The Importance of Being Earnest Vocabulary Set Two

Review set one words languidsententiouscontempt invalidcynicalindignation earnestdelicate laxdisposition

trivet The trivet supported the pan over the fire. Since ovens had not been invented yet, pioneers used trivets to hold large cast iron pots they used for cooking in the fireplace.

trivet Definition: an iron tripod placed over a fire for a cooking pot or kettle to stand on POS: Noun

patronize The young lawyer was determined not to be put down or patronized by her superiors. The students were tired and frustrated with the professor’s patronizing remarks.

patronize Definition: to behave in an offensively condescending manner POS: verb Synonyms: scornful, disdainful, uppity

apoplexy The crew members tried in vain to revive the captain, but he was dead due to apoplexy. After examining the the condition of the brain, the coroner determined death was caused by apoplexy.

apoplexy Definition: a sudden, usually marked loss of bodily function due to rupture or occlusion of a blood vessel. POS: Noun Synonym: stroke, seizure

loathe The household chores I loathe the most are dusting and laundry. I loathe the man who stole my brand new car and wrecked it.

loathe Definition: to fill intense dislike or disgust POS: Verb Synonyms: hate, despise, resent Antonyms: love, admire, accept

surmise When my next door neighbor’s son ate four peanut butter sandwiches, I could only surmise he was hungry. Since Bob and Mary are both book addicts, we jokingly surmise the couple met in a library.

surmise Definition: suppose that something is true without having evidence to confirm it POS: Verb Synonyms: suspect, infer, conclude Antonyms: fact, proof, truth

utilitarian She traded in her sporty little coupe for a utilitarian station wagon. The design of her house was rather utilitarian. I personally prefer a style that is more decorative than utilitarian.

utilitarian Definition: designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive. POS: Adjective Synonyms: functional, sensible, efficient Antonyms: impractical, decrative

demeanor His demeanor is usually cranky before his morning coffee. A jury may consider a witness's demeanor on the stand in determining the witness's credibility.

demeanor Definition: the way a person behaves toward other people POS: Noun Synonym: attitude, behavior, conduct

vacillate I had for a time vacillated between teaching and journalism. Unable to decide on which restaurant to enter, she vacillated for hours before opting for Italian.

vacillate Definition: alternate or waver between different opinions or actions; be indecisive POS: Verb Synonyms: hesitate, conflicted, undecided Antonyms: stay, hold, persist

debonair On the day of his wedding, my brother looked debonair in his tuxedo. With his dirty hair and rumpled clothing, the homeless man looked far from debonair.

debonair Definition: confident, stylish, and charming POS: Adjective Synonyms: sophisticated, refined, elegant Antonyms: awkward, clumsy

hypocrisy Definition: a pretense of having a virtuous character, moral or religious beliefs or principles, etc., that one does not really possess. POS: Noun Synonyms: fraud, deception, dishonesty Antonym: sincere, honest, trustworthy

hypocrisy To say you are concerned, and yet fail to act can only be hypocrisy. It's hypocritical for him to encourage his children not to smoke while he is puffing away on a cigarette.