Vocabulary
Lesson 5
Using Synonyms
1. Privation (n)
□ Synonym: lack - loss – bereavement deprivation, want, need, distress
□ Definition: lack of the basic necessities
or comforts of life; the state of being
deprived
□ e.g. His life of privation began to affect
his health.
2. Solace (n./v.):
□ Synonym: comfort - consolation easement
□ Definition: comfort during a time of
sorrow or distress; a source of comfort
□ e.g. His presence was a solace to her.
3. Introspection: (n)
□ Synonym: self-examination - selfcounsel - self-communion –
□ soul-searching
□ Definition: contemplation of one’s own
thoughts & feelings; the act of looking
within oneself.
□ e.g. This trauma forced me to make an
introspection into my own mind.
4. Provisional: (adj.)
□ Synonym: temporary – makeshift –
conditional
□ Definition: serving a certain purpose for
the time being, but not permanently
□ e.g. a provisional government.
5. Bereft: (v)
□ Synonym: deprived – wanting bereaved
□ Definition: deprived of or lacking
something; suffering the loss of a loved
one
□ e.g. They are bereft of their senses.
□
He is bereft of all happiness.
6. Epiphany (n.):
□ Synonym: insight – revelation –
realization
□ Definition: sudden understanding,
insight, or revelation about an
underlying truth; a sudden, intuitive
perception of or insight into the reality or
essential meaning of something – a
Christian festival
□ e.g. "I experienced an epiphany, a
spiritual flash that would change the
way I viewed myself." (Frank Maier)
7. Fortuitous (adj.):
□ Synonym: accidental – unexpected –
casual
□ Definition: occurring by chance,
accidental; lucky, fortunate
□ e.g. A fortuitous encounter with a
former schoolmate led to a new and
successful career for the artist.
8. Melancholy: (adj.)
□ Synonym: sadness – despair –
sullenness
□ Definition: sadness, depression, gloom;
thoughtful reflection
□ e.g. a mood of melancholy.
□ "There is melancholy in the wind and
sorrow in the Grass." (Charles Kuralt)
9. Avocation: (n)
□ Synonym: hobby – side interest –
pastime
□ Definition: an enjoyable activity
outside one’s regular work
□ Or something a person does in
addition to a principal occupation,
esp. for pleasure
□ e.g. Our doctor's avocation is painting.
10. Renaissance: (n.)
□ Synonym: rebirth – revival
□ Definition: a period of vigorous
intellectual or artistic activity