Level G
Unit 13
ABSTRUSE
Definition: (adj.) extremely difficult to
understand
Synonyms: esoteric, arcane
Antonyms: simple, straightforward
AFFRONT
 Definition: (n.) an open or intentional insult; a
slight; (v.) to insult to someone’s face; to face
in defiance, confront
 Synonyms: offense or offend
 Antonyms: compliment, praise
CANARD
Definition: (n.) false rumor, fabricated
story
Synonyms: hoax
CAPTIOUS
 Definition: (adj.) excessively ready to find
fault; given to petty criticism
 Synonyms: faultfinding,
 nit-picking
 Antonyms: uncritical
COGNIZANT
Definition: (adj.) aware, knowledgeable,
informed
Synonyms: conscious, acquainted
Antonyms: unaware, oblivious
CONTRITE
 Definition: (adj.) regretful
 for some misdeed or sin;
 plagued by a sense of guilt
 Synonyms: remorseful
 Antonyms: unrepentant,
 unapologetic
CYNOSURE
Definition: (n.) the center of
attraction, attention, or interest
Synonyms: focus
DECOROUS
Definition: (adj.) well behaved,
dignified, socially proper
Synonyms: becoming, tasteful
Antonyms: improper, unbecoming
DEIGN
 Definition: (v.) to think
 it appropriate or suitable
 to one’s dignity to do
 something, to condescend
 Synonyms: deem, stoop
DESICCATED
Definition: (adj.) thoroughly dried out;
divested of spirit or vitality
Synonyms: dehydrated, parched
Antonyms:
sodden, drenched
EFFICACY
 Definition: (n.) the
 power to produce
 a desired result
 Synonyms:
 effectiveness,
 reliability
 Antonyms:
 ineffectiveness
ENGENDER
 Definition: (v.) to bring into existence, give
rise to, produce; to come into existence,
assume form
 Synonyms: beget, generate, cause
 Antonyms: stop, deter
ETHEREAL
 Definition: (adj.) light, airy, delicate; highly
refined; suggesting what is heavenly (rather
than earthbound)
 Synonyms: heavenly, gossamer
 Antonyms: infernal, hellish, heavy
FACADE
Definition: (n.) the front or face of a
building; a surface appearance
Synonyms: exterior, mask, pretense
Antonyms: interior
GHOULISH
 Definition: (adj.)
revolting in an unnatural
or morbid way; suggestive
of someone who robs
graves or otherwise
prey on the dead
 Synonyms: fiendish,
monstrous
INCONGRUOUS
Definition: (adj.) not in keeping,
unsuitable, incompatible
Synonyms: discordant, jarring
Antonyms: compatible, harmonious
MACHINATION
Definition: (n.) a crafty, scheming, or
underhanded action designed to
accomplish some
(usually evil) end
Synonyms: plot,
scheme
MESMERIZE
Definition: (v.) to hypnotize, entrance;
to fascinate, enthrall, bewitch
OPPROBRIUM
 Definition: (n.) disgrace arising from
shameful conduct, contempt
 Synonyms: infamy, dishonor, shame
 Antonyms: acclaim, honor, glory
PUTATIVE
Definition: (adj.) generally regarded as
such; reputed, inferred
Synonyms: supposed, presumed
Antonyms: known, confirmed