Building an Enriched Vocabulary Lesson 5
Absolve – verb To clear of guilt or blame. Synonyms – acquit, exonerate, vindicate The evidence the attorney presented absolved his client of taking part in the crime and proved his innocence.
Affable - adjective Courteous and agreeable in manner; easy to talk to or approach. Synonyms – sociable, amiable, friendly My next-door neighbor is one of the most affable people I know, always pleasant and helpful to everyone.
Ambivalent - adjective Wavering or uncertain because of an inability to make a choice between two contradictory feelings or viewpoints in regard to a person, a thing, or a course of action. Synonyms – contradictory, opposing, conflicting My parents have ambivalent feelings about the college I have chosen, feeling that their choice would suit me better.
Arbitrary - adjective Subject to or determined by one’s judgment; random. Arrived at by an exercise of the will, personal preference, or by whim. Given to willful decisions or demands. Synonyms – judgmental, irrational, prejudiced The captain of the team had problems with his players because he was so arbitrary and overbearing that they would not cooperate with him.
Atrophy – noun and verb (noun) A failure to develop normally. Synonyms – deterioration, degeneration, decay The atrophy of the muscles in her right arm, causing it to look thinner than the left arm, is the result of wearing a cast for a long time. (verb) To waste away. Synonyms – decay, deteriorate, shrivel The pitcher’s talent began to atrophy because of injuries and age.
Banal - adjective Made stale by constant use or repetition. Synonyms – trite, commonplace, stereotyped Instead of the speech being filled with humor and excitement, it was banal and flat.
Bombastic - adjective Pompous or inflated in language. Synonyms – grandiose, extravagant The candidate for governor lost the election after delivering a bombastic campaign speech causing voters to feel he was out of touch with common citizens.
Callous - adjective Unfeeling or insensitive. Synonyms – indifferent, unsympathetic, hard-hearted The sight of people suffering after the earthquake brought tears to the eyes of even the most callous observers.
Charlatan - Noun Anyone who claims to have skills or knowledge that he or she does not possess. Synonyms – imposter, quack, fraud The doctor who was promoting a miracle diet that did not work was proven to be a charlatan.
Compatible - adjective Capable of use with some other brand or model. Capable of living or getting along together. Synonyms – agreeable, harmonious, consistent Be careful that the software you are installing is compatible with the operating system on your computer, or it will not work.