Vocabulary Unit 5 Mrs. Williams English 10/10 B Altruistic (adj.) unselfish, concerned with the welfare of others Syn.: selfless, humanitarian Ant.: selfish, self- centered EX: Most people support altruistic programs to help the less fortunate of this world. Assent (v.) to express agreement, (n.) agreement Syn.: (v.) concur, consent, accede Ant.: (v.) disagree, differ dissent EX: (v) Workers hope that the threat of a long strike will force management to assent to their demands. (n) Romeo and Juliet knew they would never gain their families assent to marry. Benefactor (n.) one who does good to others Syn.: patron, humanitarian, sponsors Ant.: misanthrope, malefactor, detractor EX: Without the help of many benefactors, most charities would be unable to carry out their work. Chivalrous (adj.) marked by honor, courtesy, and courage; knightly Syn.: gallant, civil, valiant Ant.: crude, uncouth, churlish, loutish EX: In todays busy world, where people are often heedless of others, a chivalrous act is admired by all. Clemency (n.) mercy, humaneness; mildness, moderateness Syn.: leniency, forbearance, gentleness Ant.: harshness, severity, cruelty, inflexibility EX: Many judges are willing to show clemency to first offenders who express regret for their wrongdoing. Diffident (adj.) shy, lacking self- confidence; modest, reserved Syn.: timid, bashful, unassertive, withdrawn Ant.: bold, brash, audacious, self- confident, jaunty EX: Many a diffident suitor has lost his beloved to a bold rival. Discrepancy (n.) a difference; a lack of agreement Syn.: disagreement, divergence, inconsistency Ant.: agreement, convergence, consistency EX: Discrepancies in the testimony of witnesses to a crime can have a decisive impact on the outcome of a trial. Embark (v.) to go aboard; to make a start; to invest Syn.: commence, launch, begin, board, start EX: Columbus spent years raising money before he was able to embark on his perilous ocean voyage in search of a passage to the Far East. Indomitable (adj.) unconquerable, refusing aid Syn.: unbeatable, invincible, unyielding Surrendering, submissive, yielding EX: All who hear of the remarkable deeds of Harriet Tubman admire her indomitable courage in the face of grave danger. Infallible (adj.) free from error; absolutely dependable Syn.: unerring, certain Ant.: imperfect EX: Some critics seem convinced that their expert knowledge makes them infallible judges of the quality of an artists work. Pungent (adj.) causing a sharp sensation; stinging, biting Syn.: sharp, spicy, piquant, caustic, racy Ant.: bland, unappetizing, colorless, insipid EX: The kitchen of the French restaurant was filled with the pungent aroma of onion soup. Remiss (adj.) neglectful in performance of ones duty, careless Syn.: negligent, lax, slack Ant.: scrupulous, dutiful, punctilious EX: When I am remiss in doing daily chores, I have to spend a big part of the weekend catching up. Repose (v.) to rest; lie; place; (n.) relaxation, peace of mind, calmness Syn.: (v.) sleep; (n.) tranquility, respite, serenity Ant.: (n.) exertion, wakefulness, tumult, bustle, ado EX: (v) The mortal remains of thousands of who fell in Americas wars repose in Arlingtons National Cemetery. (n) After spending all day with others, you may wish for a period of repose before dinner. Temerity (n.) rashness, boldness Syn.: recklessness, foolhardiness, effrontery, audacity Ant.: timidity, fearfulness, diffidence, humility Example- Few of his subordinates had the temerity to answer the general back. Unfeigned (adj.) sincere, real, without pretense Syn.: genuine, heartfelt Ant.: insincere, simulated EX: The novelist won high praise for her ability to portray the unfeigned emotions of children.