1. fop (n.) an excessively fashion-conscious man. When he came in wearing a bow tie, a diamond pinky ring, and carrying a pearl-handled cane, we knew he was a fop. 2. imprecation (... 1. fop (n.) an excessively fashion-conscious man. When he came in wearing a bow tie, a diamond pinky ring, and carrying a pearl-handled cane, we knew he was a fop. 2. imprecation (n.) a curse. Jennifer was so angry she pronounced an imprecation on him, his family, and all his friends. syn: condemnation; anathema ant: blessing 3. non sequitur (n.) something that does not logically follow. 'That would not be a good mayor because he can’t control his own family' is a non sequitur,' said John. Syn: fallacy; misconception 4. sanguine (n.) cheerful; optimistic. Sally’s sanguine personality made everyone in her company pleased to be with her. 5. bowdlerize (v.) to remove offensive passages of a play. If the editors bowdlerize much more of the book, there won’t be anything left to read. Syn: censor 6. impair (v.) to weaken; to cause to become worse. Mother used to say that reading in poor light could impair your vision. Syn: damage; deteriorate Ant: enhance 7. panegyric (n.) an expression of praise. The ancient Greeks gave panegyrics and crowns of ivy in tribute to their heroes. Syn: tribute; extolment Ant: denunciation 8. quandary (n.) a puzzling situation; a dilemma. John was in a quandary deciding what his major should be. Syn: Predicament 9. ebullient (adj.) enthusiastic. The ebullient crowd cheered as the royal family appeared. Syn: exuberant; lively Ant: dejected; dispirited 10. deference (n.) respect; consideration. In deference to the young widow, we moved quietly aside and allowed her to leave first. 11. carnal (adj.) relating to physical appetite, especially sexual. After receiving complaints, the town council decided to remove the carnal statue from the park area. Syn: Erotic Ant: chaste; modest 12. nebulous (adj.) hazy; vague; uncertain. He had a nebulous feeling of fear all day, but he didn’t understand why until the thunder started. Syn: cloudy; indistinct; obscure Ant: distinct; precise 13. rakish (adj.) dashingly stylish and confident. Wanting to look rakish for his job interview, Jeremy shined his shoes and pressed creases into his shirt and slacks. Syn: dapper; jaunty Ant: slovenly; disheveled 14. elegy (n.) a sad or mournful poem. The reading of the elegy brought tears during the funeral. Syn: dirge; lament 15. pedantic (adj.) tending to show off one’s learning. After one year of college, Tom lost all of his friends because of his pedantic behavior. Syn: Bookish Read more