Week 4

1. Augment

Definition: To add to; to increase; to make bigger

The man augmented the balloon by filling it with helium.

Antonym: Decrease

The flower decreased in size when it received too much sunlight.

2. Complacent

Definition: Smug; self-satisfied; pleased with oneself; contented to a fault

The lady was so complacent with her garden that she showed it off to everyone she knew.

Antonym: Concerned

The nurse was concerned about my health.

3. Guile

Definition: Cunning; duplicity


The door to door salesman used guile to sell his products.

Antonym: Sincerity


The doctor uses sincerity when talking about a patient's condition.

4. Squander

Definition: To waste


Children squander time by playing video games.

Antonym: Conserve


We conserve energy by turning off the lights.

5. Incessant

Definition: Unceasing; never-ending


Her incessant bad behavior caused her to get a timeout.

Antonym: Discontinuous


The practices were discontinuous because there wasn't enough players.

6. Laudable

Definition: Worthy of praise


Receiving a scholarship is laudable.

Antonym: Illaudable


Failing out of school is illaudable.

7. Deter

Definition: To prevent; to stop; to keep from doing something


Internet deters students from doing work.

Antonym: Encourage


Teachers encourage students to study hard.

8. Redundant

Definition: Repetitive; unnecessary; excessively wordy


His speech was redundant.

Antonym: Undersupply


There was an undersupply of ice cream at the party.

9. Infamous

Definition: Shamefully wicked; having (and deserving) an extremely bad reputation; disgraceful


The infamous Wicked Witch of the West in "The Wizard of Oz" warned Dorothy of her fate.

Antonym: Honorable


She didn't win the scholarship, but received an honorable mention.

10. Provocative

Definition: Exciting; attracting attention


The provocative movie was very popular.

Antonym: Noninflammatory


The class was noninflammatory and put everyone to sleep.