Vocabulary and Definitions for Advanced English Learners

blithe (QM)

Cheerful, carefree, light-hearted. Synonyms: cheerful, carefree, merry Antonyms: gloomy, solemn

sobered (QM)

Made serious; stripped of youthful lightness. Synonyms: tempered, subdued, matured Antonyms: excited, enlivened

meanly (QM)

Dishonestly or unfairly. Synonyms: unfairly, dishonorably Antonyms: honorably, justly

thatched (QM)

Roofed with straw or reeds. Synonyms: straw-roofed, reed-covered Antonyms: tiled, shingled

Fate had the thought and the dream in her loom (QM)

Fate was weaving or preparing future events for him. Synonyms: destiny arranged, fate prepared Antonyms: randomness, chance

middling (QM)

Moderately; somewhat; of average or low quality. Synonyms: mediocre, average Antonyms: excellent, superior

byre (QM)

A cowshed or barn. Synonyms: cowshed, stable Antonyms: field, pasture

relish (QM)

Enjoyment or liking. Synonyms: enjoyment, liking Antonyms: dislike, aversion

shipshape (QM)

Neat, tidy, and orderly. Synonyms: orderly, neat Antonyms: messy, disorganized

toiler (QM)

A hard worker or laborer. Synonyms: laborer, worker Antonyms: idler, loafer

drudgery (QM)

Hard, dull, exhausting work. Synonyms: labor, slog Antonyms: ease, leisure

furrow (QM)

A trench made by a plow. Synonyms: trench, groove Antonyms: ridge, mound

bartering (QM)

Trading goods without using money. Synonyms: trading, exchanging Antonyms: buying, selling (with money)

gloaming (QM)

Twilight or dusk. Synonyms: twilight, dusk Antonyms: daylight, noon

derisively (QM)

Mockingly; in a tone of ridicule. Synonyms: mockingly, scornfully Antonyms: respectfully, kindly

Fate laid her lure (QM)

Fate set an attraction or trap for him. Synonyms: fate tempted, destiny drew Antonyms: repelled, pushed away

celebrant (QM)

The priest performing the service. Synonyms: priest, officiant Antonyms: layperson

misdemeanors (PC)

Minor offenses or wrongdoings Paul committed at school. Synonyms: offenses, infractions Antonyms: virtues, good deeds

trifle (PC)

A small amount; slightly. Synonyms: slightly, somewhat Antonyms: greatly, significantly

dandy (PC)

A boy who dresses with unusual elegance or showiness. Synonyms: fop, show-off, fashion-conscious Antonyms: slob, plain dresser

adornment (PC)

A decorative item worn to look fancy. Synonyms: decoration, ornament Antonyms: plainness, bareness

contrite (PC)

Feeling remorseful or sorry. Synonyms: remorseful, repentant Antonyms: unapologetic, unrepentant

brilliancy (PC)

Unusual brightness or intense liveliness (of eyes). Synonyms: brightness, radiance Antonyms: dullness, dimness

theatrical (PC)

Exaggerated or dramatic; like acting. Synonyms: dramatic, showy Antonyms: natural, subdued

indispensable (PC)

Absolutely necessary. Synonyms: essential, necessary Antonyms: unnecessary, optional

friction (PC)

Conflict or tension with others. Synonyms: conflict, tension Antonyms: harmony, peace

rancor (PC)

Deep resentment or bitterness. Synonyms: bitterness, resentment Antonyms: goodwill, kindness

evinced (PC)

Showed or demonstrated. Synonyms: revealed, demonstrated Antonyms: hid, concealed

impertinence (PC)

Rudeness or disrespect. Synonyms: disrespect, sass Antonyms: courtesy, respect

contempt (PC)

Strong disrespect; seeing others as inferior. Synonyms: disdain, scorn Antonyms: respect, admiration

aversion (PC)

Strong dislike that causes recoiling. Synonyms: dislike, repulsion Antonyms: liking, attraction

flippantly (PC)

In a disrespectfully casual, unserious way. Synonyms: casually, disrespectfully Antonyms: seriously, respectfully

contemptuous (PC)

Openly disrespectful; showing contempt. Synonyms: scornful, disdainful Antonyms: respectful, admiring

mirthfulness (PC)

Cheerfulness or amusement. Synonyms: cheer, joy Antonyms: sadness, seriousness

insolence (PC)

Bold disrespect; rude boldness. Synonyms: rudeness, arrogance Antonyms: politeness, deference

haunted (PC)

Looking troubled or anxious. Synonyms: troubled, tormented Antonyms: calm, carefree

animation (PC)

Liveliness or energy (forced liveliness). Synonyms: liveliness, energy Antonyms: lifelessness, dullness

writhe (PC)

To twist or squirm emotionally in reaction. Synonyms: squirm, twist Antonyms: relax, remain still

accentuated (PC)

Made more noticeable or emphasized. Synonyms: emphasized, highlighted Antonyms: softened, masked

preliminary (PC)

Occurring before the main event; introductory. Synonyms: preparatory, initial Antonyms: final, concluding

plagued (PC)

Annoyed or bothered persistently. Synonyms: annoyed, harassed Antonyms: soothed, pleased