English set 2 Vocab

denizen

Dictionary Definition (n.) an inhabitant, resident; one who frequents a place Context Sentence: My husband is a denizen of the sand who practically lives at the beach. Synonyms: habitat

canny

Dictionary Definition: (adj) careful; cautious; prudent: My definition: careful Context Sentence: The canny man would not buy the used car until it passed his mechanic's inspection. Synonyms: wise

sanguine

Dictionary Definition: (adj) cheerfully optimistic, hopeful, or confident: My Definition: optimistic Context Sentence: You can tell by the big smile on her fact that she has a sanguine temperament! Synonyms: cheerful

unobtrusive

Dictionary Definition: (adj) not obtrusive; inconspicuous, unassertive, or reticent. My Definition: not noticeable Context Sentence: Since I do not trust my daughter, I have unobtrusive cameras in my house so I can secretly monitor her behavior when I am not home Synonyms: Low-key

pecuniary

Dictionary Definition: (adj) of or relating to money My Definition: having to do with money Context sentence: Because of the young woman's pecuniary needs, she is determined to marry a wealthy man Synonyms: banking, budgeting

febrile

Dictionary Definition: (adj.) feverish; pertaining to or marked by fever; frenetic Context Sentence: My mother touched my forehead to see if I had a febrile sickness. Synonyms: sick

loquacious

Dictionary Definition: (adj.) talkative, wordy; fond of talking Context Sentence: While Jared was shy and reserved, his twin brother Michael was outgoing and loquacious. Synonyms: Talkative, loud

portico

Dictionary Definition: (noun) a structure consisting of a roof supported by columns or piers, usually attached to a building as a porch. My Definition: roof supported by columns, forming a porch Context Sentence: She ran under the portico when it started to rain because it kept her dry and covered. Synonyms: patio

semblance

Dictionary Definition: (noun) an assumed or unreal appearance; show. My Definition: outward appearance Context Sentence: Even though I was nervous during my presentation, I tried to project a semblance of calmness while speaking. Synonyms: fake, exterior

disparity

Dictionary Definition: (noun) lack of similarity or equality; inequality; difference: My Definition: inequality Context Sentence: The disparity between the giant's height and the dwarf's height is obvious Synonyms: gap

transience

Dictionary Definition: (verb) not lasting, enduring, or permanent; transitory. My Definition: forgetting over time Context Sentence: If you are a transient person, you never remain in one place for too long. Synonyms: fleeting

convey

Dictionary Definition: (verb) to carry, bring, or take from one place to another; transport; bear. My Definition: to communicate Context Sentence: My daughter often rolls her eyes to convey her displeasure Synonyms: bring, carry

reprove

Dictionary Definition: (verb) to criticize or correct, especially gently My Definition: to criticize Context Sentence: If the wealthy woman marries a man outside of her race, her racist father will reprove the relationship. Synonyms: lecture, scold

besiege

Dictionary Definition: (verb) to crowd around; crowd in upon My definition: to surround Context Sentence: On Black Friday, customers will besiege store employees with thousands of product requests. Synonyms: blockade

circumscribe

Dictionary Definition: (verb) to draw a line around; encircle: My Definition: to limit Context Sentence: When my husband drinks too much, I hide his car keys to circumscribe his capacity to drive. Synonyms: encircle

menace

Dictionary Definition: a person or thing that is likely to cause harm; a threat or danger Context Sentence: The menace in his voice made her want to leave even more. Synonym: danger

insensate

Dictionary Definition: adj. Lacking sensation or awareness. Context Sentence: An insensate driver will drive recklessly and probably without his seatbelt, endangering both his life and the lives of others. Synonyms: no feeling

gallant

Dictionary Definition: brave and noble Context Sentence: The rookie fighter put on a gallant display but still lost the match to his experienced competitor. Synonyms: brave

efficacy

Dictionary Definition: capacity for producing a desired result or effect; effectiveness: My Definition: effectiveness Context Sentence: Fortunately, the medicine had the efficacy to reduce the amount of pain John was feeling Synonyms: ability

apocryphal

Dictionary Definition: of doubtful authorship or authenticity. My Definition: of questionable authenticity Context Sentence: The old man often shared apocryphal ghost stories with anyone who would listen. Synonyms: untrue

interloper

Dictionary Definition: one who moves in where he or she is not wanted or has no right to be, an intruder. Context Sentence: Because I am not an actor, I feel like an interloper in this acting class Synonyms: intruder

estranged

Dictionary Definition: separated; alienated; V. estrange: alienate (people in a family) Context Sentence: Although Beth had been estranged from her father for years, she came to visit him when she learned he was dying. Synonyms: separated

avid

Dictionary Definition: showing great enthusiasm for or interest in: My definition: eager Context Sentence: James is an avid supporter of any organization that is trying to improve the environment Synonyms: devoted

accost

Dictionary Definition: to approach, especially with a greeting, question, or remark. My Definition: to approach and speak Context Sentence: The policemen asked Greg to describe the man who accosted him. Synonyms: annoy

palimpsest

Dictionary definition: (noun) a parchment or the like from which writing has been partially or completely erased to make room for another text. My definition: something erased to make room for more words. Context Sentence: It's evident from the faint lines beneath the original text the scribes used the parchment over and over again as a palimpsest. Synonyms: Text, article