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.