Unit 6 Vocabulary

Abashed(adj): Embarrassed, ashamed Example: I was throughly abashed by the foolish mistake that I made at the dinner party. Antonym: unashamed

Aloof(adj): Standing apart from others (usually as a matter of choice) Example: In almost every school, there are some people who keep decidedly aloof from their classmates. Synonym: distant Antonym: sociable

Anguish(n)(v): (n) great mental suffering or pain; (v) to be deeply tormented by pain or sorrow Example: Survivors of the Holocaust suffered great mental anguish when the war ended. Synonym: misery Antonym: joy

Bask(v): to take pleasure in or derive enjoyment from Example: Usually in the summertime one enjoys basking in the sunlight by a pool or lake. Synonym: wallow

Finesse(n)(v): (n) delicate skill; cleverness. (v) to accomplish something by cleverness, or skillful evasion. Example: To become a champion, a tennis player needs to combine power with finesse. Synonym: delicacy Antonym: awkwardness

Flaunt(v): to wave or flutter showily; to display in a conceited, offensive way Example: Some celebrities feel they need to flaunt their wealth and popularity. Synonym: show off Antonym: hide

Forthright(adj): direct, straightforward. Example: I appreciate the forthright way in which you express your opinions, even when they do not agree with my own. Synonym: blunt Antonym: indirect

Pseudonym(n): a pen name, name assumed by a writer Example: It is wise to use a pseudonym to protect your privacy when you chat on the Internet.

Purge(v)(n): (v) to wash away impurities, clean up;(n) the process of getting rid of something or someone decisively Example: After leaving the carwash, my car was purged of dirt and dust . Synonym: cleanse Antonym: pollute

Retentive(adj): able to hold, keep, or recall; retaining knowledge easily Example: A retentive memory is a great asset for any actor, especially when performing on Broadway. Antonym: forgetful