ACT VOCABULARY: UNIT 9

1. abate (v) to make less in amount, degree, etc.; to subside, become less; to nullify; to deduct, omit Syn: diminish, decrease Ant: intensify, increase

2. astute (adj) shrewd, crafty, showing practical wisdom Syn: acute, wily Ant: obtuse, doltish

3. avarice (n) a greedy desire, particularly for wealth Syn: cupidity,

acquisitiveness

4. egregious (adj) conspicuous, standing out from the mass (used particularly in an unfavorable sense) Syn: glaring, flagrant Ant: unnoticeable, paltry

5. irresolute (adj) unable to make up one's mind, hesitating Syn: indecisive, vacillating Ant: determined, unwavering

6. novice (n, adj) one who is just a beginner at some activity requiring skill and experience Syn: neophyte,

trainee

Ant: veteran, expert

7. supposition (n) something that is assumed or taken for granted without conclusive evidence Syn: assumption, presumption

CHALLENGE WORD: dilatory (adj) tending to delay or procrastinate, not prompt; intended to delay or postpone Syn: stalling,

laggard Ant: prompt,

expeditious

CHALLENGE WORD: pretentious (adj)

done for show, striving to make big impressions; claiming merit or position unjustifiably Syn: ostentatious, affected Ant: unassuming, modest

CHALLENGE WORD: torpid (adj) inactive, sluggish, dull Syn: lethargic, languid Ant: energetic, dynamic