lesson 5

Laconic

Meaning: using few words

Synonym: brief - short

Example: His laconic reply suggested a lack of interest in

the topic.

Throng

Meaning: crowd
Synonym: army- band

Example: A throng of officers surrounded him

intrepid

Meaning: fearless and brave

Synonym: unafraid- bold

Antonym: fearful

Example: You are an intrepid explorer trapped in a large

maze.
Accost

Meaning: approach and speak to a person aggressively

Synonym: talk to - address

Example: He was accosted by gangsters in the Subway

Reticent

Meaning: not telling people what you feel or think

Synonym: introverted - silent

Example: He was reticent to do anything about the

problem.
 Lesson 6

Furtive

Meaning: Secretly

Synonyms: Secretive

Example: The records showed furtive criminal activity.

Felon

Meaning: A person guilty of a major crime.

Synonym: criminal

Example: By law, a convicted felon is not allowed to

possess or use a firearm.

Plethora

Meaning: a large or excessive amount of something.

Synonyms: plenty

Example: I have a plethora of shirts, so I will donate

some.

Hapless

Meaning: Unfortunate

Synonyms: Having no luck

Example: Henry was the most hapless of monarchs.

Irate

Meaning: Angry, feeling or characterized by great anger.

Synonyms: furious

Antonym: Calm

Example: She seemed more genuinely shocked than irate.

Lesson 7

Pretext

Meaning: An excuse
Synonyms: excuse

Example: It would be a very unprofitable pretext for

murder.

Fabricate

Meaning: To lie; to construct

Synonyms: fake

Antonym: Truth

Example: A story fabricated to sell magazines.

Adroit
Meaning: Skillful

Synonym: skilled

Example: It was the adroit way to solve the problem.

Gesticulate

Meaning: use gestures, especially dramatic ones, instead of

speaking or to emphasize one's words.

Synonym: gesture

Example: He gesticulated with his shoulders and barely

moved his arms.

Vigilant
Meaning: Watchful, awake

Synonym: attentive

Antonym: unaware

Example: You will have to be vigilant in your work in order

to earn an A in this class.

Lesson 8

Avid

Meaning: having or showing a keen interest in or

enthusiasm for something-eager.

Synonym: eager
Antonym: Uneager

Example: She's an avid reader of historical novels.

Cajole

Meaning: persuade (someone) to do something by

sustained coaxing or flattery.

Synonym: persuade

Example: He hoped to cajole her into selling the house.

Rudimentary

Meaning: Basic – primary

Synonym: elementary

Example: He received a rudimentary education.

Enhance

Meaning: intensify, increase, or further improve the

quality, value, or extent of.

Synonym: increase

Example: Good lighting will enhance any room.

Nuance

Meaning: a subtle difference in or shade of meaning,

expression, or sound.
Synonym: shade

Example: Because she is a chef, she notices every nuance

of flavor in the meal.