1. Lesson Nine English II

2. machination Definition Example  (n) an evil design or plan  syn: scheme; plot  Once again, the superhero foiled the machinations of the evil scientist.

3. pejorative Definition Example  (adj) having a negative effect; insulting  syn: disparaging; derogatory  ant: complimentary  Lenny resigned after overhearing his coworkers’ pejorative remarks.

4. harbinger Definition Example  (n) an omen or sign  syn: warning; portent  To many, the black cat is a harbinger of bad luck.

5. nubile Definition Example  (adj) suitable for marriage in age and physical development, referring to a female  In six years, she grew from a skinny twelve-year-old to a nubile young woman.

6. sapient Definition Example  (adj) wise; full of knowledge  syn: sagacious  ant: fatuous; inane  Everyone sought advice from the sapient monk who lived on the mountain.

7. chimerical Definition Example  (adj) imaginary; fantastic  syn: absurd; illusionary  ant: practical  Little Tina had a chimerical notion that rabbits lived in trees.

8. masochist Definition Example  (n) one who enjoys his or her own pain and suffering  Sue accused her friend of being a masochist because he refused to go to the doctor despite his broken toes.

9. finesse Definition Example  (n) diplomacy; tact; artful management  syn: skill; cunning  ant: tactlessness  The diplomat had the finesse to deal with the troublesome nation.

10. heterogeneous Definition Example  (adj) different; dissimilar  syn: diverse; varied  ant: homogeneous; similar  The platoon was a heterogeneous group of young men from various backgrounds.

11. eclectic Definition Example  (adj) choosing from various sources  syn: selective  ant: narrow  The eclectic furnishings were from many different nations and historical periods.

12. grandiose Definition Example  (adj) impressive; showy; magnificent  syn: stately; imposing  ant: humble  The young couple could not afford the grandiose home, so they found a smaller house.

13. raiment Definition Example  (n) clothing; garments  The royal raiment of the princess is copied by the fashion industry for the department-store market.

14. blanch Definition Example  (v) to whiten; to make pale  Sue’s face blanched when she saw the charred remains of her house.

15. hybrid Definition Example  (n) anything of mixed origin  The hybrid roses had the best traits of two different species.

16. idiosyncrasy Definition Example  (n) a peculiar personality trait  syn: eccentricity; quirk  Hiding money in tin cans was only one of the old man’s idiosyncrasies.