Vocabulary Workshop Unit 2, Words 1-5 Margo Baker American Literature September 17, 2012
Ameliorate (v) To improve, make better, correct a flaw in something “A hot meal can ameliorate the discomforts of even the coldest day.” Synonyms: amend, better Antonyms: worsen, aggravate
Aplomb (n.) Poise, assurance, great self-confidence, perpendicularity “Considering the family’s tense mood, you handled the situation with aplomb.” Syn: composure, self-possession Ant: confusion, embarrassment
Bombastic (Adj.) Pompous or overblown in language; full of high-sounding words to conceal a lack of ideas. “He delivered a bombastic speech that did not even address our problems.” Syn: inflated, pretentious Ant: humble, simple
Callow (adj.) Without experience, immature, not fully developed, lacking sophistication and poise “They entered the army as callow recruits and left as seasoned veterans.” Syn: green, raw, inexperienced Ant: mature, grown-up, polished
Drivel (n.) Saliva or mucus flowing from the mouth or nose; foolish, aimless talk or thinking; nonsense (v.) to let saliva flow from the mouth; drool “Knowing that his time was nearly up, we kept silent and let him drivel on.” Syn: balderdash, tommyrot Ant: slaver
Works Cited Superman Picture: http://smartincomeblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/confidence.jpg Little Red Riding Hood Picture: http://lewebpedagogique.com/englishjcampin/files/2012/05/little_red_riding_hood_by_sclumxy-d38820s.jpg Drivel Picture: http://weblogbetter.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/blogblahblahedited.jpg