1. Lesson Three
English II

2. pedestrian Definition Example (adj) ordinary or dull
syn: commonplace; mediocre
ant: imaginative; compelling
The crowd responded to the pedestrian speech with yawns.

3. bona fide Definition Example (adj) in good faith
syn: legitimate; genuine
ant: fraudulent; phony
We made a bona fide offer for the property.

4. adventitious Definition Example (adj) accidental; nonessential
syn: incidental
The scientists admitted that the breakthrough was an adventitious result of the study.

5. fecund Definition Example (adj) fertile; productive syn: prolific
ant: sterile
The fecund soil produced a record number of tomatoes this year.

6. deviate Definition Example (v) to turn aside from a course; to stray
syn: digress
Sometimes it’s better to deviate from the truth than to hurt someone’s feelings.

7. obfuscate Definition Example (v) to confuse; to bewilder
syn: muddle; obscure
ant: clarify; elucidate
The realtor tried to obfuscate the issue, and it was working, because the confused buyer did not know if he was coming or going.

8. impale Definition Example
(v) to pierce with a sharp stake through the body
The natives used sharp sticks to impale fish in the tide pools.

9. extenuate Definition Example
(v) to lessen seriousness by providing partial excuses
The jury believes that the thief’s situation extenuates the crime of stealing food.

10. parochial Definition Example (adj) local; narrow; limited
syn: provincial; narrow-minded
ant: universal; catholic
Because he had never traveled outside his own town, Jim had a very parochial view of life.

11. glower Definition Example (v) to stare angrily syn: frown; scowl
ant: grin
The boy glowered at his mother when she corrected his manners.

12. edify Definition Example (v) to improve someone morally
The sermon was meant to edify the congregation.

13. ambiguous Definition Example
(adj) open to more than one interpretation
syn: unclear; uncertain; vague
ant: explicit; definite
The candidate’s ambiguous comments tended to confuse the issue even more.

14. cataclysm Definition Example (n) a violent change
syn: disaster; catastrophe
ant: triumph; boon
The earthquake in Mexico was a cataclysm which no one could have foreseen.

15. optimum Definition Example (adj) best; most favorable; ideal
The pilot was waiting for optimum conditions before setting out on the dangerous flight.

16. importune Definition Example (v) to ask persistently; to beg
syn: appeal; badger
John importuned his father, but could not get the car keys.