Vocab F3

verb

to have an intense or deep hatred for

I _________ cruelty yet do not always notice when I have said something cruel without meaning to.

• synonyms: loathe, abhor, detest, despise
• antonyms: relish, savor, cherish, esteem

noun

the modification of the social patterns, traits or structures of one group or society by contact with those of another; the resultant blend

Every immigrant group newly arrived in another country goes through a slow process of _____________.

synonym: adaptation

adjective

resulting from chance rather than an inherent cause or character; accidental, not essential; (medicine) acquired, not congenital

It was no ____________ meeting that led to their writing songs together, for in fact, they were cousins.

• synonyms: extrinsic, incidental, fortuitous
• antonyms: essential, intrinsic, inherent, congenital

verb

to assign or refer to (as a cause to source), attribute

You may _______ these holes to gophers or elves, but I blame the dog from next door.

• synonyms: impute, credit, attribute
• antonyms: dissociate, absolve

adjective

round-about, not direct

I followed a ___________ path through the forest not because I fear pursuit, but because I was lost.

• synonyms: indirect, meandering, winding
• antonyms: straight, direct, as the crow flies

verb

to sympathize with, have pity or sorrow for, share a feeling of distress

The family ____________ with her after the loss of her old and faithful dog.

• synonyms: feel sorry for, empathize
• antonyms: to feel no sympathy for, disregard

verb

to direct or order; to prescribe a course of action in an authoritative way; to prohibit

I ______ them to stop spending so much money or to face the consequences.

• synonyms: bid, charge, command, abjure
• antonyms: allow, permit

verb

to make easy, cause to progress faster

The pleasant music in the background did not ________ my work, but instead, distracted me.

• synonyms: accelerate, facilitate, speed up
• antonyms: hinder, hamper, empede, obstruer

verb

to make amends, make up for, to avert

They seem more than willing to _______ their guilt by whatever means necessary.

• synonyms: redeem, make amends for, atone, make reparation
• antonyms: take from, do harm

noun

a state of great excitement, agitation, or turbulence

Caught in the _______ of revolution, the young men enlisted with local militias.

• synonyms: commotion, turmoil, unrest
• antonyms: peace, quiet, tranquility, placidity

verb

to be in or work in such a state; to produce alcohol by chemical reaction

If left for a time, the cider will ________.

adjective

resulting from or marked by lack of attention; unintentional, accidental

The poor fellow was stronger than he realized, and the damage he did was ___________.

• synonyms: accidental, unconsidered
• antonyms: deliberate, intentional, premeditated, predetermined

adjective

existing in name, not real; too small to be considered or taken seriously

Because so many of its patients were having financial problems the health clinic only charged _______ fees.

• synonyms: titular, token, trifling, inconsequential
• antonyms: real, actual, exorbitant, excessive

adjective

not decisive or definite; unwilling to take a clear position or say yes or no

We questioned her quietly, carefully, and at length, but her answers remained ____________.

• synonyms: cagey, uninformative, playing it safe
• antonyms: positive, definite, committed

verb

to steal something that has been given into one's trust; to take improperly for one's own use

Investigators discovered that the clerk came up with a scheme to ________ from the company.

• synonyms: embezzle, defraud, misappropriate
• antonyms: donate, give

noun

a natural or habitual inclination or tendency (especially of human character or behavior)

Curious, patient, and fond or long walks outdoors, she soon displayed a __________ for nature study.

• synonyms: natural bent, penchant, prosperity
• antonyms: inability or incapability

noun

composure or coolness, especially in trying circumstances

An experienced actor can perform with what seems like limitless _________, even when she or he forgets a line.

• synonyms: poise, self-assurance, equanimity
• antonyms: excitability, hysteria, flappability

adjective

restraint to lawful authority; having the purpose f overthrowing an established government

Dictators usually begin their reigns by searching out and silencing __________ opinion.

• synonyms: mutinous, rebellious, subversive
• antonyms: supportive, loyal, faithful, allegiant

adjective

thin, slender, not dense; lacking clarity or sharpness; of slight importance or significance; lacking a sound basis; poorly supported

My grasp of trigonometry was _______ until I attended extra-help sessions.

• synonyms: flimsy, insubstantial, vague, hazy
• antonyms: strong, solid, substantial, valid

adjective

bitter, sarcastic; highly caustic or biting (like a strong acid)

Though I was hurt by his __________ language, I had to admit that some of his points were valid.

• synonyms: withering, acerbic, mordant
• antonyms: bland, saccharine, honeyed, sugary

verb

to use coaxing or flattery to gain some desired end

The spy used charm and flattery in order to _______ the information from the diplomat.

• synonyms: cajole, inveigle, soft-soap, sweet-talk
• antonyms: coerce, browbeat, intimidate, strong-arm