Vocabulary Lesson 5 Using Synonyms 1 Privation n

Vocabulary Lesson 5 Using Synonyms

1. Privation (n) □ Synonym: lack - loss – bereavement - deprivation, want, need, distress □ Definition: lack of the basic necessities or comforts of life; the state of being deprived □ e. g. His life of privation began to affect his health.

2. Solace (n. /v. ): □ Synonym: comfort - consolation - easement □ Definition: comfort during a time of sorrow or distress; a source of comfort □ e. g. His presence was a solace to her.

3. Introspection: (n) □ Synonym: self-examination - self-counsel - self-communion – □ soul-searching □ Definition: contemplation of one’s own thoughts & feelings; the act of looking within oneself. □ e. g. This trauma forced me to make an introspection into my own mind.

4. Provisional: (adj. ) □ Synonym: temporary – makeshift – conditional □ Definition: serving a certain purpose for the time being, but not permanently □ e. g. a provisional government.

5. Bereft: (v) □ Synonym: deprived – wanting - bereaved □ Definition: deprived of or lacking something; suffering the loss of a loved one □ e. g. They are bereft of their senses. □ He is bereft of all happiness.

6. Epiphany (n. ): □ Synonym: insight – revelation – realization □ Definition: sudden understanding, insight, or revelation about an underlying truth; a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something – a Christian festival □ e. g. "I experienced an epiphany, a spiritual flash that would change the way I viewed myself. " (Frank Maier)

7. Fortuitous (adj. ): □ Synonym: accidental – unexpected – casual □ Definition: occurring by chance, accidental; lucky, fortunate □ e. g. A fortuitous encounter with a former schoolmate led to a new and successful career for the artist.

8. Melancholy: (adj. ) □ Synonym: sadness – despair – sullenness □ Definition: sadness, depression, gloom; thoughtful reflection □ e. g. a mood of melancholy. □ "There is melancholy in the wind and sorrow in the Grass. " (Charles Kuralt)

9. Avocation: (n) □ Synonym: hobby – side interest – pastime □ Definition: an enjoyable activity outside one’s regular work □ Or something a person does in addition to a principal occupation, esp. for pleasure □ e. g. Our doctor's avocation is painting.

10. Renaissance: (n. ) □ Synonym: rebirth – revival □ Definition: a period of vigorous intellectual or artistic activity