Fahrenheit 451 – Vocab Set 2PROFUSION, INSIDIOUS, CERTITUDE, PARRY, PERFUNCTORY, PHOSPHORESCENT

profusion (noun) Other Forms: profuse (adjective), profusely (adverb)

Definition: a large amount of something

Synonyms: abundance, surplus

Antonyms: scarcity, shortage

The profusion of rare flowers at the botanical gardens

drew a large, interested crowd.

insidious (adjective) Other Forms: insidiously

Definition: describes something that causes harm in a gradual way and is not easily noticed

Synonyms: devious, sneaky

Antonyms: obvious, noticeable

Malaria is an insidious disease because symptoms do

not become apparent until 8-25 days after being bitten

by a mosquito

certitude (noun) Other Forms: certainty

Definition: something that someone believes is absolutely true

Synonyms: confidence

Antonyms: uncertainty

He believes with certitude he is the best candidate for the job.

parry (verb) Other Forms: parrying

Definition: to avoid getting physically hit, or avoid giving a direct answer in conversation

Synonyms: avoid, deflect, dodge, block

Antonyms: confront, face head on

Daffy Duck practiced parrying and imaginary opponent to

be ready for a fight.

perfunctory (adjective) Definition: describes something that is done out of habit and usually without much energy; or someone that lacks interest in something because it is a habit

Other Forms: perfunctorily (adv)

Synonyms: routine, uninteresting

Antonyms: interested, concerning

The Pro-Bowl athlete ignored the perfunctory

post-game interviews

phosphorescent (adjective) Other Forms: phosphorescence

Definition: describes something the glows in the dark

Synonyms: luminescent, incandescent, glowing

Antonyms: dark, without light

The chemical in glow stick can be seen at the

dark concert because of its phosphorescent quality

Vocab Practice 1