ACT Power Plus Vocabulary Lesson Ten idolatry n

ACT Power Plus Vocabulary Lesson Ten

idolatry – (n. ) excessive or blind adoration; worship of an object The priest accused them of idolatry for worshipping a statue.

adulterate – (v. ) to make impure; to contaminate The fumes from the automobiles adulterate the air. Synonyms Antonyms • taint • corrupt • refined

emanate – (v. ) to come forth; to send forth She tried to control her anger, but harsh words began to emanate from her lips. Synonyms • rise • emerge

garish – (adj. ) tastelessly gaudy The gypsy costumes were too garish for my taste. Synonyms • showy • glaring • flashy Antonyms • sedate • conservative

immutable – (adj. ) unchangeable; fixed The laws of nature are immutable. Synonyms • enduring Antonyms • flexible • changeable

diadem – (n. ) a crown Peter referred to his wife’s blonde hair as her golden diadem.

bucolic – (adj. ) pertaining to the countryside; rural; rustic The bucolic setting of the old inn made it a popular retreat from the city. Synonyms Antonyms • pastoral • urban

redolent – (adj. ) having a pleasant odor; suggestive or evocative The new fabric softener is advertised as being redolent or a spring day. Synonyms • aromatic Antonyms • acrid

impecunious – (adj. ) without money; penniless Though impecunious, the man was too proud to ask for help. Synonyms • destitute • indigent Antonyms • affluent • prosperous

sedition – (n. ) rebellion or resistance against the government The revels were charged with sedition when they protested the new dictator. Synonyms • treachery • disloyalty

defile – (v. ) to pollute; to corrupt The oil spill defiled the entire bay.

gratuitous – (adj. ) unnecessary or uncalled for He always gave gratuitous advice whether someone wanted it or not.

onus – (n. ) a burden; a responsibility When father died, Jake had the onus of running the farm. Synonyms • obligation

impious – (adj. ) disrespectful toward God Some consider laughing in church to be impious behavior. Synonyms Antonyms • irreligious • profane • pious • devout

caveat – (n. ) a warning John had so much confidence in his ability that he did not heed the old caveat about swimming alone. His funeral will be held on Friday. Synonyms • admonition • caution