ACT Power Plus Vocabulary Lesson Five

fop (noun) – an excessively fashion- conscious man When he came in wearing a bow tie, a diamond pinky ring, and carrying a pearl- handled cane, we knew he was a fop. Synonyms dandy

imprecation (noun) – a curse Jennifer was so angry she pronounced an imprecation on him, his family, and all his friends. Synonyms condemnation anathema Antonyms blessing

non sequitur (noun) – something that does not logically follow “That he would not be a good mayor because he can’t control his family is a non sequitur,” said John. Synonyms fallacy misconception

sanguine (adj.) – cheerful; optimistic Sally’s sanguine personality made everyone in her company pleased to be with her.

bowdlerize (verb) – to remove offensive passages of a play, novel, etc. If the editors bowdlerize much more of the book, there won’t be anything left to read. censor Synonyms

impair (verb) – to weaken; to cause to become worse Mother used to say that reading in poor light could impair your vision. Synonyms damage deteriorate Antonyms enhance

panegyric (noun) – an expression of praise The ancient Greeks gave panegyrics and crowns of ivy in tribute to their heroes. Synonyms tribute extolment denunciation Antonyms

quandary (noun) – a puzzling situation; a dilemma John was in a quandary deciding what his major should be. Synonyms predicament

ebullient- (adj.) – enthusiastic The ebullient crowd cheered as the royal family appeared. Synonyms exuberant lively Antonyms dejected dispirited

deference (noun) – respect; consideration In deference to the young widow, we move quietly aside and allowed her to leave first.

carnal (adj.) – relating to physical appetite, especially sexual After receiving complaints, the town council decided to remove the carnal statue from the park area. SynonymsAntonyms erotic chaste modest

nebulous (adj.) – hazy; vague; uncertain He had a nebulous feeling of fear all day, but he didn’t understand why until the thunder started. cloudy indistinct obscure Synonyms Antonyms distinct precise

rakish (adj.) – dashingly stylish and confident Wanting to look rakish for his job interview, Jeremy shined his shoes and pressed razor- edge creases into his shirt and slacks. SynonymsAntonyms dapper jaunty slovenly disheveled

elegy (noun) – a sad or mournful poem The reading of the elegy brought tears during the funeral. Synonyms dirge lament

pedantic (adj.) – tending to show off one’s learning After one year of college, Tom lost all of his friends because of his pedantic behavior. Synonyms bookish