Lesson 3

1. abstemious archaic atelier axiom dulcet expurgate iniquity patronizing pellucid peremptory perspicacious scapegoat talisman usurp vacillate Lesson 3

2. scapegoat • One who bears the blame for others • Syn: Patsy, sucker

3. peremptory • Not allowing refusal or delay; imperative • Syn: authoritative; unconditional • Ant: roundabout; passive; equivocal

4. atelier • An artist’s or a designer’s workshop • Syn: studio

5. axiom • A universal truth; an established rule • Syn: fundamental; theorem • Ant: absurdity

6. dulcet • Melodious: pleasing to the ear • Syn: harmonic; melodic • Ant: cacophonous; dissonant

7. usurp • To take over; to seize power • Syn: commandeer; seizer; co-opt • Ant: abdicate; relinquish

8. patronizing • Treating with condescension; acting superior • Syn: lofty; arrogant • Ant: humble; friendly

9. iniquity • An evil or wicked act • Syn: abomination; injustics; sin • He heartily repented his iniquity, but only after he faced a lifelong prison sentence

10. archaic • No longer current or applicable; antiquated • Syn: obsolete; outmoded • Ant: current; modern

11. vacillate • To waver; to sway indecisively • Syn: fluctuate; swing; waffle • Ant: decide

12. perspicacious • Keen; mentally sharp • Syn: shrewd; keen; clever • Ant: dull; stupid

13. abstemious • Using or consuming sparingly • Syn: frugal; moderate • Ant: gluttonous; greedy

14. Talisman • A magic charm or superstitious object for protection or luck

15. expurgate • To remove vulgar or objectionable material • Syn: censor; bowdlerize; sanitize

16. pellucid • Transparent; clear • Syn: limpid • Ant: obscure, opapue