Units 3-4 Level F

circuitous

(adj.) roundabout, not direct

SYNONYMS: indirect, meandering, winding

ANTONYMS: straight, direct, as the crow flies

commiserate

(v.) to sympathize with, have pity or sorrow for, share a feeling of distress

SYNONYMS: feel sorry for, empathize

ANTONYMS: feel no sympathy for

nominal

(adj.) existing in name only, not real; too small to be considered or taken seriously

SYNONYMS: titular, token, trifling, inconsequential

ANTONYMS: real, actual, exorbitant, excessive

peculate

(v.) to steal something that has been given into one's trust; to take improperly for one's own use

SYNONYMS: embezzle, defraud, misappropriate,

proclivity

(n.) a natural or habitual inclination or tendency (especially of human character or behavior)

SYNONYMS: natural, bent, penchant, propensity

ANTONYMS: inability or incapacity

sangfroid

(n.) composure or coolness, especially in trying circumstances

SYNONYMS: poise, self-assurance, equanimity

ANTONYMS: excitability, hysteria, flappability

seditious

(adj.) resistant to lawful authority; having the purpose of overthrowing an established government

SYNONYMS: mutinous, rebellious, subversive

ANTONYMS: supportive, loyal, faithful, allegiant

tenuous

(adj.) thin, slender, not dense; lacking clarity or sharpness; of slight importance or significance; lacking a sound basis, poorly supported

SYNONYMS: flimsy, insubstantial, vague, hazy

ANTONYMS: strong, solid, substantial, valid

vitriolic

(adj.) bitter, sarcastic; highly caustic or biting (like a strong acid)

SYNONYMS: withering, acerbic, mordant

ANTONYMS: bland, saccharine, honeyed, sugary

wheedle

(v.) to use coaxing or flattery to gain some desired end

SYNONYMS: cajole, inveigle, soft-soap, sweet-talk

ANTONYMS: coerce, browbeat, intimidate, strong-arm

Aggrandize

(v.) To increase in greatness, power or wealth; to build up or intensify; to make appear greater.

Synonyms: Augment, Amplify, Enhance, Exalt

Antonyms: Reduce, Decrease, Diminish

Amorphous

(adj.) Shapeless, without definite form; of no particular type or character; without organization, unity, or cohesion.

Synonyms: Formless, Unstructured, Nebulous, Inchoate

Antonyms: Definite, Well-Defined, Clear-Cut

Aura

(n.) That which surrounds (as an atmosphere); a distinctive air or personal quality.

Synonyms: Ambiance, Atmosphere

Erudite

(adj.) Scholarly, learned, bookish, pedantic.

Synonyms: Profoundly Educated, Well-Read

Antonyms: Ignorant, Uneducated, Illiterate

Gossamer

(adj.) Thin, light, delicate, insubstantial.

(n.) A very thin, light cloth.

Synonyms: (adj.) Filmy, Diaphanous, Sheer, Airy, Feathery, Gauzy

Antonyms: (adj.) Thick, Dense, Solid, Massive

Insular

(adj.) Relating to, characteristic of, or situated on an island; narrow or isolated in outlook or experience.

Synonyms: Narrow-Minded, Parochial, Provincial

Antonyms: Catholic, Cosmopolitan, Liberal

Propensity

(n.) A natural inclination or predilection toward.

Synonyms: Natural Bent, Proclivity, Penchant

Antonyms: Natural Incapacity or Inability

Resilient

(adj.) Able to return to an original shape or form; able to recover quickly.

Synonyms: Springy, Elastic, Buoyant, Bouncy

Antonyms: Rigid, Stiff, Inflexible, Unyielding

Scurrilous

(adj.) Coarsely abusive, vulgar or low (especially in language), foul-mouthed.

Synonyms: Obscene, Filthy, Abusive, Vituperative

Antonyms: Decorous, Seemly, Tasteful, Dignified

Sedulous

(adj.) Persistent, showing industry and determination.

Synonyms: Assiduous, Tireless, Indefatigable

Antonyms: Lackadaisical, Listless, Indolent, Otiose