word list #1 9/16-9/27. adulation (n.) extreme admiration or praise synonyms: applause, commendation...
TRANSCRIPT
adulation(n.) extreme admiration or praise
SYNONYMS: applause, commendation
ANTONYMS: abuse, criticism
The rugby player enjoyed the adulation of his fans.
clairvoyance(n.) an ability to communicate with dead people, to
predict future events, or to know about things that you did not actually see happen or hear about
SYNONYMS: premonition, discernmentANTONYMS: ignorance, stupidity
I don’t believe in clairvoyance, but I can’t explain how he knew those things about my grandmother.
conformist(n.) a person who conforms, especially
unquestioningly, to the usual practices or standards of a group, society, etc.
SYNONYMS: emulator, followerANTONYMS: individualist, nonconformist
Most teenagers are conformists because they experience a great deal of peer pressure.
deleterious(adj.) damaging or harmful, often in a subtle
or unexpected way
SYNONYMS: destructive, hurtfulANTONYMS: helpful, assisting
The drug has no deleterious effects on patients.
demagogue(n.) a leader who makes use of popular prejudices
and false claims and promises in order to gain power
SYNONYMS: agitator, fanaticANTONYMS: peacemaker, reconciler
That politician is just a demagogue who preys upon people’s fears and prejudices.
ephemeral(adj.) lasting a very short time
SYNONYMS: fleeting, transitoryANTONYMS: enduring, permanent
Autumnal colors are always to be treasured, all the more so because they are so ephemeral.
fortuitous(adj.) happening by chance; fortunate, lucky
SYNONYMS: random, serendipitousANTONYMS: calculated, deliberate
You could not have arrived at a more fortuitous time.
hackneyed(adj.) lacking in freshness or originality; used
too often
SYNONYMS: corny, staleANTONYMS: fresh, original
It’s hackneyed, but true—the more you save, the more you earn.
intrepid(adj.) feeling no fear; bold or brave
SYNONYMS: courageous, heroicANTONYMS: afraid, cowardly
He was an intrepid explorer who probed parts of the rain forest never previously attempted.
mundane(adj.) dull, ordinary, commonplace
SYNONYMS: normal, humdrumANTONYMS: exciting, unusual
They lead a pretty mundane life.
nonchalant(adj.) relaxed and calm in a way that shows that
you do not care or are not worried about anything
SYNONYMS: apathetic, dispassionateANTONYMS: caring, emotional
He was surprisingly nonchalant about winning the award.
ostentatious(adj.) displaying wealth, knowledge, etc., in a way
that is meant to attract attention, admiration, or envy
SYNONYMS: flamboyant, gaudyANTONYMS: moderate, tasteful
Her boss wears an ostentatious diamond ring on his little finger.
precocious(adj.) exhibiting mature qualities at an
unusually early age
SYNONYMS: cocky, brightANTONYMS: stupid, unintelligent
A precocious musician, he was giving concerts when he was seven.
querulous(adj.) complaining in an annoyed way;
habitually whining
SYNONYMS: bearish, irritableANTONYMS: cheerful, easy-going
Their car trips were frequently spoiled by a couple of querulous passengers in the back.
rancor(n.) an angry feeling or hatred or dislike for
someone who has treated you unfairly
SYNONYMS: animosity, grudgeANTONYMS: friendliness, kindness
She answered her accusers calmly and without rancor.
revere(v.) to offer honor or respect to someone
SYNONYMS: adore, admireANTONYMS: denounce, despise
Michael Jordan is highly revered for his many achievements.
scrutinize(v.) to examine closely and critically
SYNONYMS: analyze, dissectANTONYMS: ignore, overlook
I closely scrutinized my opponent’s every move.
spurious(adj.) not genuine, sincere, or authentic; based
on false ideas or bad reasoning
SYNONYMS: bogus, phonyANTONYMS: genuine, true
It was a spurious Picasso painting that wouldn’t have fooled an art expert for a second.
surreptitious(adj.) done, made, or acquired in a secret way
SYNONYMS: covert, hush-hushANTONYMS: honest, public
He bought the engagement ring in a surreptitious manner, so that his girlfriend would be surprised at his proposal.