Level G

Level G

Unit 2Vocabulary

ACCOST Definition: (v.) to approach and speak to first; to

confront in a challenging or aggressive way Synonyms: buttonhole, approach, confront Antonyms: evade, avoid, shun

ANIMADVERSION Definition: (n.) a comment indicating strong

criticism or disapproval Synonyms: rebuke, reproof Antonyms: praise, compliment

AVIDDefinition: (adj.) desirous of something to

the point of greed; intensely eagerSynonyms: keen, enthusiastic, graspingAntonyms: reluctant, unenthusiastic

BRACKISHDefinition: (adj.) having a salty taste and

unpleasant to drinkSynonyms: briny, salineAntonyms: fresh, clear, sweet

CELERITY Definition: (n.) swiftness, rapidity of motion or

action Synonyms: promptness, speed Antonyms: slowness, sluggishness

DEVIOUS Definition: (adj.) straying or wandering from a

straight or direct course; acting in an underhanded way

Synonyms: indirect, tricky, sly Antonyms: direct, straightforward, open

GAMBITDefinition: (n.) in chess, an opening move

that involves risk or sacrifice of a minor piece in order to gain a later advantage

Synonyms: ploy, ruse, stratagem

HALCYONDefinition: (n.) a legendary bird identified

with the kingfisher; (adj.) calm, peaceful, Synonyms: tranquil, serene, placidAntonyms: turbulent, chaotic

HISTRIONIC Definition: (adj.) pertaining to actors and their

techniques; theatrical, artificial; melodramatic Synonyms: affected, stagy Antonyms: low-keyed, muted, untheatrical

INCENDIARY Definition: (adj.) deliberately setting or causing

fires; tending to stir up strife or rebellion; (n.) one who deliberately sets fires, arsonist

Synonyms: inflammatory, firebrand Antonyms: soothing, quieting, peacemaker

MAELSTROMDefinition: (n.) a whirlpool of great size and

violence; a situation with great violenceSynonyms: vortex, chaos, turbulence

MYOPICDefinition: (adj.) nearsighted; lacking a

broad, realistic view of a situationSynonyms: shortsightedAntonyms: farsighted

OVERTDefinition: (adj.) open, not hidden,

expressed or revealed in a way that is easily recognized

Synonyms: clear, obviousAntonyms: secret, clandestine, covert

PEJORATIVEDefinition: (adj.) tending to make worse;

expressing disapproval or belittlingAntonyms: complimentary

PROPRIETYDefinition: (n.) the state of being proper,

appropriatenessSynonyms: fitness, correctnessAntonyms: unseemliness,inappropriate

SACRILEGEDefinition: (n.) improper or disrespectful

treatment of something held sacredSynonyms: desecration, profanation

SUMMARILYDefinition: (adv.) without delay or formality;

briefly, conciselySynonyms: promptly, abruptly

SUPPLIANTDefinition: (adj.) asking humbly and

earnestly (n.) one who makes a request humbly and earnestly, a petitioner

TALISMANDefinition: (n.) an object that serves as a

charm or is believed to confer magical powers, an amulet

UNDULATEDefinition: (v.) to move in waves or with a

wavelike motion; to have a wavelike appearance or form

Synonyms: ripple, fluctuate