Vocabulary #9

definition: to make less in amount, degree, etc.; to subside, become less; to nullify; to deduct, omit

synonyms: diminish, decrease, subside, let up

antonyms: intensify, increase, magnify, wax

• astute

• amplify
• adulation

• abate

definition: praise or flattery that is excessive

synonyms: adoration, idolization, hero-worship

antonyms: ridicule, derision, odium

• adulation

• compliment
• admiration
• anathema

Answer explanation

Adults like to praise or adore their kids.

definition: an object of intense dislike; a curse or strong denunciation (often used adjectivally without the article)

synonyms: malediction, imprecation, abomination

antonyms: benediction, blessing

• praise
• commendation
• anathema
• astute

Answer explanation

Ana dislikes the theme of the book, which has a strong male dictating curses.

definition: shrewd, crafty, showing practical wisdom

synonyms: acute, sagacious, judicious, wily

antonyms: obtuse, doltish, empty-headed, dumb

• astute

• naive
• avarice

• ignorant

Answer explanation

There is a cute student who is shrewd and crafty.

(To be clever, sharp witted, intelligent.)

definition: a greedy desire, particularly for wealth

synonyms: cupidity, rapacity, acquisitiveness

• philanthropy
• avarice
• generosity
• astute

Answer explanation

The advice of cupid is to be greedy. Ava is rich because she is greedy for wealth.

definition: deserving blame, worthy of condemnation

synonyms: guilty, delinquent, peccant, blameworthy

antonyms: blameless, innocent, laudable, meritorious

• avarice

• exonerated
• culpable

• virtuous

Answer explanation

You are the culprit of the crime, guilty. He was capable of building strong condos so when they fell down he deserves to be blamed.

definition: tending to delay or procrastinate; not prompt; intended to delay or postpone

synonyms: stalling, slow, tardy, laggard

antonyms: prompt, punctual, speedy, expeditious

• egregious

• dilatory

• blatant

• benediction

Answer explanation

I always delay in writing my story. Stop stalling and eat the dill pickle!

definition: conspicuous, standing out from the mass (used particularly in an unfavorable sense)

synonyms: glaring, flagrant, blatant

antonyms: unnoticeable, paltry, piddling

• dilatory

• obscure
• egregious

• subtle

Answer explanation

means: shocking, appalling, dreadful, outstandingly bad, stands out but in a bad way

Mrs. Gregor was standing out at mass with her glaring blue hair.

Greg wore conspicuous neck ties.

definition: to speak or act in a way that allows for more than one interpretation; to be deliberately vague or ambiguous

synonyms: to talk out of both sides of one's mouth, palter, hedge

antonyms: to speak one's mine plainly

• clarify
• elucidate
• evanescent

• equivocate

Answer explanation

(means: when you are unwilling to make a decision and almost intentionally go back and forth between two choices; beat around the bush; unclear in order to mislead or withhold information)

Her vocals and acting allows her to have more than one part.

Her vocals come out of both sides of her mouth.

definition: vanishing, soon passing away; light and airy

synonyms: ephemeral, transient, transitory

antonyms: everlasting, immortal, imperishable

• evanescent

• perpetual
• equivocate

• irresolute

Answer explanation

Evan's scent was vanishing and passing away in the air.

When Evan's candle was put out the scent vanished.