Lesson One

English IILesson OnefactiousDefinitionExample(adj) causing disagreementsyn: belligerent; contentiousant: cooperative; unitedThe factious sailors refused to sail any farther into the storm.

ignobleDefinitionExample(adj) dishonorable; shamefulsyn: despicable; baseant: noble; gloriousCheating on an exam is an ignoble way to get good grades.

boorDefinitionExample(n) a rude or impolite personsyn: buffoon; clownant: sophisticateThe boor grabbed handfuls of hors doeuvres and walked around while he ate them.

aegisDefinitionExample(n) a shield; protectionsyn: backingThe life of the witness is under the aegis of the witness protection program.

perspicacityDefinitionExample(n) keenness of judgmentsyn: perceptivenessant: stupidity; ignoranceThe old hermit still had the perspicacity to haggle with the automotive dealer.

ferventDefinitionExample(adj) eager; earnestsyn: burning; passionateant: apathetic

We made a fervent attempt to capture the stallion, but he was too quick for us.

rectifyDefinitionExample(v) to correct; to make rightsyn: remedy; resolveJoAnne tried to rectify her poor relationship with her son by spending time with him.

enervateDefinitionExample(v) to weakensyn: devitalize; exhaustant: energize; strengthenThe record temperatures enervated the farmhands before noon.

besiegeDefinitionExample(v) to overwhelm; to surround and attackPeople jumped from the ground and brushed themselves off as ants besieged the picnic.

ephemeralDefinitionExample(adj) lasting only a brief time; short-livedsyn: transient; fleetingant: permanentThe gardener experienced ephemeral fame the year she grew a half-ton pumpkin.

altruismDefinitionExample(n) a concern for others; generositysyn: unselfishness; magnanimityant: selfishness; egoismA person with altruism will usually stop and help a stranded motorist.

carrionDefinitionExample(n) decaying flesh

The carrion along the desert highway was a feast for the vultures.

eroticDefinitionExample(adj) pertaining to sexual love

The museum staff cancelled the exhibition when it saw the erotic sculptures.

amorphousDefinitionExample(adj) shapeless, formless, vagueWhat began as an amorphous idea in Stevens dream turned into a revolutionary way to power automobiles.

opulentDefinitionExample(adj) rich, luxurious; wealthy

Despite the stock market crash, the wealthy family continued its opulent lifestyle.