1. Lesson 4 Vocabulary
2017

2. 1. hypocrite- someone who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, etc. that he or she does not possess.
Mark called Tammy a hypocrite because she always claimed to care about the environment, yet she littered.
2. veneer- a thin surface layer
Sherry wears a veneer of friendliness while constantly trying to backstab everyone in the office.

3. 3. varmint- an undesirable animal, usually a scavenger
The sheriff in the movie gets revenge on the dirty varmint who killed his brother.
4. furtive- secret or shifty; sneaky
Cameron walked outside in a furtive manner so that her parents would not see her.

4. 5. notoriety- the state of being known for some unfavorable act or quality.
Because of John’s notoriety for being a mean drunk, he is rarely invited to parties where alcohol is served.
6. dictum- a formal pronouncement from an authoritative source; a short statement that expresses a general truth or principle.
My suspicious aunt is quick to remind us of the dictum that encourages to keep our enemies close.

5. 8. impudent- not showing due respect for another person.
7. impotent- unable to take effective action; helpless or powerless
When my husband was diagnosed with cancer, I felt impotent because I could not help him with his pain.
8. impudent- not showing due respect for another person.
If the homeless man hadn’t been so impudent, I might have given him a few bucks.

6. 9. nebulous- in the form of a cloud or haze; hazy
After the accident, his memories were quite nebulous.
10. lavation- washings; the process of bathing
Because our home gets filthy rather quickly, a complete lavation of our home, inside and out, takes place every weekend.

7. 11. pilgrimage- a journey or long quest for knowledge or religious reasons
Malcolm X made a pilgrimage to Mecca.
12. volition- the act of making a conscious decision
Despite my parents’ preference, I have decided to attend an out-of-state college on my own volition.

8. 13. expunge-strike out; erase
Tom was relieved that the crime would be expunged from his record.
14. auspicious- favorable; conducive to success
It was not the most auspicious time for an election.

9. 15. acquit- to declare someone innocent
Mason knew that there was too much evidence against him to acquit him of the crime.
16. temerity- reckless, offensive boldness
We were shocked that Anna had the temerity to challenge the principal’s authority.

10. 17. contraband- goods that are illegally imported or exported
The inmate’s wife was arrested for trying to bring contraband into the jail.
18. cynical- distrustful of human nature
After being dumped by his girlfriend, Frank was cynical about dating other women.

11. 19. vehement- with conviction or force
Mary was vehement about monitoring the actions of the police as they sought her husband’s killer.
20. heathen- someone who deliberately insults religion, God, or a way of life.
The missionary tried to teach the heathen about Christianity.