1. Word List #1 9/16-9/27

2. adulation (n.) extreme admiration or praise SYNONYMS: applause, commendation ANTONYMS: abuse, criticism The rugby player enjoyed the adulation of his fans.

3. clairvoyance (n.) an ability to communicate with dead people, to predict future events, or to know about things that you did not actually see happen or hear about SYNONYMS: premonition, discernment ANTONYMS: ignorance, stupidity I don’t believe in clairvoyance, but I can’t explain how he knew those things about my grandmother.

4. conformist (n.) a person who conforms, especially unquestioningly, to the usual practices or standards of a group, society, etc. SYNONYMS: emulator, follower ANTONYMS: individualist, nonconformist Most teenagers are conformists because they experience a great deal of peer pressure.

5. deleterious (adj.) damaging or harmful, often in a subtle or unexpected way SYNONYMS: destructive, hurtful ANTONYMS: helpful, assisting The drug has no deleterious effects on patients.

6. demagogue (n.) a leader who makes use of popular prejudices and false claims and promises in order to gain power SYNONYMS: agitator, fanatic ANTONYMS: peacemaker, reconciler That politician is just a demagogue who preys upon people’s fears and prejudices.

7. ephemeral (adj.) lasting a very short time SYNONYMS: fleeting, transitory ANTONYMS: enduring, permanent Autumnal colors are always to be treasured, all the more so because they are so ephemeral.

8. fortuitous (adj.) happening by chance; fortunate, lucky SYNONYMS: random, serendipitous ANTONYMS: calculated, deliberate You could not have arrived at a more fortuitous time.

9. hackneyed (adj.) lacking in freshness or originality; used too often SYNONYMS: corny, stale ANTONYMS: fresh, original It’s hackneyed, but true—the more you save, the more you earn.

10. intrepid (adj.) feeling no fear; bold or brave SYNONYMS: courageous, heroic ANTONYMS: afraid, cowardly He was an intrepid explorer who probed parts of the rain forest never previously attempted.

11. mundane (adj.) dull, ordinary, commonplace SYNONYMS: normal, humdrum ANTONYMS: exciting, unusual They lead a pretty mundane life.

12. nonchalant (adj.) relaxed and calm in a way that shows that you do not care or are not worried about anything SYNONYMS: apathetic, dispassionate ANTONYMS: caring, emotional He was surprisingly nonchalant about winning the award.

13. ostentatious (adj.) displaying wealth, knowledge, etc., in a way that is meant to attract attention, admiration, or envy SYNONYMS: flamboyant, gaudy ANTONYMS: moderate, tasteful Her boss wears an ostentatious diamond ring on his little finger.

14. precocious (adj.) exhibiting mature qualities at an unusually early age SYNONYMS: cocky, bright ANTONYMS: stupid, unintelligent A precocious musician, he was giving concerts when he was seven.

15. querulous (adj.) complaining in an annoyed way; habitually whining SYNONYMS: bearish, irritable ANTONYMS: cheerful, easy-going Their car trips were frequently spoiled by a couple of querulous passengers in the back.

16. rancor (n.) an angry feeling or hatred or dislike for someone who has treated you unfairly SYNONYMS: animosity, grudge ANTONYMS: friendliness, kindness She answered her accusers calmly and without rancor.

17. revere (v.) to offer honor or respect to someone SYNONYMS: adore, admire ANTONYMS: denounce, despise Michael Jordan is highly revered for his many achievements.

18. scrutinize (v.) to examine closely and critically SYNONYMS: analyze, dissect ANTONYMS: ignore, overlook I closely scrutinized my opponent’s every move.

19. spurious (adj.) not genuine, sincere, or authentic; based on false ideas or bad reasoning SYNONYMS: bogus, phony ANTONYMS: genuine, true It was a spurious Picasso painting that wouldn’t have fooled an art expert for a second.

20. surreptitious (adj.) done, made, or acquired in a secret way SYNONYMS: covert, hush-hush ANTONYMS: honest, public He bought the engagement ring in a surreptitious manner, so that his girlfriend would be surprised at his proposal.

21. tenacious (adj.) persistent in seeking something valued or desired SYNONYMS: relentless, stubborn ANTONYMS: unreliable, weak A tenacious coach, she adheres to her grueling practice schedule no matter what.