Vocabulary
Unit 7
ALLAY
 Definition: (v.) to calm or pacify, set to rest;
to lessen or relieve
 Synonyms: reduce, alleviate, moderate
 Antonyms: aggravate, exacerbate, intensify
BESTIAL
 Definition: (adj.) beastlike; beastly, brutal;
subhuman in intelligence and sensibility
 Synonyms: animal, depraved
 Antonyms: human, humane, virtuous
CONVIVIAL
 Definition: (adj.) festive, sociable, having fun
together
 Synonyms: fun-loving, jovial, merry
 Antonyms: dour, grim, sullen, unsocialble
COTERIE
 Definition: (n.) a circle of acquaintances; a
close-knit, often exclusive group of people
with common interest
 Synonyms: clique, set
COUNTERPART
 Definition: (n.) a person or thing closely
resembling or corresponding to another; a
complement
 Synonyms: match
DEMUR
 Definition: ( v.) to object or take exception
to; (n.) an objection
 Synonyms: protest, object to
 Antonyms: consent to, accept, agree to
EFFRONTERY
 Definition: (n.) shameless boldness,
impudence
 Synonyms: gall, nerve
 Antonyms: shyness, timidity
EMBELLISH
 Definition: (v.) to decorate, adorn, touch up;
to improve by adding details
 Synonyms: ornament, garnish
 Antonyms: strip, mar, disfigure
EPHEMERAL
 Definition: (adj.) lasting only a short time,
short-lived
 Synonyms: fleeting, transitory
 Antonyms: durable, long-lasting, permanent
FELICITOUS
 Definition: (adj.) appropriate, well chose;
marked by well-being or good fortune, happy
 Synonyms: fortunate
 Antonyms: inappropriate, unhappy
“And when the doctor said
I didn’t have worms anymore,
that was the happiest day of my life.”
– Ralph Wiggum
FURTIVE
 Definition: (adj.) done slyly or stealthily,
sneaky, secret; stolen
 Synonyms: clandestine, covert
 Antonyms: open, aboveboard
GARISH
 Definition: (adj.) glaring; tastelessly showy or
overdecorated in a vulgar or offensive way
 Synonyms: gaudy, flashy
 Antonyms: subdued,
 muted, understated
ILLUSORY
 Definition: (adj.) misleading, deceptive; lacking in or
not based on reality
 Synonyms: fanciful,
 imaginary
 Antonyms: actual,
 real, factual
INDIGENT
 Definition: (adj.) needy, impoverished
 Synonyms: penniless, poverty-sticken
 Antonyms: wealthy, affulent
INORDINATE
 Definition: (adj.) far too great, excessive
 Synonyms:
 extravagant
 Antonyms:
 moderate,
 reasonable
JETTISON
 Definition: (v.) to cast overboard, get rid of
as unnecessary or burdensome
 Synonyms: cast off, discard
 Antonyms: conserve, retain
MISANTHROPE
 Definition: (n.) a person who hates, despised,
or distrusts mankind
 Synonyms: people-hater, recluse, cynic
PERTINACIOUS
 Definition: (adj.) very persistent, holding firmly to a
course of action or a set of beliefs
 Synonyms: stubborn,
 determined
PICAYUNE
 Definition: (adj.) of little value or
importance, small-minded
 Synonyms: trifling, inconsequential
 Antonyms: important, significant
RAIMENT
 Definition: (n.) clothing, garments
 Synonyms: apparel, attire