1. Building an Enriched Vocabulary
Lesson 5

2. Absolve – verb To clear of guilt or blame.
Synonyms – acquit, exonerate, vindicate
The evidence the attorney presented absolved his client of taking part in the crime and proved his innocence.

3. Affable - adjective
Courteous and agreeable in manner; easy to talk to or approach.
Synonyms – sociable, amiable, friendly
My next-door neighbor is one of the most affable people I know, always pleasant and helpful to everyone.

4. Ambivalent - adjective
Wavering or uncertain because of an inability to make a choice between two contradictory feelings or viewpoints in regard to a person, a thing, or a course of action.
Synonyms – contradictory, opposing, conflicting
My parents have ambivalent feelings about the college I have chosen, feeling that their choice would suit me better.

5. Arbitrary - adjective
Subject to or determined by one’s judgment; random.
Arrived at by an exercise of the will, personal preference, or by whim.
Given to willful decisions or demands.
Synonyms – judgmental, irrational, prejudiced
The captain of the team had problems with his players because he was so arbitrary and overbearing that they would not cooperate with him.

6. Atrophy – noun and verb (noun) A failure to develop normally.
Synonyms – deterioration, degeneration, decay
The atrophy of the muscles in her right arm, causing it to look thinner than the left arm, is the result of wearing a cast for a long time.
(verb) To waste away.
Synonyms – decay, deteriorate, shrivel
The pitcher’s talent began to atrophy because of injuries and age.

7. Banal - adjective Made stale by constant use or repetition.
Synonyms – trite, commonplace, stereotyped
Instead of the speech being filled with humor and excitement, it was banal and flat.

8. Bombastic - adjective Pompous or inflated in language.
Synonyms – grandiose, extravagant
The candidate for governor lost the election after delivering a bombastic campaign speech causing voters to feel he was out of touch with common citizens.

9. Callous - adjective Unfeeling or insensitive.
Synonyms – indifferent, unsympathetic, hard-hearted
The sight of people suffering after the earthquake brought tears to the eyes of even the most callous observers.

10. Charlatan - Noun
Anyone who claims to have skills or knowledge that he or she does not possess.
Synonyms – imposter, quack, fraud
The doctor who was promoting a miracle diet that did not work was proven to be a charlatan.

11. Compatible - adjective
Capable of use with some other brand or model.
Capable of living or getting along together.
Synonyms – agreeable, harmonious, consistent
Be careful that the software you are installing is compatible with the operating system on your computer, or it will not work.