Unit 1 English Vocab

adjunct

something added to something else as helpful but not essential

synonyms: associate, addition, accessory

antonyms: follower, imitator, emulator

adjunct

added or connected in a subordinate capacity

bellwether

leading sheep of a flock to the slaughterhouse; a leader to a violent end

synonyms: ringleader, initiator

caterwaul

to howl or screech like a cat; to quarrel

synonyms: to whine

caterwaul

a harsh or noisy cry; a racket

synonyms: a screech

chimerical

absurd; impossible; wildly fantastic

synonyms: visionary, quixotic, pie-in-the-sky

antonyms: realistic, down-to-earth, practicable

effete

lacking in wholesome vigor or energy; worn-out or exhausted; sterile or unable to produce; out-of-date

synonyms: decadent, enfeebled

antonyms: thriving, burgeoning, vigorous, dynamic

fait accompli

an accomplished and presumably irreversible deed, fact, or action

synonyms: accomplished fact

antonyms: open-minded, tolerant, progressive, liberal

hidebound

narrow-minded and rigid, especially in opinions or prejudices; stubbornly and unthinkingly conservative

synonyms: intolerant, inflexible

hierarchy

any system of things or people arranged or graded one above another in order of rank, wealth, class, etc.

synonyms: chain of command

laissez-faire

a philosophy or practice characterized by a usually deliberate abstention from direction or interference, especially with individual freedom of choice and action

synonyms: non-interventional, nonrestrictive, hands off

liturgy

a religious service or rite; the form of a ritual or other act of public worship

synonyms: observance

morass

a patch of low, soft, wet ground; a swamp; a confusing situation in which one is entrapped, as in quicksand

synonyms: bog

antonyms: solid ground, bedrock, terra firma

noisome

offensive or disgusting; foul-smelling; harmful or injurious

synonyms: fetid, noxious, vile, loathsome

antonyms: wholesome, sweet-smelling

oblivious

forgetful; unaware

synonyms: insensible

antonyms: aware, cognizant, mindful, alert

poltroon

a base coward

synonyms: craven, dastard, “chicken”

antonyms: stalwart, gallant

proselyte

a convert; a disciple

synonyms: novice, neophyte

antonyms: master, teacher, guide, guru

quasi

resembling but not actually being; seemingly but not actually or completely

synonyms: kind of, as if

antonyms: totally, completely, actually, in fact

raillery

good-humored ridicule; teasing

synonyms: persiflage

ribald

irreverently mocking; coarse, vulgar, or indecent in language

synonyms: risqué

antonyms: seemly, proper, decorous

supine

lying flat on one’s back; listless or lethargic; apathetic or passive

synonyms: prone, prostrate, inert

antonyms: upright, erect, perpendicular, vertical

vignette

a short description or sketch; a picture or illustration with edges that gradually shade off, a decorative design on the title page of a book or at the beginning or end of a chapter

synonyms: thumbnail sketch, anecdote

antonyms: epic, full-length treatment