Level E Unit 2 Vocabulary

ADROIT Definition: (adj.) skillful, expert in the use of the hands or mind Synonyms: clever, dexterous, slick Antonyms: clumsy, inept, all thumbs Many rodeo performers are adroit at twirlin are adroit at twirling a rope while on horseback.

AMICABLE Definition: (adj.) peaceable, friendly Synonyms: congenial, neighborly, cordial Antonyms: hostile, antagonistic Sometimes mediation by a neutral individual can lead to an amicable settlement of a dispute. times

AVERSE Definition: (adj.) having a deep-seated distaste; opposed, unwilling Synonyms: disinclined, loath Antonyms: favorably disposed, eager You are not likely to become a marathon runner if you are averse to strenuous exercise.

BELLIGERENT Definition: (adj.) *given to fighting, warlike; aggressive; (n.) one at war Synonyms: assertive, truculent, pugnacious Antonyms: peaceful, placid, conciliatory *I did not expect such a belligerent answer to my request for directions. After each belligerent signed the peace treaty, the war was over.

BENEVOLENT Definition: (adj.) kindly, charitable Synonyms: benign, well-meaning Antonyms: malicious, spiteful, malevolent The newcomers had nothing but benevolent feelings toward their new neighbors.

CURSORY Definition: (adj.) hasty, not thorough Synonyms: quick, superficial Antonyms: thorough, careful The mayor gave one last cursory glance at the text of her speech before mounting the podium.

DUPLICITY Definition: (n.) treachery, deceitfulness Synonyms: fraud, double-dealing We found it difficult to believe that our good friend could be capable of such duplicity.

EXTOL Definition: (v.) to praise extravagantly Synonyms: glorify, applaud Antonyms: criticize, belittle Many inspiring stories and plays have been written that extol the heroic deeds of Joan of Arc.

FEASIBLE Definition: (adj.) possible, able to be done Synonyms: workable, viable Antonyms: unworkable, impractical

GRIMACE Definition: (n.) a wry face (v.) to make a wry face Synonyms: pained expression, facial contortion Antonyms: smile, grin

HOLOCAUST Definition: (n.) a large-scale destruction, especially by fire; a vast slaughter; a burnt offering Synonyms: conflagration, devastation, annihilation Antonyms: deluge

IMPERVIOUS Definition: (adj.) not affected or hurt by; admitting of no passage or entrance Synonyms: impenetrable, resistant Antonyms: porous, permeable, vulnerable

IMPETUS Definition: (n.) a moving force, stimulus, Synonyms: impulse, incentive Antonyms: curb, hindrance, constraint

JEOPARDY Definition: (n.) danger Synonyms: risk, peril, hazard Antonyms: safety, security

METICULOUS Definition: (adj.) extremely careful, particular about details Synonyms: fastidious, fussy Antonyms: careless, sloppy

NOSTALGIA Definition: (n.) a longing of something past, homesickness

QUINTESSENCE Definition: (n.) the purest essence or form of something, the most typical example Synonyms: paragon, exemplar

RETROGRESS Definition: (v.) to move backward, to return to an earlier condition Synonyms: revert, degenerate, decline Antonyms: advance, progress

SCRUTINIZE Definition: (v.) to examine closely Synonyms: inspect, pore over Antonyms: skim, scan

TEPID Definition: (adj.) lukewarm, unenthusiastic Synonyms: half-hearted, wishy-washy Antonyms: excited, enthusiastic