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Clifford Sawhney

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A concise way to increase your word power

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© Copyright: ISBN 978-935-05725-8-0

DISCLAIMER

While every attempt has been made to provide accurate and timely information in this book, neither the author nor the publisher assumes any responsibility for errors, unintended omissions or commissions detected therein. The author and publisher make no representation or warranty with respect to the comprehensiveness or completeness of the contents provided.

All matters included have been simplified under professional guidance for general information only without any warranty for applicability on an individual. Any mention of an organization or a website in the book by way of citation or as a source of additional information doesn't imply the endorsement of the content either by the author or the publisher. It is possible that websites cited may have changed or removed between the time of editing and publishing the book.

Results from using the expert opinion in this book will be totally dependent on individual circumstances and factors beyond the control of the author and the publisher.

It makes sense to elicit advice from well informed sources before implementing the ideas given in the book. The reader assumes full responsibility for the consequences arising out from reading this book. For proper guidance, it is advisable to read the book under the watchful eyes of parents/guardian. The purchaser of this book assumes all responsibility for the use of given materials and information. The copyright of the entire content of this book rests with the author/publisher. Any infringement/ transmission of the cover design, text or illustrations, in any form, by any means, by any entity will invite legal action and be responsible for consequences thereon.

Dedication

To my wife, Monika, for her support and understanding through thick and thin… My seven-year-old daughter, Tanya, for adding sugar and spice to our lives… And to my two-year-old son, Aryan, for all the mischief and mayhem in our everyday existence…

Acknowledgements

This book was possible thanks to the dozens of books and websites already existing on the subject. While it is not possible to individually acknowledge all the sources, the author is indebted to all these efforts, without which this book would not have seen the light of day.

Acknowledgements

This book was possible thanks to the dozens of books and websites already existing on the subject. While it is not possible to individually acknowledge all the sources, the author is indebted to all these efforts, without which this book would not have seen the light of day.

Contents

Synonyms and Antonyms

Mastering Punctuation

Homonyms

Foreign Words in English

Slang and Rhyming Language

Eponyms or Name Words

The Magic of Newborn Words

The Portmanteau Combos

Talking Numbers

Commonly Confused Words

Revealing Prefixes

Telltale Suffixes

Group Terms

Some Commonly Misspelled Words

Reticent Abbreviations

A Few Words About Words

The Exploding World of SMS Words

Synonyms and Antonyms

Reading synonyms and antonyms can be fun, while expanding your vocabulary at the same time. A synonym is a word or phrase that means the same as another word or phrase in the same language, as for instance, depart and leave. And an antonym is a word that is opposite in meaning to a particular word, for instance, arrive is the antonym of depart. Whilst browsing through synonyms and antonyms, at one fell swoop you will pick up many words with the same or a related meaning.

So enjoy this list of synonyms and antonyms and then get around to preparing your own list of S&As. There is no more enjoyable way of boosting your word power.

A

Abbreviate: Shorten (a word, phrase or text)

Synonym: Abridge, condense, contract, reduce, decrease, lessen, curtail, minimise, shorten, trim.

Antonym: Elongate, elaborate, lengthen, stretch, maximise, enhance, increase, add.

Acknowledge:1. To accept or admit the existence or truth of. 2. Confrm receiving something or express gratitude for. 3. Greet with words or gestures.

Synonym: Accept, own up, concede, confess, avow, admit, grant, allow, sanction, ratify, approve.

Antonym: Disown, disclaim, forswear, disavow, deny, dispute, challenge, oppose, disapprove.

Apparent:1. Readily perceived or understood. 2. Seeming realor true.

Synonym: Evident, distinct, obvious, manifest, visible, seeming, ostensible, plain, clear, discernible, observable, detectable, noticeable, conspicuous, defnite, clear-cut, unmistakable, glaring.

Antonym: Obscure, indistinct, latent, veiled, unclear, imperceptible, invisible, indiscernible, inconspicuous, vague, blurred, hazy, misty, foggy, hidden, obscured, submerged.

Attest:1. Provide or serve as clear evidence of. 2. Declare thatsomething exists.

Synonym: Confrm, authenticate, verify, establish, prove, demonstrate, affirm, substantiate, validate, certify, vindicate, justify, corroborate.

Antonym: Doubt, suspect, negate, damage, undermine, expose, weaken, refute, rebut, contradict, disprove, contraindicate.

****

B

Blame: To place the responsibility for a fault or wrongdoing to.

Synonym: Slander, censure, libel, reproach, implicate, incriminate, castigate, upbraid, criticise, chastise, scold, chide, rebuke, reprimand, reprehend, denigrate, disapprove, deplore, lament, disparage, belittle, run down.

Antonym: Appreciate, applaud, exalt, extol, praise, acclaim, commend, compliment, cheer.

Boost:Help or encourage to increase or improve.

Synonym: Aid, promote, encourage, swell, reinforce, bolster, buttress, add, accrue.

Antonym: Discourage, hinder, hamper, reduce, diminish, deduct, subtract, shrink, retrench, lessen, dwindle, slacken, wane, decelerate, slide, slump.

Brutal:1. Very violent. 2. Making no attempt to disguise unpleasantness.

Synonym: Inhuman, savage, barbarous, violent, ferce, ferocious, murderous, bloodthirsty, aggressive, belligerent, rowdy.

Antonym: Compassionate, merciful, humane, moderate, sensible, restrained, mild, gentle.

****

C

Cancel:1. To put off (a planned event). 2. Neutralise or negate. 3. Delete.

Synonym: Annul, revoke, obliterate, nullify, invalidate, negate, veto, deny, refuse, reject, repudiate, renounce, abjure, abnegate, abrogate, repeal.

Antonym: Confrm, endorse, corroborate, affrm, assert, admit, confess, avow, second, support, back, commit.

Careful: Taking care to avoid any mishap or harm.

Synonym: Cautious, meticulous, conscientious, considerate, attentive, solicitous, prudent, circumspect, judicious, wary, thorough, meticulous, scrupulous, accurate, rigorous, painstaking, methodical. Antonym: Careless, sloppy, slipshod, negligent, forgetful, inattentive, neglectful, casual, lax, lackadaisical, slack, slovenly, reckless, imprudent, indiscreet, impetuous.

Cunning: Expert in achieving one’s objectives through deceit, lies or evasion.

Synonym: Crafty, clever, artful, ingenious, deceitful, unscrupulous, dishonest, sly, wily, tricky, duplicitous, treacherous, perfdious, fraudulent, shifty, furtive, deceptive.

Antonym: Naïve, innocent, artless, truthful, veracious, upright, candid, sincere, open, frank, forthright, direct, ingenuous, guileless.

****

D

Defeat:1. To win a victory over. 2. Prevent (something) from being done.

Synonym: Overcome, rout, outwit, lose, frustrate, failure, downfall, overthrow.

Antonym: Win, victory, triumph, success, achievement, attainment, conquest, accomplishment.

Deny:1. To refuse to admit the truth or existence of. 2. Refuse to give (something).

Synonym: Refute, renounce, abjure, negate, repudiate, challenge, expose, rebut, invalidate, condemn, denounce.

Antonym: Endorse, verify, comply, demonstrate, show, prove, affrm, justify, explain, elucidate, illustrate, corroborate, substantiate, vindicate.

Destroy:To put an end to the existence of (something).

Synonym: Eradicate, exterminate, wreck, annihilate, obliterate, delete, expunge, nullify, erase, abolish, liquidate, extirpate, decimate, massacre, slaughter, butcher, devour, devastate.

Antonym: Restore, create, build, save, preserve, maintain, conserve, protect.

****

E

Eager:1. Strongly wanting to do or have. 2. Keenly expectant or interested.

Synonym: Desirous, enthusiastic, zealous, expectant, agog, inclined. Antonym: Cool, indifferent, apathetic, uninterested, unwilling, reluctant, disinclined, loath, averse, unenthusiastic, uncooperative.

Endorse: Declare one’s open support for.

Synonym: Confrm, support, accredit, buttress, assent, consent, concur, agree, accept, accede, grant, allow, acknowledge, sanction, ratify, approve, welcome, back, second, applaud.

Antonym: Reject, condemn, censure, discredit, dispute, challenge, oppose, defy, deny, negate, reject, repudiate, disapprove.

Evident:Clear, obvious.

Synonym: Obvious, manifest, distinct, overt, visible, discernible, perceptible, plain, clear, observable, detectable, noticeable, conspicuous, defnite, unmistakable, clear-cut.

Antonym: Obscure, secret, covert, hidden, invisible, unseen, imperceptible, faint, vague, unclear, blurred, indistinct, indiscernible, unrecognisable, inconspicuous.

****

F

Famous: Well known, known by many people.

Synonym: Noted, renowned, well known, prominent. Antonym: Unknown, obscure, insignificant, inconsequential.

Faraway: At a distance in space or time.

Synonym: Distant, remote, far-off, far-fung, outlying.

Antonym: Close-by, near, nearby, adjoining, local, neighbouring.

Frail:1. Weak and delicate. 2. Easily damaged or broken.

Synonym: Weak, feeble, infirm, delicate, vulnerable, senile, debilitated, ineffectual, unfit, impotent.

Antonym: Strong, robust, healthy, vigorous, powerful, steely, potent, virile, ft, sound, energetic, dynamic, athletic, able-bodied, muscular, brawny.

****

G

Gallant:1. Brave and heroic. 2. Charming and chivalrous.

Synonym: Brave, daring, heroic, chivalrous, courageous, bold, audacious, plucky, dashing, spirited, spunky, intrepid, fearless, dauntless, doughty, stout-hearted, manly, unfinching, macho.

Antonym: Cowardly, dastardly, craven, pusillanimous, faint-hearted, timid, lily-livered, gutless, spineless, defeatist.

Glorify:1. Praise and worship. 2. Describe something as admirable, especially without justification.

Synonym: Praise, extol, exalt, deify, acclaim, esteem, honour, lionise, revere, beatify, canonise, deify, worship.

Antonym: Abuse, condemn, rundown, tarnish, disparage, denigrate, smear, expose, dishonour, disgrace, discredit, blot, sully, mar, taint.

Glitter:1. Shine with a bright, refected light. 2. Impressively successful.

Synonym: Shine, shimmer, sparkle, twinkle, gleam, glow, dazzle.

Antonym: Dull, dark, dim, gloomy, murky, dingy, smoky, shadowy.

****

H

Happy: Feeling or displaying pleasure and contentment.

Synonym: Joyful, content, cheerful, jolly, jovial, glad, delighted, pleased, satisfed, thrilled, excited, ecstatic, elated, merry, cheery. Antonym: Sad, depressed, unhappy, sorrowful, melancholy, disconsolate, gloomy, woeful, wretched, miserable, despairing, dejected, despondent, distraught, anguished, troubled, worried, anxious, vexed, fretful.

Harsh:1. Rough or jarring to the senses. 2. Cruel or severe.

Synonym: Grim, cruel, jarring, severe, raucous, strident, shrill, cacophonous, drastic, draconian, dissonant, rigorous, extreme, oppressive.

Antonym: Soft, mild, gentle, lenient, merciful, clement, indulgent, liberal, humane, kindly, charitable, compassionate, forbearing, sympathetic.

Hazy:1. Covered by a haze. 2. Vague and unclear.

Synonym: Indistinct, vague, unclear, blurred, misty, foggy, hidden, obscured, latent, submerged.

Antonym: Clear, distinct, manifest, discernible, perceptible, observable, detectable, noticeable, conspicuous, prominent, obvious.

****

I

Ideal:1. Most suitable, perfect. 2. Desirable or perfect in one’s imagination.

Synonym: Perfect, fawless, faultless, fanciful, imaginary, impeccable, matchless, peerless, immaculate.

Antonym: Imperfect, unsuitable, unsound, fawed, defective, blemished, impure, deformed.

Ingenious:Clever, original and inventive.

Synonym: Smart, clever, creative, inventive, original, resourceful, shrewd, clever, canny, sharp.

Antonym: Stupid, dull, naïve, ingenuous, unstudied, artless.

Inimical:Tending to obstruct or harm.

Synonym: Hostile, harmful, incompatible, antagonistic, aggressive, unfriendly, aloof, cool, cold, ill-disposed, estranged, alienated, opposed, rancorous, bitter, acrimonious, resentful.

Antonym: Friendly, compatible, amicable, warm-hearted, well-meaning, kind, hearty, cordial, congenial, benevolent.

****

J

Jolly: Happy and cheerful.

Synonym: Happy, jaunty, joyful, cheerful, merry, cheery.

Antonym: Unhappy, sad, sorrowful, melancholy, depressed, disconsolate, woeful, despondent.

Jovial:Cheerful and friendly.

Synonym: Happy, cheerful, cheery, joyous, friendly, high-spirited, chirpy, light-hearted, breezy, carefree, easy-going, radiant, bouncy, sparkling, ebullient, jocular, genial, convivial.

Antonym: Unhappy, dejected, depressed, sad, unfriendly, gloomy, cheerless, morose, glum, miserable, dismal, dispirited, disheartened.

Judicious:Having or done with sound judgement.

Synonym: Selective, discerning, fastidious, fussy, careful, mindful, prudent, wary, cautious, circumspect.

Antonym: Injudicious, indiscreet, careless, negligent, neglectful, casual, reckless, imprudent, indiscreet, impetuous.

****

K

Kind:Considerate and understanding.

Synonym: Considerate, generous, charitable, benevolent, good, kindly, benign, thoughtful, warm-hearted, compassionate, sympathetic, helpful, obliging, loving, tender, accommodating, affectionate, gracious, courteous.

Antonym: Inconsiderate, harsh, severe, unkind, malevolent, wicked, bad, evil, malignant, baleful, hostile, spiteful, catty, caustic, bitter, acrimonious, vindictive, cruel, savage, brutal, ferce, tough, ruthless, cold, callous, hardhearted, cold-blooded.

Kinship:1. Blood relationships. 2. A sharing of characteristics or origins.

Synonym: Relatedness, relevance, pertinence, affinity, affiliation, bond, tie, rapport, connection, relationship, link, tie-up, association, interrelatedness, correlation, inter-dependence.

Antonym: Unrelated, irrelevant, inappropriate, extraneous, foreign, alien, random, unconnected, incidental, tangential, peripheral, inessential, chance, coincidental.

Kudos:Praise and honour.

Synonym: Compliments, praise, encomiums, acclaims, esteem, admiration, glory, prestige, honour.

Antonym: Criticism, brickbats, dishonour, discredit, notoriety, infamy, unpopularity, disgrace, shame, dishonour, ignominy.

****

L

Large:1. Of considerable size. 2. Wide in range or scope.

Synonym: Huge, mammoth, gargantuan, colossal, quantitative, ample, bulky, big, massive, extensive, capacious, voluminous, sizeable, considerable, king-size, jumbo, outsize, enormous, gigantic, monumental, immense, vast, Brobdingnagian.

Antonym: Small, puny, tiny, insignificant, minute, diminutive, petite, dainty, mini, miniature, pint-sized, wee, Lilliputian, dwarfish, runty, stunted, undersized.

Loud:1. Making much noise. 2. Strong in expression.

Synonym: Noisy, vociferous, clamorous, deafening, shrill, uproarious, strident, stentorian, resonant, sonorous, ringing, high-pitched, piercing, ear-splitting, deafening.

Antonym: Soft, low, silent, noiseless, quiet, soundless, hushed, muted, murmured, soft-spoken, indistinct, inaudible, subdued, muffed.

Limitless:Without boundaries.

Synonym: Infinite, inexhaustible, boundless, countless, innumerable, incalculable, vast, unfathomable, immeasurable, numberless, untold, endless, indefinite, open-ended, never-ending, interminable, eternal, immortal, perpetual, everlasting.

Antonym: Few, limited, handful, scanty, sparse, infrequent, demarcated, bounded.

****

M

Major:1. Important, serious, severe. 2. Greater or more important.

Synonym: Superior, greater, higher, main, best, maximal, optimal, substantial, sizeable, considerable, ample, voluminous, capacious, powerful, mighty.

Antonym: Minor, inferior, lesser, smaller, diminutive, dwarfish, minimal, scant, few, rare, sparse, scarce, paltry, insignificant, trivial, trifing, undersized, puny, feeble, thin, meagre.

Mild:1. Gentle, not easily provoked. 2. Of moderate level.

Synonym: Docile, meek, moderate, lenient, calm, gentle, composed, impassive, tame, restrained, soothing, bland, soft, insipid, mellow, tender. Antonym: Harsh, wild, ferocious, brutish, sharp, rugged, crude, gnarled, coarse, grating.

Morbid:1. Characterised by an abnormal interest in unhealthy subjects, particularly death and disease. 2. (Medical) Of the nature of or indicative of disease.

Synonym: Diseased, tainted, poisoned, mangy, rotten, sickly, unhealthy, weakly.

Antonym: Healthy, wholesome, bracing, invigorating, salubrious.

****

N

Nebulous:1. In the form of a cloud or haze; hazy. 2. Vague or ill-defined.

Synonym: Obscure, dim, hidden, latent, vague, ambiguous, abstruse, unreal, hazy, shadowy, ghostly, ephemeral, feeting, tenuous.

Antonym: Clear, lucid, vivid, explicit, real, actual, factual, empirical, historical.

Nervous:Easily agitated or alarmed.

Synonym: Hesitant, timid, timorous, agitated, fainthearted, tremulous, anxious, edgy, jittery, jumpy, perturbed, apprehensive, fustered, tremulous, shaky, tense, trembling, fearful, wary, uneasy, worried, concerned, alarmed.

Antonym: Bold, courageous, doughty, fearless, audacious, confident, intrepid, plucky, valiant, heroic, dashing, spunky.

Notorious:Famous or known for some bad quality or deed. Synonym: Infamous, ignominious, disgraceful, disreputable, despicable, shady, shifty, unreliable, untrustworthy, questionable, dubious. Antonym: Distinguished, noted, honourable, famous, renowned, celebrated, worthy, reputable, meritorious, admirable.

****

O

Oblivious:Not aware of what is happening around oneself.

Synonym: Forgetful, absentminded, inattentive, heedless, careless, unaware, unmindful, unconscious.

Antonym: Attentive, aware, observant, mindful, careful, conscious.

Obstinate:1. Stubborn refusal to change one’s opinion or course of action. 2. Unyielding.

Synonym: Stubborn, obdurate, infexible, mulish, unyielding, incorrigible, rigid, recalcitrant.

Antonym: Fickle, indecisive, irresolute, unstable, vacillating.

Odious:Extremely unpleasant or repulsive.

Synonym: Hateful, repulsive, horrid, offensive, oppressive, execrable, detestable, obnoxious, loathsome, abominable, repugnant, revolting, disgusting, vile, nasty, abhorrent, abominable.

Antonym: Likeable, attractive, endearing, adorable, winsome, magnetic, delightful, charming, tender, affectionate, lovable.

****

P

Paltry:1. Very small or meagre (amount). 2. Petty or trivial.

Synonym: Tiny, little, diminutive, mean, insignificant, minor, trivial, trifing, puny, feeble, meagre, thin.

Antonym: Great, big, bulky, huge, massive, vast, enormous, immense, mammoth, sizable, considerable, hefty, gigantic, colossal, monumental.

Paramount:1. Supreme, more important than others. 2. Having supreme power.

Synonym: Superior, principal, foremost, prominent, leading, chief, main, major, primary.

Antonym: Inferior, minor, subordinate, secondary.

Poor:1. Lacking sufficient money to live comfortably or as per average standards. 2. Of low or inferior standard or quality.

Synonym: Impoverished, impecunious, penurious, destitute, penniless, indigent, needy, underprivileged.

Antonym: Rich, affuent, wealthy, prosperous, well-off, well-to-do, moneyed, well-heeled.

Proud:1. Feeling pride or satisfaction in one’s own or another’sachievement. 2. Having or showing a high opinion of oneself.

Synonym: Haughty, condescending, patronising, disdainful, arrogant, overbearing, big-headed, conceited, vainglorious, swollen-headed, snobbish.

Antonym: Humble, meek, self-effacing, modest, unpretentious, unassuming.

****

Q

Query:A question, especially one that expresses doubt. Synonym: Question, enquiry, request, petition, interrogation, investigation, quiz, examination, inquisition, quest, probe, exploration, search, survey, review, scrutiny, inspection, cross-examination, analysis. Antonym: Answer, reply, reaction, response, acknowledgement, feedback, retort, rejoinder, riposte, back-answer, rebuttal, counter-query, counter-charge, retaliation.

Quick-tempered:Easily angered.

Synonym: Hot-headed, impulsive, intolerant, irritable, impatient, high strung.

Antonym: Impassive, imperturbable, phlegmatic, level-headed, unfappable, cool, calm, collected, composed, even-tempered, self-possessed, serene, tranquil, placid, dispassionate, nonchalant.

Quick-witted:With the ability to think or respond quickly.

Synonym: Sharp, clever, brilliant, intelligent, bright, brainy, gifted. Antonym: Dull, mindless, brainless, empty-headed, stupid, slow-witted, moronic.

****

R

Rebellious:Unmanageable or difficult to control.

Synonym: Dissenting, quarrelsome, antagonistic, hostile, mutinous, divisive, discordant.

Antonym: Cooperative, helpful, harmonious, concurring, agreeable, peaceful, receptive.

Reckless:Unconcerned, without thought or care for the consequences of an action.

Synonym: Negligent, careless, imprudent, indiscreet, impetuous, unscrupulous, unmindful, thoughtless, inconsiderate, inattentive, injudicious.

Antonym: Careful, prudent, discreet, mindful, thoughtful, considerate, attentive, solicitous, cautious, circumspect, judicious, wary, conscientious, thorough, meticulous, scrupulous, methodical, painstaking.

Rowdy:Noisy and disorderly.

Synonym: Aggressive, belligerent, boisterous, riotous, indisciplined, unrestrained.

Antonym: Orderly, reasonable, calm, restrained, disciplined, cool, well-behaved.

****

S

Sacred:1. Holy, connected with a deity and considered worthy of veneration. 2. Religious rather than secular.

Synonym: Holy, godly, sanctified, hallowed, religious, mystical, spiritual, supernatural.

Antonym: Devilish, unholy, satanic, wicked, Mephistophelean, diabolical, fendish, infernal, hellish.

Skilful:Having or exhibiting skill or mastery.

Synonym: Proficient, expert, accomplished, experienced, conversant, well-versed, efficient.

Antonym: Clumsy, amateurish, inexpert, unskilful, inefficient, bungling, awkward.

Spurious:1. Something that is false or fake. 2. (An argument or reasoning) Apparently but not actually valid.

Synonym: Unreal, imaginary, make-believe, fictional, dream-like, hallucinatory, illusory, chimerical, ghostly, delusory, shadowy, specious, phoney, fimsy, hollow, invalid.

Antonym: Real, objective, palpable, tangible, corporeal, solid, concrete, physical, material, actual, natural, factual, historical, true, valid, pure, authentic.

****

T

Tactful:Having or showing diplomacy or tact.

Synonym: Civil, decorous, respectable, dignified, polished, courteous, diplomatic, couth, refned, well-mannered, delicate.

Antonym: Tactless, undiplomatic, uncivil, discourteous, rude, crass, boorish, uncouth, caddish, loutish, indecent, indecorous, indelicate, improper.

Temporary:Lasting for a limited period only.

Synonym: Fleeting, provisional, transient, transitory, evanescent, makeshift, passing, ephemeral, shortlived, brief, impermanent.

Antonym: Permanent, eternal, perpetual, everlasting, immortal, timeless, deathless, undying, imperishable, indestructible, ageless.

Trite:(Of an idea or remark) Lacking originality or freshness; dull on account of overexposure or overuse.

Synonym: Banal, hackneyed, commonplace, platitudinous, repetitive, reiterative, monotonous, routine, stale, trivial, empty, ineffective. Antonym: Meaningful, significant, telling, emphatic, cogent, incisive, persuasive, effective.

****

U

Ubiquitous:Something present, appearing or found everywhere.

Synonym: Universal, global, commonplace, prevalent, widespread, endemic, omniscient, omnipresent, pervasive.

Antonym: Absent, lacking, devoid, nonexistent, unavailable, empty, vacant, void, missing, deficient.

Unwonted:Unaccustomed or unusual.

Synonym: Unaccustomed, unused, unfamiliar, novel, new, strange, unusual, unprecedented, unconventional, unorthodox. Antonym: Habitual, customary, regular, wonted, usual, familiar, accustomed, commonplace, traditional, conventional, accepted, longstanding, time-honoured.

Upmarket:Relating to the more affuent or expensive section of the market.

Synonym: Exclusive, affuent, luxurious, opulent, plush, palatial, pricey. Antonym: Downmarket, underprivileged, disadvantaged, underdeveloped, cheap, inexpensive.

****

V

Vacant:Not occupied, empty.

Synonym: Absent, empty, void, blank, vacuous, hollow, missing, devoid, deficient, short, unoccupied, deserted, abandoned, depopulated, cleared.

Antonym: Resident, present, occupied, existent, ready, handy, available,

attendant.

Valid:1. Supporting the intended claim. 2. Executed in compliance with the law.

Synonym: Real, actual, factual, authentic.

Antonym: Invalid, unreal, fake, spurious, unsubstantiated, unproved.

Vociferous:Vehement or clamorous.

Synonym: Loud, noisy, clamorous, vehement, strident, resonant, shrill, high-pitched, piercing, deafening, ear-splitting.

Antonym: Faint, soft, low, muted, murmured, indistinct, inaudible, quiet, hushed, muffed, subdued.

****

W

Wane:To become weaker; decrease or diminish.

Synonym: Decrease, diminish, slacken, lessen, reduce, deduct, subtract, depreciate, decline, contract, shrink, retrench, defate, depress, dwindle, ebb, recede, abate, subside, decelerate, fall, dip, drop, plunge, slide, slump, slash, curtail.

Antonym: Wax, increase, grow, add, accrue, accumulate, appreciate, augment, develop, infate, rise, burgeon, sprout, thrive, prosper, advance, progress, accelerate, spread, enlarge, expand, mushroom, proliferate, multiply, spiral, boost, swell.

Warm-hearted:Sympathetic and kind.

Synonym: Friendly, affectionate, amicable, sociable, well-meaning, benevolent, kind, cordial, congenial.

Antonym: Hostile, unfriendly, inimical, antagonistic, aggressive, chilly, cool, cold, alienated, opposed, incompatible, bitter, resentful, acrimonious.

Wily:Skilled at securing an advantage, especially through cunning and unfair means.

Synonym: Crafty, cunning, deceitful, dishonest, duplicitous, treacherous, perfdious, tricky, sly, fraudulent, deceptive.

Antonym: Truthful, honest, upright, trustworthy, bona fde, sincere, naïve, artless, guileless, straightforward.

****

Y

Yearn:Have an intense feeling of loss and longing for something or somebody.

Synonym: Pine, grieve, mourn, fancy, hanker, thirst, lust, crave (for). Antonym: Indifference, apathy, aversion, distaste, dislike, unconcern.

Youthful:Young or seeming young; characteristic of young people.

Synonym: Young, fresh, ageless, green, callow, coltish.

Antonym: Old, adult, mature, ageing, aged, elderly, geriatric, doddering, senile, white-haired.

Yummy:Delicious, tast y.

Synonym: Tasty, savoury, delicious, favoursome, tempting, appetising, mouth-watering, delectable, palatable.

Antonym: Tasteless, favourless, insipid, bland, unappetising, unpalatable, inedible, unsavoury, yukky.

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Z

Zealous:Having or showing zeal (a fanatical commitment to a religion or cause).

Synonym: Loyal, faithful, committed, devout, practising, dedicated, earnest, fanatical, fundamentalist, crusading, fervent, enthusiastic. Antonym: Uncommitted, disloyal, uninterested, unenthusiastic, unfaithful. Zest:Great enthusiasm and energy.

Synonym: Vigour, energy, dynamism, dash, élan, liveliness, enthusiasm, fervour, gusto, relish, initiative, drive, aggressiveness, spirit. Antonym: Weakness, feebleness, frailty, languor, listlessness, lethargy, lassitude.

Zoom:Move or travel very quickly.

Synonym: Hurry, rush, scurry, hustle, scramble, scamper, hasten, expedite, dash, sprint, spurt, race, whiz.

Antonym: Unhurried, slow, dilatory, leisurely, easygoing, phlegmatic, plodding, lazy, sluggish, slothful, languid, tardy.

Mastering Punctuation