English II

Lesson Ten

Definition(n) excessive or

blind adoration; worship of an object

The priest accused them of idolatry for worshipping a statue.

idolatry

Example

Definition(v) to make impure;

to contaminatesyn: taint; corruptant: refine; refined

The fumes from the automobiles adulterate the air.

adulterate

Example

Definition(v) to come forth; to

send forthsyn: rise; emerge

She tried to control her anger, but harsh words began to emanate from her lips.

emanate

Example

Definition(adj) tastelessly

gaudysyn: showy; glaring;

flashyant: sedate;

conservative

The gypsy costumes were too garish for my taste.

garish

Example

Definition(adj) unchangeable;

fixedsyn: enduringant: flexible;

changeable

The laws of nature are immutable.

immutable

Example

Definition(n) a crown Peter referred to his

wife’s blonde hair as her golden diadem.

diadem

Example

Definition(adj) pertaining to

the countryside; rural; rustic

syn: pastoralant: urban

The bucolic setting of the old inn made it a popular retreat from the city.

bucolic

Example

Definition(adj) having a

pleasant odorsyn: aromaticant: acrid

The new fabric softener is advertised as being redolent of a spring day.

redolent

Example

Definition(adj) without money;

pennilesssyn: destitute;

indigentant: affluent;

prosperous

Though impecunious, the man’s pride prevented him from asking for help.

impecunious

Example

Definition(n) rebellion or

resistance against the government

syn: treachery; disloyalty

The rebels were charged with sedition when they protested the new dictator.

sedition

Example

Definition(v) to pollute; to

corruptThe oil spill defiled

the entire bay.

defile

Example

Definition(adj) unnecessary or

uncalled forHe always gave

gratuitous advice whether someone wanted it or not.

gratuitous

Example

Definition(n) a burden; a

responsibilitysyn: obligation

When father died, Jake had the onus of running the farm.

onus

Example

Definition(adj) disrespectful

toward Godsyn: irreligious;

profaneant: devout; pious

Some consider laughing in church to be impious behavior.

impious

Example

Definition(n) a warningsyn: admonition;

caution

John had so much confidence in his ability that he did not heed the old caveat about swimming alone.

caveat

Example