ingenuity n cleverness originality adj ingenious Do not

ingenuity (n. ) – cleverness, originality (adj. ) – ingenious (Do not confuse with ingenuous) Examples: The creator of Snuggie had a lot of ingenuity and made a lot of money. Synonyms: Skill creativity Antonyms: Boring (adj. )

innate (adj. ) – existing in a person since birth; part of the character of something Examples: People have the innate capacity to learn any language in the world. The boy’s innate talent for playing soccer was unquestionable. Synonyms: Natural, native, intrinsic Antonyms: unnatural

innocuous (adj. ) – causing or intending little or no harm Examples: He didn’t try to offend you. He just made an innocuous remark. The little dog is innocuous. He wouldn’t bite anyone. Synonyms: Harmless, safe, innocent Antonyms: Offensive, detrimental

lampoon (n. ) = sharp satire (v. ) = ridicule Examples: The “Saturday Night Live” show lampooned Sarah Palin. “Family Guy” lampoons American culture, society, and television. Synonyms: Satire, parody (n. ) Antonyms: Appreciate, praise (vb. )

levity (n. ) – lightness, lacking seriousness, being silly or giddy Examples: His friends never take him seriously because of his levity. Synonyms: cheerfulness, buoyancy giddiness, frivolity, silliness Antonyms: Seriousness, solemnity

lurid (adj. ) – melodramatic, shocking Examples: lurid flames lurid sunset lurid crimes Holocaust stories were full of lurid images. Synonyms: Vivid, shocking Antonyms: Bland, boring