Level G Unit 13

ABSTRUSE Definition: (adj.) extremely difficult to understand Synonyms: esoteric, arcane Antonyms: simple, straightforward

AFFRONT Definition: (n.) an open or intentional insult; a slight; (v.) to insult to someone’s face; to face in defiance, confront Synonyms: offense or offend Antonyms: compliment, praise

CANARD Definition: (n.) false rumor, fabricated story Synonyms: hoax

CAPTIOUS Definition: (adj.) excessively ready to find fault; given to petty criticism Synonyms: faultfinding, nit-picking Antonyms: uncritical

COGNIZANT Definition: (adj.) aware, knowledgeable, informed Synonyms: conscious, acquainted Antonyms: unaware, oblivious

CONTRITE Definition: (adj.) regretful for some misdeed or sin; plagued by a sense of guilt Synonyms: remorseful Antonyms: unrepentant, unapologetic

CYNOSURE Definition: (n.) the center of attraction, attention, or interest Synonyms: focus

DECOROUS Definition: (adj.) well behaved, dignified, socially proper Synonyms: becoming, tasteful Antonyms: improper, unbecoming

DEIGN Definition: (v.) to think it appropriate or suitable to one’s dignity to do something, to condescend Synonyms: deem, stoop

DESICCATED Definition: (adj.) thoroughly dried out; divested of spirit or vitality Synonyms: dehydrated, parched Antonyms: sodden, drenched

EFFICACY Definition: (n.) the power to produce a desired result Synonyms: effectiveness, reliability Antonyms: ineffectiveness

ENGENDER Definition: (v.) to bring into existence, give rise to, produce; to come into existence, assume form Synonyms: beget, generate, cause Antonyms: stop, deter

ETHEREAL Definition: (adj.) light, airy, delicate; highly refined; suggesting what is heavenly (rather than earthbound) Synonyms: heavenly, gossamer Antonyms: infernal, hellish, heavy

FACADE Definition: (n.) the front or face of a building; a surface appearance Synonyms: exterior, mask, pretense Antonyms: interior

GHOULISH Definition: (adj.) revolting in an unnatural or morbid way; suggestive of someone who robs graves or otherwise prey on the dead Synonyms: fiendish, monstrous

INCONGRUOUS Definition: (adj.) not in keeping, unsuitable, incompatible Synonyms: discordant, jarring Antonyms: compatible, harmonious

MACHINATION Definition: (n.) a crafty, scheming, or underhanded action designed to accomplish some (usually evil) end Synonyms: plot, scheme

MESMERIZE Definition: (v.) to hypnotize, entrance; to fascinate, enthrall, bewitch

OPPROBRIUM Definition: (n.) disgrace arising from shameful conduct, contempt Synonyms: infamy, dishonor, shame Antonyms: acclaim, honor, glory

PUTATIVE Definition: (adj.) generally regarded as such; reputed, inferred Synonyms: supposed, presumed Antonyms: known, confirmed