1. VOCABULARY
UNIT 4

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

3. 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The state legislators voted by an overwhelming majority to ANNUL the out-of-date law.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

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

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

6. (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

7. 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

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

9. 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

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

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

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

13. 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

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

15. 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

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

17. 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

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

19. 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

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

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

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

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

24. (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

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

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

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

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

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

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

31. 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

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

33. 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

34. (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

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

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

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

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

39. 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

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

41. 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