ACT/SAT Vocabulary Unit 12

Absolve

(v) to clear from blame, responsibility, or guilt Syn: acquit, exonerateAnt: condemn, incriminate

Caricature(n) a representation (especially a

drawing) in which the subject’s characteristic features are deliberately exaggerated; (v) to present someone or something in a deliberately distorted way.

Syn: cartoon, parody

Enhance(v) to raise to higher

degree; to increase the value or desirability of

Syn: magnify, elevateAnt: diminish, degrade

Implicit

(adj) implied or understood though unexpressed; without doubts or reservations, unquestioning; potentially contained in

Syn; inferred, unspokenAnt: explicit, stated

Ostentatious

(adj) marked by conspicuous or pretentious display, showy

Syn: flashy, flamboyantAnt: plain, simple

Paragon

(n) a model of excellence or perfection Syn: exemplar, paradigm

Redundant

(adj) extra, excess, more than is needed; wordy, repetitive; profuse, lush

Syn: unnecessary, superfluousAnt: succinct, terse

Challenge Word: Incisive

(adj) sharp, keen, penetrating (with suggestion of decisiveness and effectiveness)

Syn: acute, perceptive

Challenge Word: Prosaic

(adj) dull, lacking in distinction and originality; matter- of- fact, straight forward; characteristic of prose, not poetic

Syn: commonplace, pedestrianAnt: remarkable, distinctive

Challenge Word: Winsome

(adj) charming, attractive, pleasing (often suggesting a childlike charm and innocence)

Syn: engaging, delightfulAnt: unattractive, repulsive