersion, oblaquy
d
haughty (adj)
overlyproud
(hauthigh)
The haughty young goalie felt that he had no equal in the league.
Antonyms: modest, ilffiilent
Synonyms: conceite{ superciTious, cavalicr, atrogant
D crass (adj)
unrefined
Luke's crass behavior at the dinner table horrified the princess, who had never seensuch poor manners,
Antonyms: dccorous, chttlize{ refincd
Synonyms: boorish oafish, phtlistine
Q impudcnr (adj)
rudelybold
(im- not+pudere to cause shame)
The young soldier's impudence would be punished; it is not wise to undermine the authority of a superior offrcer.
Antonyms: courteous, cfuilized
Synonyms: insolent, impertinent, audacious
3
boorish (adil
crude, barbaric (unrelated to boar, a wild pig,butpiggisft
is a close synonym)
The boorish barbarians ripped at the meat with their bare hands and spit bones out onto the table.
Antonyms: decorous, polite
Synonyms: crass, oafish, barbaric, phtlistine
Q irreverence (n)
disrespect (ir- not +vererito respect)
The irreverence with which he mocked his teachers showed he had no respect for their authority.
Antonym: deference
Synonyms: impertinatce,flipparcy
A fliWant (adj) disrespectfrrlly jocular; using humor inappropriately
Synonyms:irteverenl, impetinmt
A brazen (adj)
bold and insolent
The thievespulled offa brazen midday heist
Synonym: impudent
O truculcnr
(adj)
cruel and aggressive (truxfierce)
Synonyms: obstrep erous, bellic ose
A effrontery @)
boldness, brashness
Synonyms: ins olence, impudence
Q btryertinenr
(adj)
inappropriately
bold (im- rrot+ pertinere to concern)
Synonyms:impudent, brazgt
A Slacial (adj)
having a cold personality
Synonym:frfgfd
A rebuff(v)
(like aglacier)
to refuse in an abrupt or rude marlner
Synonyms: rciect, smb