VOCABULARY UNIT 4

to declare legally void ANNUL (v.) to reduce to nothing; to make ineffective; to declare legally void

Synonyms cancel, abolish, invalidate, nullify The state legislators voted by an overwhelming majority to ANNUL the out-of-date law. Synonyms cancel, abolish, invalidate, nullify Antonyms validate, authorize, ratify

(adj.) indifferent, apathetic, bored BLASÉ (adj.) indifferent, apathetic, bored

enthusiastic, passionate, fervent Battle-hardened soldiers may tend to become a bit BLASE about the dangers they face. Synonyms Antonyms enthusiastic, passionate, fervent

(v.) to support, give a boost to (n.) a long pillow; a supporting post BOLSTER (v.) to support, give a boost to (n.) a long pillow; a supporting post

Synonyms strengthen, reinforce, buttress, validate When you write a research paper, you should always use appropriate facts to BOLSTER your case. Synonyms strengthen, reinforce, buttress, validate Antonyms undermine, weaken, impair

(v.) to feel or express regret or disapproval DEPLORE (v.) to feel or express regret or disapproval

Synonyms lament, bemoan, bewail Social critics DEPLORE what they believe is a widespread decline in good manners. Synonyms lament, bemoan, bewail Antonyms approve, commend, extol

(adj.) of little importance; not meant seriously FRIVOLOUS (adj.) of little importance; not meant seriously

I’ll just ignore your FRIVOLOUS suggestion. Synonyms silly, foolish, inane, petty, trifling Antonyms serious, important, significant

MUSTER (v.) to bring together, gather or summon (n.) a list of men for military service; a gathering

Synonyms mobilize, marshal roster, inventory You will need to MUSTER up your courage to face the bully who has been tormenting you. Synonyms mobilize, marshal roster, inventory Antonyms disband, dismiss, disperse

(n.) a person or thing of no importance NONENTITY (n.) a person or thing of no importance

We may not be movie stars, but we did not deserve to be treated as NONENTITIES by the haughty headwaiter. Synonyms nobody Antonyms celebrity, superstar

(v.) to trouble, haunt, or fill the mind OBSESS (v.) to trouble, haunt, or fill the mind

If you allow the fear of failure to OBSESS you, you will find it difficult or even impossible to achieve your goals in life. Synonyms preoccupy Antonyms

(adj.) elaborately decorated ORNATE (adj.) elaborately decorated

Synonyms fancy, elaborate, flashy, flamboyant If you ask me, an ORNATE gilded frame distracts the viewer’s eye from a simple drawing. Synonyms fancy, elaborate, flashy, flamboyant Antonyms simple, plain, stark, austere

(v.) to remove or drive out of a position or place OUST (v.) to remove or drive out of a position or place

Military leaders OUSTED the duly elected president and took over the government. Synonyms expel, eject Antonyms admit, welcome

(v.) to read thoroughly and carefully PERUSE (v.) to read thoroughly and carefully

It is wise to have a lawyer PERUSE an agreement before you sign it. Synonyms study, pore over, scrutinize Antonyms

(adj.) full of tiny holes; able to be penetrated by air or water POROUS (adj.) full of tiny holes; able to be penetrated by air or water

Some synthetic materials are as POROUS and strong as natural sponges. Synonyms leaky, permeable Antonyms airtight, waterproof, impermeable

(n.) a high point of land extending into water PROMONTORY (n.) a high point of land extending into water

Synonyms cliff, headland We chose a high PROMONTORY overlooking the sea as the perfect spot for our picnic lunch. Synonyms cliff, headland Antonyms

(adj.) inclined, likely, lying face down PRONE (adj.) inclined, likely, lying face down

Unfortunately, I am PRONE to earaches and sinus infections. Synonyms prostrate, liable, apt Antonyms standing upright, unlikely

QUALM (n.) a pang of conscience, uneasiness or doubt a feeling of faintness or nausea

Synonyms regret, second thought, scruple Don’t you have serious QUALMS about voting for such a relatively unknown and inexperienced candidate? Synonyms regret, second thought, scruple Antonyms

RECOURSE (n.) a person or thing turned to for help or advice; the act of seeking help or protection

Synonyms redress, remedy, resort If my letter of complaint fails to get results, I will still have RECOURSE to a higher authority. Synonyms redress, remedy, resort Antonyms

(n.) that which remains when a part has been used up or removed RESIDUE (n.) that which remains when a part has been used up or removed

A RESIDUE of sticky taffy made the pan difficult to clean. Synonyms remnant, remains, leavings Antonyms

SOLICITOUS (adj.) showing care or concern; fearful or anxious about someone or something

unconcerned, indifferent, apathetic Neighbors made SOLICITOUS inquiries about the state of the elderly couple’s health. Synonyms concerned Antonyms unconcerned, indifferent, apathetic

(adj.) serious and dignified; quiet or subdued in character or conduct STAID (adj.) serious and dignified; quiet or subdued in character or conduct

Synonyms sedate, sober, prim Many companies have a dress code which requires that all employees wear STAID colors such as navy or gray. Synonyms sedate, sober, prim Antonyms gaudy, jaunty, unconventional

(v.) to support, nourish, keep up; to suffer; to withstand SUSTAIN (v.) to support, nourish, keep up; to suffer; to withstand

Synonyms foster, maintain You may SUSTAIN a serious eye injury if you forget to wear your safety goggles when you work with chemicals. Synonyms foster, maintain Antonyms