F Ameliorate (v.) to improve, make better, or correct a flaw or shortcoming Synonyms: amend, better Antonyms: worsen, aggravate, exacerbate Even though I did not enjoy reading the harsh, yet candid remarks on my paper, I know my teacher wants to help me ameliorate my writing.

Aplomb (n.) poise, assurance, great self-confidence; perpendicularly Synonyms: composure, self-possession, levelheadedness Antonyms: confusion, embarrassment, abashment The royal family of Dublin always handles situations with great aplomb.

Bombastic vivacious eloquent ostentatious (adj.) pompous or overblown in language; full of high- sounding words intended to conceal a lack of ideas Synonyms: inflated, high-flown, pretentious Antonyms: unadorned, simple, plain In his attempt to impress his teacher, Jeb wrote a bombastic essay. eloquent

Callow (adj.) without experience; immature, not fully developed; lacking sophistication and poise; without feathers Synonyms: inexperienced, unfledged, raw Antonyms: mature, grown-up, polished The callow boys pulled a prank on their neighbor by throwing toilet paper into their trees.

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; to utter nonsense or childish twaddle; to waste or fritter away foolishly Synonyms: (n.) balderdash, hogwash, tommyrot; (v.) slaver The St. Bernard driveled as he sat outside waiting for me to throw the ball.

synonyms: abstract, digest, model, archetype EPITOME (n.)a summary, condensed account; an instance that represents a larger reality. synonyms: abstract, digest, model, archetype Arthur Miller wrote The Crucible, a movie that presents the epitome of stringent Puritan life.

EXHORT (v.) to urge strongly, advise earnestly. synonyms: entreat, implore, adjure antonyms: discourage, advise against, deprecate. My teacher exhorted me to do my homework because my grade in class was low.

(adj. & adv.) by virtue of holding a certain office. EX OFFICIO (adj. & adv.) by virtue of holding a certain office. Mrs. McNeil is the ex officio disciplinarian when it comes to the final decision on school rules.

INFRINGE (v.) to violate, trespass, go beyond recognized bounds synonyms: encroach, impinge, intrude, poach antonyms: stay in bounds If you continue to transcend your boundaries and infringe onto private property, you might get in serious trouble.

(v.) to make oneself agreeable and thus gain favor or acceptance by others. synonyms: cozy up to, curry favor with antonyms: alienate, humiliate oneself, mortify oneself INGRATIATE Ingratiating himself with Clinton, Obama displays his aplomb attitude during the 2008 presidential race.

Interloper (n.) one who moves in where he or she is not wanted or has no right to be, an intruder Synonyms: trespasser, meddler, buttinsky The interlopers’ plan was to rob the bank after they figured out how to bypass the security system.

Intrinsic (adj.) Belonging to someone or something by its very nature, essential, inherent; originating in a bodily organ or part Synonyms: immanent, organic Antonyms: extrinsic, external, outward Although I could probably sell my grandmother’s ring for about $6,000, I refuse to do so, because it has a priceless intrinsic value.

Inveigh (v.) to make a violent attack in words, express strong disapproval Synonyms: rail, harangue, remonstrate Antonyms: acclaim, glorify, extol The coach inveighed against the ref’s last minute call which allowed the opponent score two free throws and cost the team the game.

Lassitude (n.) weariness of body or mind, lack of energy Synonyms: fatigue, lethargy, languor Antonyms: energy, animation, liveliness Overcome with a great sense of lassitude, Jeremy began to snore and drivel on his desk!

Millennium (n.) a period of one thousand years; a period of great joy Synonyms: golden age, peace, prosperity Antonyms: doomsday, day of judgment When the millennium of 2000 was approaching, people were afraid their computers were going to die.

OCCULT (adj.) mysterious, magical, supernatural; secret hidden from view; not detectable by ordinary means; (v.) to hide, conceal; eclipse; (n.) matters involving the supernatural synonyms: supernatural, esoteric, abstruse, arcane antonyms: mundane, common, public, exoteric The Puritans considered dancing in the woods as occult behavior.

PERMEATE (v.) to spread through, penetrate, soak through Smoke rising and filling the room with a stench,, the smell of the burned popcorn permeated the room!

PRECIPITATE (v.) to fall as moisture; to cause or bring about suddenly; to hurl down from a great height; to give distinct form to; (adj.) characterized by excessive haste; (n.) moisture; the product of an action or process. synonyms: provoke, produce; (adj.) reckless, impetuous antonyms: (adj.) wary, cautious, circumspect The child prodigy’s performance was so amazing, it precipitated the first standing ovation of the night!

Stringent (adj.) strict, severe; rigorously or urging binding or compelling; sharp or bitter taste. synonyms: stern, rigorous, tough, urgent, imperative antonyms: lenient, mild, lax, permissive. Stringent eyes staring, Hester Prynne stood with great aplomb as she served the punishment for her crime.

synonyms: (v.) infer, gather: (n.) inference, presumption Surmise (v.) to think or believe without certain supporting evidence; to conjecture or guess; (n.) likely idea that lacks definite proof synonyms: (v.) infer, gather: (n.) inference, presumption Many people surmise that life on other planets truly does exist. I am not one of those people.