LESSON FIVEEnglish II

fop

(n) an excessively fashion-conscious man

syn: dandy

When he came in wearing a bow tie, a diamond pinky ring, and carrying a pearl-handled cane, we knew he was a fop.

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imprecation

(n) a curse syn:

condemnation; anathema

ant: blessing

Jennifer was so angry she pronounced an imprecation on him, his family, and all his friends.

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non sequitur

(n) something that does not logically follow

syn: fallacy; misconception

“That he would not be a good mayor because he can’t control his own family is a non sequitur,” said John.

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sanguine

(adj) cheerful; optimistic

Sally’s sanguine personality made everyone in her company pleased to be with her.

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bowdlerize

(v) to remove offensive passages of a play, novel, etc.

syn: censor

If the editors bowdlerize much more of the book, there won’t be anything left to read.

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impair

(v) to weaken; to cause to become worse

syn: damage; deteriorate

ant: enhance

Mother used to say that reading in poor light could impair your vision.

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panegyric

(n) an expression of praise

syn: tribute; extolment

ant: denunciation

The ancient Greeks gave panegyrics and crowns of ivy in tribute to their heroes.

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quandary

(n) a puzzling situation; a dilemma

syn: predicament

John was in a quandary deciding what his major should be.

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ebullient

(adj) enthusiastic syn: exuberant;

lively ant: dejected;

dispirited

The ebullient crowd cheered as the royal family appeared.

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deference

(n) respect; consideration

In deference to the young widow, we moved quietly aside and allowed her to leave first.

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carnal

(adj) of or relating to the body; sensual

ant: chaste; modest

After receiving complaints, the town council decided to remove the carnal statue from the park area.

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nebulous

(adj) hazy; vague; uncertain

syn: cloudy; indistinct; obscure

ant: distinct; precise

He had a nebulous feeling of fear all day, but he didn’t understand why until the thunder started.

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rakish

(adj) dashingly stylish and confident

syn: dapper; jaunty

ant: slovenly; disheveled

Wanting to look rakish for his job interview, Jeremy shined his shoes and pressed razor-edge creases into his shirt and slacks.

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elegy

(n) a sad or mournful poem

syn: dirge; lament

The reading of the elegy brought tears during the funeral.

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pedantic

(adj) tending to show off one’s learning

syn: bookish

After one year of college, Tom lost all of his friends because of his pedantic behavior.

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