English 3 College Prep SAT “Hot Words” Lesson 4

1. AUTONOMY noun Independence, self -government Synonym: Independence Antonym: Dependence

1. AUTONOMY In search of autonomy, the settlers refused to pay taxes to their mother country. Greater autonomy was the candidate’s promise, should he be elected. Since the judge was an authoritarian, the lawyers could not look for any autonomy in her court.

2. AVERSION verb Strong or fixed dislike; antipathy Synonym: Antipathy Antonym: Preference

2. AVERSION  Having an aversion toward cheese, I avoid eating pizza.  Coach Grady has an aversion toward players who are unwilling to pass the ball.  Uncle Andre’s aversion to arduous work is well known.

3. BELITTLE verb To make something seem less important Synonym: Ridicule Antonym: Compliment

3. BELITTLE  My feelings were hurt when the neighbors tried to belittle my abundant crop of tomatoes and squash.  The purpose of much campaign oratory is to belittle your opponent’s record.  We all realized that Roger belittled the painting because he could not compete with the artist.

4. BEQUEATH verb To leave money or property by a will; to pass along Synonym: Give Antonym: Take

4. BEQUEATH  The austere, old tightwad would not bequeath even one penny to charity.  One of the skills I would like to bequeath to my children is piano playing  Because of Allen’s well-known aversion to religion, we were stunned by his plans to bequeath money to the church.

5. BIZARRE adj. Strikingly odd in appearance or style; grotesque Synonym: Strange -Antonym: Original

5. BIZARRE  The beggar’s bizarre street behavior alerted the police to question her.  Bizarre costumes are in order for our annual Halloween party.  I thought it rather bizarre for Mrs. Greene to bequeath her entire fortune to her cats.

6. BLITHE adj Happy and cheerful. Synonym: Cheerful Antonym: Morose

6. BLITHE  With blithe disregard for our finances, Henry continued to squander his inheritance.  Lori’s blithe attitude toward her terrible predicament was bizarre indeed.  “Hail to thee, blithe spirit,” said the poet to the skylark.

7. BOMBASTIC adj High-sounding; marked by use of language without much real meaning Synonym: Flaunting - Antonym: Sincere

7. BOMBASTIC  The citizens failed to be aroused by their mayor’s bombastic speech.  Marc Anthony’s shrewd funeral address is anything but bombastic.  Ferris didn’t get the part because the director had an aversion to his bombastic style.

8. BUFFOON noun A clown; someone who amuses with tricks and jokes Synonym: Clown - Antonym: Tragedian

8. BUFFOON  After Bob had a few drinks, he became a willing buffoon at the party.  Keller was content to act the buffoon, but in reality he was a brilliant undercover agent.  The other players told Roger that they didn’t appreciate his performance as a buffoon.

9. CACHE Noun Hiding place; something hidden in a hiding place Synonym: Hovel - Antonym: Stadium

9. CACHE  The hungry mountain climbers gave thanks when they discovered the cache of canned food.  Police searched in vain for the cache of jewels which the thieves had skillfully concealed.  Without access to their cache of weapons, the terrorists were forced to surrender.

10. CACOPHONY Noun Discord; harsh sound Synonym: Discord - Antonym: Harmony

10. CACOPHONY  While we sought harmony, our enemies were pleased with cacophony.  Instead of mellow sounds, the conductor was greeted with ear- splitting cacophony.  The junior high band was born in cacophony, but their swift improvement was noted by all.