Vocabulary WordsAmerican Literature

Week #4

Adversity

AdversityDefinition: (n) a state of misfortune

or affliction

Synonym: hardship, difficulty, obstacle

Antonym: pleasure, benefit, freedom

Brazen

BrazenDefinition: (adj) unrestrained by

convention or propriety; rude

Synonym: bold, shameless, blatant

Antonym: discreet, subtle, restrained

Clairvoyant

Clairvoyant Definition: (n/adj) someone who claims

to have knowledge of the future Synonym: psychic, mind-reader,

medium

Antonym: clueless, oblivious

Demagogue

DemagogueDefinition: (n) political leader who

seeks support by appealing to popular passions and prejudices

Synonym: crowd-pleaser, instigator

Antonym: moderate, common sense, addresses real issues

Emulate

Emulate Definition: (v) to strive to equal to or

match by imitating

Synonym: copy, mimic

Antonym: differ, oppose, clash

Foster

FosterDefinition: (v) to promote the growth of

Synonym: nurture, cultivate, advance

Antonym: discourage, deter, keep back

Intrepid

Intrepid Definition: (adj) invulnerable to fear or

intimidation

Synonym: bold, courageous, daring

Antonym: cowardly, weak, faint-hearted

Ostentatious

OstentatiousDefinition: (adj) intended to attract notice

or impress others

Synonym: flashy, flamboyant, pretentious

Antonym: ordinary, humble, plain

Parched

ParchedDefinition: (adj) dried out by heat or

excessive exposure to the sun

Synonym: dehydrated, thirsty

Antonym: refreshed, restored

Substantiate

SubstantiateDefinition: (v) establish or strengthen

with evidence or facts

Synonym: support, validate

Antonym: disprove, refute