Lesson 16 Linguistics, Pique, Plebeian, Precocious, Predatory, Prowess, Pugnacious, Purloin, Pusillanimous, Quell, Quixotic, Rabble, Rabid, Raconteur, Vindictive

Linguistics N. the scientific study of the structure, sounds, and meaning of language

Pique V. to cause resentment; to provoke SYN: irritate ANT: assuage

Plebeian N. a commoner; one from the lower class; Adj. common or vulgar SYN: (n.) peon; peasant (adj.) base; lowly ANT: (n.) liege (adj.) refined; aristocratic

Precocious Adj. showing early development, especially mental SYN: advanced

Predatory Adj. inclined to prey on others SYN: pillaging; despoiling ANT: nurturing

Prowess N. superior skill or ability SYN: strength; dominance; power ANT: weakness

Pugnacious Adj. eager and ready to fight; quarrelsome SYN: combative; belligerent ANT: placid; pacific

Purloin V. to steal SYN: burglarize

Pusillanimous Adj. cowardly; fearful SYN: fainthearted; timid ANT: brave; bold

Quell V. to put an end to; to allay or quiet SYN: calm ANT: foment; incite

Quixotic Adj. very idealistic; impractical; caught up in romantic notions

Rabble N. a disorderly crowd, a mob SYN: riffraff

Rabid Adj. raging; fanatical SYN: uncontrollable; fervid ANT: placid

Raconteur N. a person skilled at telling stories

Vindictive Adj. seeking revenge; bearing a grudge SYN: vengeful ANT: forgiving