Level F, Unit 3

inadvertent

(adj.) resulting from or marked by lack of attention, unintentional, accidental *SYNONYMS:* accidental, unconsidered *ANTONYMS:* deliberate, intentional, premeditated

circuitous

(adj.) roundabout, not direct *SYNONYMS:* indirect, meandering, winding *ANTONYMS:* straight, direct, as the crow flies

enjoin

(v.) to direct or order; to prescribe a course of action in an authoritative way; to prohibit *SYNONYMS:* bid, charge, command, adjure *ANTONYMS:* allow, permit

vitriolic

(adj.) bitter, sarcastic; highly caustic or biting (like strong acid) *SYNONYMS:* withering, acerbic, mordant *ANTONYMS:* - bland, saccharine, honeyed, sugary

nominal

(adj.) existing in name only, not real; too small to be considered or taken seriously *SYNONYMS:* titular, token, trifling, inconsequential *ANTONYMS:* real, actual, exorbitant, excessive

noncommital

(adj.) not decisive or definite; unwilling to take a clear position *SYNONYMS:* cagey, uninformative, playing it safe, playing it close to the vest *ANTONYMS:* positive, definite, committed

seditious

(adj.) resistant to lawful authority; having the purpose of overthrowing an established government *SYNONYMS:* mutinous, rebellious, subversive *ANTONYMS:* supportive, loyal, faithful, allegiant

adventitious

(adj.) resulting from chance rather than from an inherent cause of character; accidental, not essential *SYNONYMS:* extrinsic, incidental, fortuitous *ANTONYMS:* essential, intrinsic, inherent, fortuitous

tenuous

(adj.) thin, slender, not dense; lacking clarity or sharpness; of slight importance; lacking a sound basis, poorly supported *SYNONYMS:* flimsy, insubstantial, vague, hazy *ANTONYMS:* strong, solid, substantial, valid

proclivity

(n.) a natural or habitual inclination or tendency (especially of human character or behavior) *SYNONYMS:* natural bent, penchant, propensity *ANTONYMS:* inability or incapacity

ferment

(n.) a state of great excitement, agitation, or turbulence. v. to be in or work into such a state; to produce alcohol by chemical action *SYNONYMS:* commotion, turmoil, unrest *ANTONYMS:* peace and quiet, tranquility, placidity

sangfroid

(n.) composure or coolness, especially in trying circumstances *SYNONYMS:* poise, self-assurance, equanimity *ANTONYMS:* excitability, hysteria, flappability

acculturation

(n.) the modification of social patterns, traits, or structures of one group or society by contact with those of another. *SYNONYMS:* adaptation

ascribe

(v.) to assign or refer to (as a cause or source), attribute *SYNONYMS:* impute, credit, attribute

abominate

(v.) to have an intense dislike or hatred *SYNONYMS:* loathe, abhor, despise, detest *ANTONYMS:* relish, savor, cherish, esteem

expiate

(v.) to make amends, make up for; to avert *SYNONYMS:* redeem, make amends for, atone, make reparation

expedite

(v.) to make easy, cause to progress further *SYNONYMS:* accelerate, facilitate, speed up *ANTONYMS:* hinder, hamper, impeded, obstruct

peculate

(v.) to steal something that has been given into one's trust; to take improperly for one's own use *SYNONYMS:* embezzle, defraud, misappropriate

commiserate

(v.) to sympathize with, have pity or sorrow for, share a feeling of distress *SYNONYMS:* feel sorry for, empathize *ANTONYMS:* feel no sympathy for

wheedle

(v.) to use coaxing or flattery to gain some desired end *SYNONYMS:* cajole, soft-soap, sweet talk *ANTONYMS:* coerce, browbeat, intimidate, strong-arm