Vocab Unit 5A
Vocabulary Unit 5
College Prep English 9
Sadlier-Oxford Level E
Vocab 5.A
ALTRUISTIC
Part of Speech: Adjective
Pronunciation: al-troo-IS-tik
Definition: Unselfish; concerned with the welfare of others.
Connotation: Positive
SYNONYMS & ANTONYMS
Synonyms: benevolent, charitable, humanitarian, selfless
Antonyms: greedy, selfish, self-centered, stingy
Example Sentence
Most people support altruistic programs to help the less fortunate of this world.
ASSENT
Part of Speech: Verb/Noun
Pronunciation: uh-SENT
Definition: To express agreement; the act of agreeing.
Connotation: Positive
SYNONYMS & ANTONYMS
Synonyms: accept, adopt, concur, consent
Antonyms: argue, differ, disagree, dissent
Example Sentence
Workers hope that the threat of a long strike will force management to assent to their demands. (V)
Romeo and Juliet knew they would never gain their feuding families’ assent to marry. (N)
BENEFACTOR
Part of Speech: Noun
Pronunciation: BEN-uh-fak-ter
Definition: One who does good to others; a donor.
Connotation: Positive
SYNONYMS & ANTONYMS
Synonyms: donor, contributor, humanitarian, patron
Antonyms: antagonist, enemy, foe, opponent
Example Sentence
Without the help of many benefactors, most charities would be unable to carry out their work.
CHIVALROUS
Part of Speech: Adjective
Pronunciation: SHIV-uhl-ruhs
Definition: Marked by honor, courtesy, and courage; knightly.
Connotation: Positive
SYNONYMS & ANTONYMS
Synonyms: benevolent, civil, courtly, valiant
Antonyms: afraid, cowardly, fearful, uncouth
Example Sentence
In today’s busy world, where people are often heedless of others, a chivalrous act is admired by all.
CLEMENCY
Part of Speech: Noun
Pronunciation: KLEM-uhn-see
Definition: Mercy, humaneness; mildness or moderateness.
Connotation: Positive
SYNONYMS & ANTONYMS
Synonyms: compassion, gentleness, leniency, mercy
Antonyms: cruelty, harshness, inflexibility, severity
Example Sentence
Many judges are willing to show clemency to first offenders who express regret for their wrongdoing.
DEARTH
Part of Speech: Noun
Pronunciation: durth
Definition: A lack, scarcity, or inadequate supply; a famine.
Connotation: Negative
SYNONYMS & ANTONYMS
Synonyms: deficiency, insufficiency, shortage, want
Antonyms: abundance, oversupply, plenty, surplus
Example Sentence
An employer may complain of a dearth of qualified applicants for available jobs.
DIFFIDENT
Part of Speech: Adjective
Pronunciation: DIF-i-duhnt
Definition: Shy or lacking in self-confidence; modest or reserved.
Connotation: Negative
SYNONYMS & ANTONYMS
Synonyms: bashful, timid, unassertive, withdrawn
Antonyms: audacious, bold, brash, self-confident
Example Sentence
Many a diffident suitor has lost his beloved to a bold rival.
DISCREPANCY
Part of Speech: Noun
Pronunciation: dih-SKREP-uhn-see
Definition: A difference; a lack of agreement.
Connotation: Negative
SYNONYMS & ANTONYMS
Synonyms: conflict, disagreement, divergence, inconsistency
Antonyms: agreement, consistency, convergence, harmony
Example Sentence
Discrepancy in the testimony of witnesses to a crime can have a decisive impact on the outcome of a trial.
EMBARK
Part of Speech: Verb
Pronunciation: em-BAHRK
Definition: To go aboard; to make a start; to invest.
Connotation: Neutral
SYNONYMS & ANTONYMS
Synonyms: begin, board, commence, launch
Antonyms: cease, end, finish, stop
Example Sentence
Columbus spent years raising money before he was able to embark on his perilous ocean voyage in search of passage to the Far East.
FACILE
Part of Speech: Adjective
Pronunciation: FAS-il
Definition: Easily done or attained; superficial; easily shown but not sincerely felt.
Connotation: Positive
SYNONYMS & ANTONYMS
Synonyms: assured, effortless, poised, proficient
Antonyms: awkward, complicated, difficult, labored
Example Sentence
Writing is a facile process for some authors but a laborious task for others.