Unit 3 Vocab Flashcards
barrage
(n.) a rapid, large-scale outpouring of something
The governor faced a BARRAGE of questions about possible budget cuts.
SYNONYMS: bombardment, shelling volley, blast
bigot
(n.) an intolerant, prejudiced, or biased person
When you speak in that narrow-minded way, you sound like a BIGOT.
SYNONYMS: racist
designate
(v.) to indicate, point out, to appoint, (adf.) selected but not yet installed
Will you please tell me when the coach will DESIGNATE a team leader?
The new student council DESIGNATE is looking forward to making many changes to the student government.
SYNONYMS: (v.) name, signify, denote, nominate, choose
diversity
(n.) difference, variety; a condition of having many different types or forms
Our science teacher has a DIVERSITY of interests, including an appreciation of Russian literature.
SYNONYM: dissimilarity
ANTONYMS: similarity, sameness, uniformity
enigma
(n.) someone or something that is extremely puzzling; that which cannot be understood or explained
Critics complained that the plot twists in the new mystery movie make it an ENIGMA.
SYNONYMS: riddle, mystery, puzzle, conundrum
gloat
(v.) to look at or think about with great intensity and satisfaction; to take great personal joy in
I will try not to GLOAT about winning a scholarship to music camp.
SYNONYMS: relish, revel in, crow over
ANTONYMS: regret, bemoan, mourn, feel chagrined
global
(adj.) of, relating to, or involving the entire world; comprehensive
E-mail and the internet have linked the entire world into a GLOBAL village.
SYNONYMS: worldwide, universal, widespread
ANTONYMS: local regional, provincial
illusion
(n.) a false idea; something that one seems to see or to be aware of that really does not exist
Artist M. C. Escher often used optical ILLUSIONS.
SYNONYMS: delusion, fantasy, deception
ANTONYMS: reality, truth, actuality
infuriate
(v.) to make very angry, enrage
It INFURIATES most parents when their children refuse to listen to them and treat them with disrespect.
SYNONYMS: provoke, incense, madden
ANTONYMS: calm, soothe, pacify, please
motivate
(v.) to provide with a reason for doing; to push on to some goal or course of action
What is the best way to MOTIVATE students to undertake challenging work?
SYNONYMS: spur on, encourage, prompt, goad
ANTONYMS: discourage, dissuade, disincline
pacifist
(n.) one who is against war or the use of violence; (adj.) opposing war or violence
Martin Luther King, Jr. was a famous PACIFIST who had a very strong influence on the civil rights movement.
PACIFIST students protested the war.
SYNONYMS: (n.) peacemaker, dove
ANTONYM: (n.) warmonger
queue
(n.) a line of people waiting for something (such as a bus or the opening of a store); (v.) to form such a line
The long QUEUE at the bus stop indicated that a bus had not come for a while.
Eager fans QUEUE up hours before the box office open, hoping to get the best tickets.
SYNONYMS: (n.) column, file, row, line
ANTONYMS: (n.) disorganized crowd
restrict
(v.) to keep within set limits; to confine
Doctors often advise patients to RESTRICT their intake of fatty or salty foods.
SYNONYMS: hold back, limit
ANTONYMS: open up, enlarge, expand
sage
(adj.) wise; (n.) a very wise person
My aunt always gives me SAGE advice when I’m struggling with a decision.
Let’s ask the SAGE for his opinion on how to handle this problem.
SYNONYMS: (adj.) sagacios; (n.) philosopher, Solomon
ANTONYMS: (adj.) foolish, unwise; (n.) fool, dunce
slake
(v.) to satisfy, relieve, or bring to an end
Nothing can SLAKE my thirst better than a tall glass of ice water.
SYNONYMS: quench, gratify, sate, ease, assuage
ANTONYMS: increase, intensify, aggravate
