inanity
noun: total lack of meaning or ideas
Bill's poem was nothing more than a list of impressive sounding words, so there was no point in trying to take meaning from the inanity.
arrogate
verb: seize and control without authority
Arriving at the small town, the outlaw arrogated the privileges of a lord, asking the frightened citizens to provide food, drink, and entertainment.
hoary
adjective: ancient
Most workout gurus are young, fit people, whereas most yoga gurus are hoary men with long white beards.
objurgate
verb: express strong disapproval of
The manager spent an hour objurgating the employee in the hopes that he would not make these mistakes again.
vitriol
noun: abusive or venomous language used to express blame or bitter deep-seated ill will
His vitriol spewed forth from a deep-seated racism that consumed his whole life.
brook
verb: put up with something or somebody unpleasant
While she was at the chalkboard, the teacher did not brook any form of talking--even a tiny peep resulted in afternoon detention.
This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study
phlegmatic
adjective: showing little emotion
Arnold is truly noble, remaining reserved until an issue of significance arises, but Walter is simply phlegmatic: he doesn't have the energy or inclination to care about anything.
paragon
noun: model of excellence or perfection of a kind; one having no equal
Even with the rise of Kobe Bryant, many still believe that Michael Jordon is the paragon for basketball players.
noun: an ideal instance; a perfect embodiment of a concept
Some say that Athens was the paragon of democracy, but these people often forget that slaves and women were still not allowed to vote.
effervescent
adjective: marked by high spirits or excitement
After the sales result, the manager was in an effervescent mood, letting several employees leave work early that day.
This word has other definitions but this is the most important one to study
chagrin
noun: strong feelings of embarrassment
Much to the timid writer's chagrin, the audience chanted his name until he came back on the stage.
verb: cause to feel shame; hurt the pride of
She never cared what others said about her appearance but was chagrined by the smallest comment from her mother.
