Vocab Lesson 7

rationalize

v. to make an excuse for synonym: justify

ferret

v. to search or drive out

dichotomy

n. a division into two parts synonym: split

peccadillo

n. a minor offense, a misdeed synonym: misdemeanor

affectation

n. a phony attitude; pose synonyms: insincerity; phoniness; sham antonyms: sincerity; genuineness

knell

n. a sound made by a bell, often rung slowly for death or funerals

quiddity

n. an essential quality synonym: essence

macroscopic

n. visible to the naked eye antonym: microscopic

patent

adj. evident or obvious synonyms: indisputable; apparent

fatuous

adj. foolish; inane synonym: silly antonyms: sensible; wise

bovine

adj. pertaining to cows or cattle

adroit

adj. skillful; clever synonyms: dexterous; apt antonyms: clumsy; awkward

laconic

adj. using few words; short; concise synonyms: pithy; taciturn antonyms: verbose; loquacious

sagacious

adj. wise, having keen perception and a sound judgment synonyms: intelligent; shrewd antonyms: fatuous; obtuse

callow

adj. young and inexperienced synonym: immature antonyms: mature, sophisticated