1. Lesson 2 Vocabulary
2017

2. 1. vexation- irritation or annoyance
In vexation, I watched the neighbor’s dog poop in my yard.
2. malevolent- having or exhibiting hatred.
I quit my job because I couldn’t tolerate the malevolent antics of my colleagues.

3. 3. unsullied- spotlessly clean and fresh
The sheets were unsullied after they were washed.
4. assuage- to make less severe or burdensome
In an effort to assuage angry customers, the store issued everyone a full refund.

4. 5. piety- religious devotion and reverence to God
The millionaire’s act of piety was a huge donation that allowed the church to build homes for five needy families.
6. indigenous- occurring or living naturally in an area.
There are several indigenous groups that still live in the area.

5. 7. fractious- inclined to make trouble; unruly
The inexperienced teacher found the fractious students difficult to control.
8. tyranny- a government in which a single person assumes absolute control.
The emperor’s tyranny was responsible for the deaths of thousands of innocent people.

6. 9. dispensation- a special allowance; privilege
The priest asked for dispensation from his vows.
10. amiable- pleasant; good- natured; friendly
She had an amiable personality, always ready with a kind word and a smile.

7. 11. contentious- tending to fight; unruly
Despite what they say, many people enjoy reading contentious posts of Twitter.
12. abominable- detestable; unpleasant
Last year’s final record was abominable.

8. 13. aloof- distant; unfeeling
The doctor was concerned about Trisha’s aloof treatment toward her new baby.
14. tacit- unspoken; understood without being expressed
She felt that she had her parents’ tacit approval to borrow the car.

9. 15. benign- compassionate; incapable of causing harm
Mary was pleased to learn that the tumor was benign.
benevolence- inclination to perform charitable acts
Her benevolence toward her employees was such that she actually let one live in her home temporarily.

10. 17. prowess- superior skill or ability; strength or courage
He is known for his prowess on the football field.
18. ascertain- discovering with certainty; determined
From looking at Monica’s grim face, I was able to ascertain she was in emotional distress.

11. 19. whittle- to carve or shape
He whittled the figures out of soap.
20. aberration- deviation from the proper course
Shelly’s angry retort was an aberration from her normally quiet demeanor.