ACT Vocabulary: Unit 10

1. accrue: (v) to grow or accumulate over time; to happen as a natural result Syn: collect, accumulate Ant: dwindle,

decrease

2. annotation: (n) a critical or explanatory note or comment, especially for a literary work

3. bedlam: (n) a state or scene of uproar and confusion Syn: commotion,

pandemonium Ant: order,

tranquility

4. covert: (adj) hidden, disguised, purposefully kept secret; sheltered, secluded (n) a sheltered hiding place Syn: undercover, clandestine Ant: open, overt

5. debonair: (adj) pleasant, courteous, lighthearted; smooth and polished in manner and appearance Syn: gracious,

suave Ant: boorish,

churlish

*6. dun: (v) to demand insistently, especially in payment of a debt(n) a creditor(adj) dark, dull, drab, dingy Syn: pester, nag

*7. efficacious: (adj) effective, producing results Syn: efficient, potent Ant: ineffective, useless

*8. equanimity: (n) calmness, composure, refusal to panic Syn: aplomb, tranquility Ant: excitability, agitation

*9. fortuitous: (adj) accidental, occurring by a happy chance Syn: random, lucky

10. gist: (n) the essential part, main point, or essence Syn: substance,

core

11. gratuitous: (adj) freely given, unwarranted, not called for by circumstances Syn: unjustified, uncalled-for Ant: justified, wanted

12. imperious: (adj) overbearing; arrogant; seeking to dominate; pressing and compelling Syn: domineering, magisterial Ant: humble, unassuming

*13. invective: (n) a strong denunciation or condemnation; abusive language(adj) abusive, vituperative Syn: abuse,

diatribe Ant: tribute

*14. motley: (adj) showing great variety; composed of different elements or many colors(n) a jester's costume or a jester Syn: variegated,

heterogeneous Ant: uniform,

monochromatic

15. munificent: (adj) extremely generous; lavish Syn: bounteous, liberal Ant: miserly, tightfisted

16. procrastinate: (v) to delay; put off until later Syn: stall

17. provocative: (adj) tending to produce a strong feeling or response; arousing desire or appetite; irritating, annoying Ant: dull, insipid

*18. recondite: (adj) exceeding ordinary knowledge and understanding Syn: esoteric, profound Ant: simple, uncomplicated

19. reprobate: (n) a depraved, vicious, or unprincipled person; scoundrel(adj) wicked, corrupt. (v) to disapprove of, condemn Syn: immoral Ant: saint, virtuous

20. sedentary: (adj) characterized or calling for continued sitting; remaining in one place Syn: stationary, static Ant: active, migratory