Lesson 12Abridge to Vincictive

abridge

verb Shorten; as in abbreviated; diminished The Wishbone series includesan abridged version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

alacrity

Noun (a response---a prompt and cheerful one)

The boss showed alacrity toward his employees.

antipathy

Noun Strong dislike; animosity---think

ENMITY Don’t have antipathy for me

because I’m beautiful.

augment

Verb To make greater; supplement;

increase Vegetarians should augment their diets with extra protein.

Or in the form of a noun--- Gloria found a dress to show offher newest augmentation.

bombastic

Adj Using inflated language; pompous—

think ARROGANT or OSTENTATIOUS

decry

Verb To speak against—think—DISPARAGE Mr. Wilson decried Dennis’

newspaper delivery service.

eclectic

Adj Coming from a variety of diverse

sourcesEclectic decorating would combine

traditional and contemporaryfurniture.

enhance

Verb To make better; improve Sara wanted to enhance the blue in

her eyes with special contacts.

euphonious

AdjHaving a pleasant, agreeable sound

Think—opposite of cacophony

I always loved the euphonious sounds of Clarence’s saxophone.

fervid

Adj Ardent; burning; impassioned Opposite of ALOOF

impecunious

Adj Having no money; penniless Think INDIGENT; DESTITUTE

Who would have thought that five years after winning the mega million lottery, he would be impecunious?

ingratiate

Verb To make an effort to gain good favor A bit like being a SYCOPHANT---

obsequious

She ingratiated herself upon the popular girls in an attempt to win friends, but lost her true friends in the process.

luxuriant

Adj Abundant in growth; lush; lavish Think—PRODIGAL (almost TOO

much) Lots of shampoocompanies promiseluxuriant hair, but do any work?

paltry

Adj Minor; slight; petty; insignificant Opposite of superior Think-- TRIVIAL

pedantry

Noun Act of showing off learning or

knowledge Beyond—esoteric---showing off

placid

Adj Peaceful; calm Think--serene

preclude

Verb To make impossible; to prevent

promontory

Adj Land or rock projecting into a body

of water Jetty---jutting out of water

raze

Verb To completely destroy Think—OBLITERATE

secular

Adj Nonreligious; worldly

Our government aimsto be secular in nature so asregarding any religion in particular.

static

Adj Having no motion; showing little

change Opposite of active---think—

DORMANT or QUIESCENT

tact

Noun A keen sense of taste---

appropriatenessParticularly in delicate situations Tactful, tactfulness

torpid

Adj Sluggish; inactive; dull Think--LETHARGIC

vindicated

Verb Cleared of accusations or charges absolved

vindictive

Adj Vengeful; spiteful; wanting payback Don’t confuse with vindicated

(cleared)