Post on 26-Feb-2016
description
Lesson Nine
English II
machination
Definition Example (n) an evil design or
plan syn: scheme; plot
Once again, the superhero foiled the machinations of the evil scientist.
pejorative
Definition Example (adj) having a
negative effect; insulting
syn: disparaging; derogatory
ant: complimentary
Lenny resigned after overhearing his coworkers’ pejorative remarks.
harbinger
Definition Example (n) an omen or sign syn: warning; portent
To many, the black cat is a harbinger of bad luck.
nubile
Definition Example (adj) suitable for
marriage in age and physical development, referring to a female
In six years, she grew from a skinny twelve-year-old to a nubile young woman.
sapient
Definition Example (adj) wise; full of
knowledge syn: sagacious ant: fatuous; inane
Everyone sought advice from the sapient monk who lived on the mountain.
chimerical
Definition Example (adj) imaginary;
fantastic syn: absurd;
illusionary ant: practical
Little Tina had a chimerical notion that rabbits lived in trees.
masochist
Definition Example (n) one who enjoys
his or her own pain and suffering
Sue accused her friend of being a masochist because he refused to go to the doctor despite his broken toes.
finesse
Definition Example (n) diplomacy; tact;
artful management syn: skill; cunning ant: tactlessness
The diplomat had the finesse to deal with the troublesome nation.
heterogeneous
Definition Example (adj) different;
dissimilar syn: diverse; varied ant: homogeneous;
similar
The platoon was a heterogeneous group of young men from various backgrounds.
eclectic
Definition Example (adj) choosing from
various sources syn: selective ant: narrow
The eclectic furnishings were from many different nations and historical periods.
grandiose
Definition Example (adj) impressive;
showy; magnificent syn: stately;
imposing ant: humble
The young couple could not afford the grandiose home, so they found a smaller house.
raiment
Definition Example (n) clothing;
garments The royal raiment of
the princess is copied by the fashion industry for the department-store market.
blanch
Definition Example (v) to whiten; to
make pale Sue’s face blanched
when she saw the charred remains of her house.
hybrid
Definition Example (n) anything of mixed
origin The hybrid roses
had the best traits of two different species.
idiosyncrasy
Definition Example (n) a peculiar
personality trait syn: eccentricity;
quirk
Hiding money in tin cans was only one of the old man’s idiosyncrasies.