Lesson Fourteen

English I

jaded

Definition(adj) worn out; dulled, as

from overindulgence

syn: tired, wearied

ant: fresh

ExampleEven the sun did not cheer

our jaded spirits as we trudged through the snow.

jargon

Definition(n) vocabulary distinctive to

a particular group of people

syn: dialect, language

ExampleWhile the jargon of the

musicians first amused Sara, she later became irritated with its constant use.

judicious

Definition(adj) showing sound

judgment

syn: wise, careful

ant: unwise, impractical, unsound

ExampleA judicious manager

should treat everyone the same way and not show favoritism.

kindred

Definition(adj) related by birth; of like

nature

syn: similar

ExampleThe boy and his dog were kindred spirits who spent the day running and jumping in the woods.

knead

Definition(v) to work dough or clay

into a uniform mixture

syn: squeeze, rub, press

ExampleIt is easier to knead bread

dough with an electric mixer than by hand.

lacerate

Definition(v) to tear (flesh) jaggedly

syn: tear, mangle, maim

ExampleHarsh criticism can cut into

one’s pride just as easily as a sharp knife can lacerate the skin.

lackadaisical

Definition(adj) uninterested, listless

syn: spiritless, languid

ant: enthusiastic, inspired

ExampleThe workers, usually lackadaisical by late afternoon, suddenly moved with great energy.

lackey

Definition(n) slavish follower

ExampleI will not deal with a lackey;

I’ll talk to the boss or no one.

laggard

Definition(n) a slow person, especially

one who falls behind

syn: loiterer

ExampleIf you continue to be such a laggard, you’ll never get out of school.

lament

Definition(v) to mourn

syn: grieve

ant: rejoice

ExampleThousands of devoted fans lamented the death of the popular singer.

lampoon

Definition(n) a written satire used to

ridicule or attack someone

syn: parody, caricature

ExampleThe lampoon he wrote in

the school newspaper angered the football coach and the principal.

languish

Definition(v) to become weak or

feeble

syn: wither, fade

ant: thrive

ExampleWhen one becomes

depressed, it is easy to languish and lose all hope.

lateral

Definition(adj) to the side

syn: sideways

ExampleThe quarterback made a lateral pass to the fullback.

lax

Definition(adj) careless or negligent

syn: slack, neglectful

ant: careful, meticulous

ExampleDon’t become too lax in

your studies, or you’ll fail.

lethal

Definition(adj) deadly, fatal

ExampleBecause the fumes from the lethal gas were overpowering, many people collapsed.