Level G
Unit 2
Vocabulary
ACCOST
 Definition: (v.) to approach and speak to first; to
confront in a challenging or aggressive way
 Synonyms: buttonhole, approach, confront
 Antonyms: evade, avoid, shun
ANIMADVERSION
 Definition: (n.) a comment indicating strong
criticism or disapproval
 Synonyms: rebuke, reproof
 Antonyms: praise, compliment
AVID
Definition: (adj.) desirous of something to
the point of greed; intensely eager
Synonyms: keen, enthusiastic, grasping
Antonyms: reluctant, unenthusiastic
BRACKISH
Definition: (adj.) having a salty taste and
unpleasant to drink
Synonyms: briny, saline
Antonyms: fresh, clear, sweet
CELERITY
 Definition: (n.) swiftness, rapidity of motion or
action
 Synonyms: promptness, speed
 Antonyms: slowness, sluggishness
DEVIOUS
 Definition: (adj.) straying or wandering from a
straight or direct course; acting in an
underhanded way
 Synonyms: indirect, tricky, sly
 Antonyms: direct, straightforward, open
GAMBIT
Definition: (n.) in chess, an opening move
that involves risk or sacrifice of a minor
piece in order to gain a later advantage
Synonyms: ploy, ruse, stratagem
HALCYON
Definition: (n.) a legendary bird identified
with the kingfisher; (adj.) calm, peaceful,
Synonyms: tranquil, serene, placid
Antonyms: turbulent, chaotic
HISTRIONIC
 Definition: (adj.) pertaining to actors and their
techniques; theatrical, artificial; melodramatic
 Synonyms: affected, stagy
 Antonyms: low-keyed, muted, untheatrical
INCENDIARY
 Definition: (adj.) deliberately setting or causing
fires; tending to stir up strife or rebellion; (n.) one
who deliberately sets fires, arsonist
 Synonyms: inflammatory, firebrand
 Antonyms: soothing, quieting, peacemaker
MAELSTROM
Definition: (n.) a whirlpool of great size and
violence; a situation with great violence
Synonyms: vortex, chaos, turbulence
MYOPIC
Definition: (adj.) nearsighted; lacking a
broad, realistic view of a situation
Synonyms: shortsighted
Antonyms: farsighted
OVERT
Definition: (adj.) open, not hidden,
expressed or revealed in a way that is
easily recognized
Synonyms: clear, obvious
Antonyms: secret, clandestine, covert
PEJORATIVE
Definition: (adj.) tending to make worse;
expressing disapproval or belittling
Antonyms: complimentary
PROPRIETY
Definition: (n.) the state of being proper,
appropriateness
Synonyms: fitness, correctness
Antonyms: unseemliness,inappropriate
SACRILEGE
Definition: (n.) improper or disrespectful
treatment of something held sacred
Synonyms: desecration, profanation
SUMMARILY
Definition: (adv.) without delay or formality;
briefly, concisely
Synonyms: promptly, abruptly
SUPPLIANT
Definition: (adj.) asking humbly and
earnestly (n.) one who makes a request
humbly and earnestly, a petitioner
TALISMAN
Definition: (n.) an object that serves as a
charm or is believed to confer magical
powers, an amulet
UNDULATE
Definition: (v.) to move in waves or with a
wavelike motion; to have a wavelike
appearance or form
Synonyms: ripple, fluctuate