English 11 Advanced Vocabulary C
List 1
1. adroit adj. skillful, clever syn: dexterous; apt ant: clumsy, awkward
2. adulterate v. to make impure, to contaminate adj. impure ant: refine; refined
3. adventitious adj. accidental; nonessential syn: incidental
4. aegis n. a shield; protection; sponsorship syn: backing
5. aesthetic adj. pertaining to beauty syn: artistic
6. affectation n. a phony attitude; pose syn: insincerity; sham ant: sincerity, genuine
7. affinity n. an attraction to syn: partiality, fondness ant: aversion
8. affluence n. wealth; richness syn: abundance ant: impoverished, destitute
9. agape adj. open-mouthed; surprised; agog syn: awe-stricken
10. aggrandize v. to enlarge; to expand syn: increase, augment, enrich ant: decrease, diminish
11. altruism n. a concern for others; generosity syn: unselfishness, magnanimity ant: selfishness, egoism
12. ambiguous adj. open to more than one interpretation syn: unclear, uncertain, vague ant: explicit,
definite
13. amoral adj. lacking a sense of right and wrong
14. amorphous adj. shapeless, formless, vague
15. animosity n. hatred syn: ill-will, hostility ant: friendliness, congeniality
List 2
1. antipathy n. an intense dislike syn: aversion ant: affinity
2. antithesis n. an exact opposite; an opposite extreme
3. badinage n. playful, teasing talk v. to banter; to tease with playful talk
4. banal adj. common, ordinary syn: trivial, insipid ant: original, fresh
5. baroque adj. overly decorated syn: ornate ant: simple
6. bauble n. a showy but useless thing syn: trinket
7. bedlam n. a noisy uproar; a scene of wild confusion
8. beguile v. to deceive; to charm; to enchant
9. besiege v. to overwhelm; to surround and attack
10. besmirch v. to make dirty; to stain syn: soil, sully, smear ant: cleanse
11. bestial adj. savage, brutal syn: brutish, vile, cruel ant: humane, kind
12. bilious adj. bad tempered; cross syn: grouchy, cantankerous ant: pleasant
13. blanch v. to whiten, to make pale
14. bland adj. mild, tasteless, dull syn: smooth, agreeable ant: exciting, thrilling
15. blandishment n. flattery
English 11 Advanced Vocabulary C
List 3
1. bombast n. impressive but meaningless language
2. bona fide adj. in good faith syn: legitimate, genuine ant: fraudulent, phony
3. boor n. a rude or impolite person syn: buffoon, clown ant: sophisticate
4. bovine adj. pertaining to cows or cattle
5. bowdlerize v. to remove offensive passage of a play, novel, etc. syn: to censor
6. brevity n. briefness; short duration syn: terseness, conciseness ant: long-windedness
7. bucolic adj. pertaining to the countryside; rural, rustic syn: pastoral
8. cajole v. to coax, to persuade, to wheedle
9. callow adj. young and inexperienced syn: immature ant: mature, sophisticated
10. carcinogen n. causing cancer
11. carnal adj. sensual, sexual syn: erotic, voluptuous ant: chaste, modest
12. carrion n. decaying flesh
13. cataclysm n. a violent change syn: disaster, catastrophe ant: triumph, boon
14. cataract n. large waterfall; an abnormality of the eye
15. caveat n. a warning
List 4
1. celibate n. unmarried adj. abstaining from sex
2. censure v. to criticize sharply syn: blame, condemn, reproach ant: praise, applaud
3. cessation n. a stopping; a discontinuance syn: a pause, a ceasing ant: a beginning, a commencement
4. chaff n. worthless matter
5. chagrin n. embarrassment; a complete loss of courage
6. chimerical adj. imaginary; fantastic syn: absurd, illusionary ant: practical
7. coalesce v. to blend, to merge syn: mix, unite, combine ant: separate, divide
8. debacle n. a complete failure; a total collapse syn: a sudden disaster ant: success, triumph
9. debauchery n. corruption; self-indulgence syn: excess, dissipation
10. deference n. respect; consideration syn: regard, honor ant: contempt
11. defile v. to pollute, to corrupt
12. deign v. to lower oneself before an inferior syn: stoop, condescend
13. delineate v. to describe, to depict
14. demeanor n. behavior; manner of conducting oneself syn: deportment
15. denouement n. an outcome, result syn: conclusion
English 11 Advanced Vocabulary C
List 5
1. deride v. to ridicule, to mock syn: to scorn ant: to praise
2. desiccated adj. dried up
3. despicable adj. contemptible, hateful syn: vile, base ant: laudable, worthy
4. desultory adj. wandering from subject to subject syn: disconnected; rambling
5. deviate v. to turn aside syn: digress, stray
6. diadem n. a crown
7. diaphanous adj. very sheer and light syn: transparent, gossamer ant: opaque
8. dichotomy n. a division into tow parts
9. ebullient adj. enthusiastic
10. eclectic adj. choosing from various sources syn: discriminating, selective, catholic ant: narrow
11. edify v. improve someone morally
12. effete adj. worn out; barren syn: exhausted; spent and sterile ant: vital, vigorous
13. egregious adj. remarkably bad; outrageous syn: flagrant, gross ant: moderate
14. elegy n. a sad or mournful poem
15. elicit v. to draw forth; to call forth
List 6
1. elixir n. a supposed remedy for all ailments syn: medicine; panacea
2. elucidate v. to make clear syn: explain, clarify ant: obscure
3. emanate v. to come forth; to send forth syn: rise, emerge
4. emendation n. a correction
5. empathy n. an understanding of another’s feelings
6. empirical adj. based on practical experience rather than theory syn: observable ant: theoretical
7. endemic adj. confined to a particular country or area.
8. enervate v. to weaken syn: devitalize, exhaust ant: energize, strengthen
9. ennui n. boredom; a weariness resulting from a lack of interest ant: excitement, interest
10. ephemeral adj. lasting only a brief time; short-lived syn: transient, fleeting ant: permanent
11. epitome n. a typical example; a condensed account
12. ergo conj. therefore syn: consequently; hence
13. erotic adj. pertaining to sexual love
14. eschew v. to keep away from; to avoid; to shun ant: to embrace, welcome
15. facetious adj. comical; jocular; flippant syn: joking, witty, jocose ant: solemn, serious
English 11 Advanced Vocabulary C
List 7
1. factious adj. causing disagreement
2. fastidious adj. hard to please; fussy syn: meticulous, exacting ant: casual, lax
3. fatuous adj. foolish, inane syn: silly ant: sensible, wise
4. fecund adj. fertile, productive syn: prolific ant: sterile
5. ferret n. a small animal of the weasel family v. to search or drive out
6. fervent adj. eager, earnest syn: burning, passionate, ardent ant: apathetic
7. fetish n. an object that receives respect or devotion syn: charm, talisman
8. finesse n. diplomacy; tact; artful management syn: skill, cunning ant: tactlessness
9. fiscal adj. pertaining to finances
10. fissure n. an opening; a groove; a split
11. flaccid adj. flabby syn: weak, feeble ant: solid, taut
12. flagellate v. to whip; to lash syn: flog
13. flaunt v. to show off syn: to boast, exhibit ant: conceal
14. flout v. to ridicule; to show contempt for syn: mock, scoff ant: esteem, revere
15. foment v. to stir up; to incite syn: instigate; arouse ant: quell, curb
List 8
1. fop n. an excessively fashion-conscious man syn: dandy
2. fortuitous n. adj. lucky; by chance syn: accidental, unexpected ant: premeditated, intentional
3. gambol v. to frolic; to romp about playfully syn: play, caper, rollick
4. garish adj. tastelessly gaudy syn: showy; glaring, flashy ant: sedate, conservative
5. garner v. to gather, to acquire
6. garrulous v. talkative syn: loquacious, verbose ant: taciturn
7. germane adj. relevant; fitting syn: appropriate, pertinent, suitable ant: irrelevant
8. gibe v. to scoff, to ridicule syn: jeer, taunt, sneer ant: compliment, praise
9. gloat v. to look at or think about with great satisfaction syn: to revel in, to crow over ant: belittle
10. glower v. to stare angrily syn: to frown, scowl ant: grin
11. grandiose adj. impressive, showy, magnificent
12. gratuitous adj. unnecessary or uncalled for
13. grotesque adj. absurd; distorted
14. gumption n. courage and initiative; common sense syn: enterprise, aggressiveness
15. hackneyed adj. commonplace; overused syn: trite, banal ant: fresh, imaginative
English 11 Advanced Vocabulary C
List 9
1. halcyon adj. calm, pleasant syn: tranquil, unruffled ant: troubled, tumultuous
2. hallow v. to make holy adj. holy syn: bless; consecrate ant: desecrate
3. harbinger n. an omen or sign syn: portent
4. harlequin n. a clown
5. hector v. to bully; to pester syn: browbeat
6. hedonism n. pursuit of pleasure, especially of the senses
7. hegira n. flight, escape
8. hermetic adj. tightly sealed syn: airtight
9. heterogeneous adj. different; similar syn: diverse, varied ant: homogeneous, similar
10. hiatus n. a pause or gap
11. hoi polloi n. common people; the masses
12. hospice n. a shelter
13. hubris n. excessive pride or self-confidence syn: haughtiness, arrogance ant: humility, diffidence
14. hybrid n. anything of mixed origin adj. mixed, assorted
15. idiosyncrasy n. a peculiar personality trait
List 10
1. idolatry n. excessive or blind adoration; worship of an object
2. ignoble adj. dishonorable, shameful syn: despicable, base ant: noble, glorious
3. imminent adj. likely to happen, threatening syn: impending, close at hand ant: distant, delayed
4. immolate v. to kill someone as a sacrificial victim, usually by fire
5. immutable adj. unchangeable, fixed syn: enduring ant: flexible, changeable
6. impair v. to weaken; to cause to become worse syn: damage; deteriorate ant: enhance
7. impale v. to pierce with a sharp stake through the body
8. impalpable adj. unable to be felt, intangible
9. impecunious adj. without money; penniless syn: destitute, indigent ant: affluent prosperous
10. impediment n. a barrier; obstruction syn: obstacle, hindrance ant: aid
11. imperative adj. extremely necessary; vitally important
12. imperious adj. domineering; haughty syn: overbearing; arrogant; masterful ant: servile, submissive
13. impinge v. to strike; to encroach
14. impious adj. disrespectful toward God syn: irreligious, profane ant: devout, pious
15. importune v. to persistently ask; to beg
English 11 Advanced Vocabulary C
List 11
1. impotent adj. powerless; lacking strength syn: ineffective, helpless ant: potent, powerful
2. imprecation n. a curse
3. jocular adj. humorous, lighthearted syn: joking; witty, amusing ant: solemn, morose
4. juxtapose v to place side by side for comparison
5. kinetic adj. pertaining to motion
6. kismet n. destiny; fate; fortune (one’s lot in life)
7. knell n. a sound made by a bell rung slowly for a death or funeral
8. labyrinth n. a complicated network of winding passages; a maze
9. lachrymose adj. tearful, weepy
10. laconic adj. using few words; short; concise syn: pithy, taciturn ant: verbose, loquacious
11. lambent adj. softly bright or radiant; running or moving lightly over a surface
12. languid adj. sluggish; drooping from weakness syn: listless, feeble, drooping ant: robust, vigorous
13. lascivious adj. lustful or lewd; inciting sexual desire syn: wanton, obscene ant: wholesome, decent
14. legerdemain n. slight of hand; deception
15. libertine n. one who leads an immoral life
List 12
1. machination n. an evil design or plan syn: a scheme, a plot, intrigue
2. macroscopic adj. visible to the naked eye ant: microscopic
3. maelstrom n. whirlpool; turbulence; agitated state of mind
4. malapropism n. a word humorously misused
5. malleable adj. capable of being changed; easily shaped syn: workable ant: rigid, inflexible
6. martinet n. a strict disciplinarian; taskmaster
7. masochist n. one who enjoys his or her own pain and suffering
8. mendacious adj. lying; false; deceitful syn: duplicitous ant: veracity, truthfulness
9. meretricious adj. attractive in a cheap, flashy way syn: gaudy, showy, tawdry ant: restrained,
tasteful
10. milieu n. environment, setting
11. miscreant n. a vicious person syn: villain, criminal, knave
12. nebulous adj. hazy, vague, uncertain syn: cloudy, indistinct, obscure ant: distinct, precise
13. necromancy n. magic, especially that practiced by a witch syn: black magic, conjuring
14. neologism n. use of a new word; making up a new word or definition
15. nihilism n. a total rejection of established laws
English 11 Advanced Vocabulary C
List 13
1. nirvana n. a condition of great peace or happiness
2. nonentity n. a person or thing of little importance
3. non sequitur n. something that does not logically follow
4. nubile adj. a female suitable for marriage in regard to age and physical development
5. obdurate adj. stubborn, hardhearted syn: inflexible, obstinate ant: compliant, amenable
6. obfuscate v. to confuse; to bewilder syn: muddle, obscure ant: clarify, elucidate
7. obloquy n. strong disapproval; a bad reputation resulting from public criticism syn: censure, rebuke
ant: acclaim, praise
8. obsequious adj. excessively submissive or overly attentive syn: servile, fawning ant: domineering,
haughty
9. obviate v. to prevent; to get around syn: circumvent
10. offal n. garbage; waste parts
11. olfactory adj. pertaining to smell
12. onerous adj. burdensome; heavy; hard to endure
13. onus n. a burden, responsibility, obligation
14. optimum n. adj. the best, the most favorable, the ideal
15. opulent adj. rich, luxurious; wealthy
List 14
1. orifice n. mouth, opening
2. orthography n. correct spelling
3. paleontology n. a science dealing with prehistoric life through study of fossils
4. palliate v. to ease, to lessen, to soothe
5. panache n. self-confidence; a showy manner
6. pandemic adj. general; widespread
7. panegyric n. an expression of praise syn: tribute, extolment ant: denunciation
8. paradigm n. a model, an example
9. parochial adj. local; narrow; limited syn: provincial, narrow-minded ant: universal, catholic
10. parody n. a work which imitates another in a ridiculous manner syn: caricature, burlesque, lampoon
11. paroxysm n. a sudden outburst; a fit
12. patent adj. evident or obvious
13. peccadillo n. a minor offense, a misdeed
14. pecuniary adj. pertaining to money; financial
15. pedantic adj. tending to show off one’s learning
English 11 Advanced Vocabulary C
List 15
1. pedestrian adj. a person or thing said to be ordinary or dull syn: commonplace, mediocre ant:
imaginative, compelling
2. pejorative adj. having a negative effect; insulting syn: disparaging, derogatory ant: complimentary
3. perdition n. damnation; ruin; hell
4. perfunctory adj. done without care; in a routine fashion syn: indifferent, offhand ant: diligent,
attentive
5. perspicacity n. keenness of judgment syn: acuteness, discernment ant: density; vacuousness
6. peruse n. to read carefully; scrutinize
7. quagmire n. a swamp; a difficult or inextricable situation
8. quandary n. a puzzling situation; a dilemma syn: predicament
9. quasi- adj. resembling; seeming; half
10. querulous adj. complaining; grumbling syn: fretful, peevish ant: complacent, satisfied
11. quiddity n. an essential quality
12. raiment n. clothing; garments
13. rakish adj. carefree; dashing; jaunty
14. ratiocinate v. to reason; to think
15. rationalize v. to make an excuse for
List 16
1. rebuke v. to scold; to blame syn: admonish, reprimand ant: praise, laud
2. recant v. to withdraw or disavow a statement or opinion
3. recapitulate v. to summarize; to repeat briefly
4. recoil v. to retreat; to draw back
5. recondite adj. difficult to understand; profound
6. recreant n. a coward, a traitor
7. rectify v. to correct; to make right
8. redolent adj. having a pleasant odor; suggestive or evocative
9. redundant adj. repetitious; using more words than needed syn: wordy, excessive, superfluous,
unnecessary ant: essential
10. regale v. to delight with something pleasing or amusing
11. regress v. to move in a backward direction
12. sacrosanct adj. extremely hold
13. sadistic adj. deriving pleasure from inflicting pain on others
14. sagacious adj. wise; having keen perception and sound judgment syn: shrewd, intelligent ant:
obtuse, fatuous
15. salacious adj. obscene; lusty syn: lecherous, lustful ant: chaste
English 11 Advanced Vocabulary C
List 17
1. salient adj. significant; conspicuous; standing out from the rest
2. salutary adj. healthful; wholesome syn: beneficial ant: pernicious
3. sang-froid n. calmness; composure or cool self-possession syn: aplomb ant: uneasiness,
perturbation
4. sanguine adj. cheerful; optimistic
5. sapient adj. wise; full of knowledge syn: sagacious ant: fatuous, inane
6. saturnine adj. gloomy; sluggish syn: sullen, morose ant: genial
7. savant n. a person of extensive learning; an eminent scholar
8. scintillate v. to sparkle; to twinkle; to sparkle intellectually
9. scurrilous adj. coarsely abusive; vulgar
10. sedition n. rebellion or resistance against the government
11. sedulous adj. hard working; diligent
12. sentient adj. conscious; capable of feeling or perception
13. shard n. a fragment
14. shibboleth n. a slogan; a password
15. sibilant adj. a hissing sound