Vocabulary Words American Literature Week #4

Adversity

Adversity Definition: (n) a state of misfortune or affliction Synonym: hardship, difficulty, obstacle Antonym: pleasure, benefit, freedom

Brazen

Brazen Definition: (adj) unrestrained by convention or propriety; rude Synonym: bold, shameless, blatant Antonym: discreet, subtle, restrained

Clairvoyant

Clairvoyant Definition: (n/adj) someone who claims to have knowledge of the future Synonym: psychic, mind-reader, medium Antonym: oblivious

Demagogue

Demagogue Definition: (n) political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular passions and prejudices Synonym: crowd-pleaser, instigator Antonym: moderate, common sense

Emulate

Emulate Definition: (v) to strive to equal to or match by imitating Synonym: copy, mimic Antonym: differ, oppose, clash

Foster

Foster Definition: (v) to promote the growth of Synonym: nurture, cultivate, advance Antonym: discourage, deter, keep back

Intrepid

Intrepid Definition: (adj) invulnerable to fear or intimidation Synonym: bold, courageous, daring Antonym: cowardly, weak, faint-hearted

Ostentatious

Ostentatious Definition: (adj) intended to attract notice or impress others Synonym: flashy, flamboyant, pretentious Antonym: ordinary, humble, plain

Parched

Parched Definition: (adj) dried out by heat or excessive exposure to the sun Synonym: dehydrated, thirsty Antonym: refreshed, restored

Substantiate

Substantiate Definition: (v) establish or strengthen with evidence or facts Synonym: support, validate Antonym: disprove, refute