ACT Power Plus Vocabulary Lesson Nine machination n
ACT Power Plus Vocabulary Lesson Nine
machination – (n. ) an evil design or plan Once again, the superhero foiled the machinations of the evil scientist. Synonyms • scheme • plot
pejorative – (adj. ) having a negative effect; insulting Lenny resigned after overhearing his coworkers’ pejorative remarks. Synonyms • disparaging • derogatory Antonyms • complimentary
harbinger – (n. ) an omen or sign To many, the black cat is a harbinger of bad luck. Synonyms • warning • portent
nubile – (adj. ) suitable for marriage in age and physical development, referring to a female In six years, she grew from a skinny twelve-yearold to a nubile young woman.
sapient – (adj. ) wise; full of knowledge Everyone sought advice from the sapient monk who lived on the mountain. Synonyms Antonyms • sagacious • fatuous • inane
chimerical – (adj. ) imaginary; fantastic Little Tina had a chimerical notion that rabbits lived in trees. Synonyms • absurd • illusionary Antonyms • practical
masochist – (n. ) one who enjoys his or her own pain and suffering Sue accused her friend of being a masochist because he refused to go to the doctor despite his broken toes.
finesse – (n. ) diplomacy; tact; artful management The diplomat had the finesse to deal with the troublesome nation. Synonyms • skill • cunning Antonyms • tactlessness
heterogeneous – (adj. ) different; dissimilar The platoon was a heterogeneous group of young men from various backgrounds. Synonyms • diverse • varied Antonyms • homogeneous • similar
eclectic – (adj. ) choosing from various sources The eclectic furnishings were from different nations and historical periods. Synonyms Antonyms • selective • narrow
grandiose – (adj. ) impressive; showy; magnificent The young couple could not afford the grandiose home, so they found a smaller house. Synonyms Antonyms • stately • imposing • humble
raiment – (n. ) clothing; garments The royal raiment of the princess is copied by the fashion industry for the department-store market. Synonyms • overbearing • arrogant • masterful Antonyms • servile • submissive
blanch – (v. ) to whiten; to make pale Sue’s face blanched when she saw the charred remains of her house.
hybrid – (n. ) anything of mixed origin The hybrid roses had the best traits of two different species.
idiosyncrasy – (n. ) a peculiar personality trait Hiding money in tin cans was only one of the old man’s idiosyncrasies. Synonyms • eccentricity • quirk
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