Vocabulary: Lesson Two

Question 1

Adamant (adjective)

Answer 1

Definition: Unyielding; firm in opinion
Sentence: Despite the protests of the entire city council, the mayor remained adamant.
Synonym: Flattery, adoration
Antonym: Amendable, flexible

Question 2

Cliche (noun)

Answer 2

Definition: A worn-out idea or overused expression
Sentence: While the candidate had promised new ideas, he soon began to mouth the same old cliches.
Synonym: Platitude, trite phrase

Question 3

Dour (adjective)

Answer 3

Definition: Gloomy, sullen
Sentence: The librarian’s dour expression made the new students feel as if they had down something wrong.
Synonym: Stern, severe, forbidding
Antonym: Pleasant, happy

Question 4

Evoke (verb)

Answer 4

Definition: To call forth; to draw forth
Sentence: Pleasant memories of earlier times were evoked as we watched the decorated floats parading down Main Street.
Synonym: Summon, conjure up; elicit, extract
Antonym: Suppress

Question 5

Lethargy (noun)

Answer 5

Definition: Lack in energy; drowsiness, disinterest
Sentence: His lethargy was caused by a severe bout of depression.
Synonym: Torpor, apathy, lassitude
Antonym: Vigor, vitality, liveliness

Question 6

Penitent (adjective)

Answer 6

Definition: Expressing sorrow for having sinned or done wrong
Sentence: Because of the boy’s penitent expression, the judge was easier on him than he usually was.
Synonym: Sorry, ashamed, remorseful
Antonym: Unashamed

Question 7

Predatory (adjective)

Answer 7

Definition: Inclined to rob or prey on others
Sentence: The buzzard is a scavenger, but the hawk is a predatory animal.
Synonym: Pillaging, despoiling
Antonym: Nurturing

Question 8

Quell (verb)

Answer 8

Definition: To put an end to; to allay or quiet
Sentence: The police were called out to quell the riot.
Synonym: Abate, pacify, subdue
Antonym: Agitate, aggravate, instigate

Question 9

Renegade (noun)

Answer 9

Definition: One who deserts a cause and goes over to the other side; a traitor
Sentence: The members of the old party called him a renegade; the members of his new party called him a patriot.
Synonym: Turncoat, defector, traitor
Antonym: Loyalist

Question 10

Uncanny (adjective)

Answer 10

Definition: Weird, strange; mysterious; acute
Sentence: The boy had an uncanny memory for details.
Synonym: Unearthly