Wordly Wise List 11-12

augment

• To decrease in size, amount, or degree

• To increase in size, amount, or degree

• To maintain the same size, amount, or degree

• To transform into a different state

benign

• Kind, gracious, gentle

• Harsh, severe, cruel

• Indifferent, apathetic, cold

• Hostile, aggressive, fierce

reticent

• A. Outgoing and talkative

• B. Quiet and reserved

• C. Loud and boisterous

• D. Friendly and sociable

accede

• To agree with after urging from another

• To refuse or reject a proposal

• To create or establish something new

• To withdraw from a commitment

irksome

• Pleasant and enjoyable

• Annoying, tedious

• Calm and peaceful

• Simple and easy

ostentatious

• Showy or ornate

• Simple and plain

• Subtle and understated

• Boring and dull

connoisseur

• Person with refined taste

• A beginner in a field

• Someone who dislikes art

• A casual observer of trends

precarious

• Safe and secure

• Not safe or secure, dangerously uncertain

• Stable and reliable

• Predictably safe

artisan

• craftsperson

• engineer

• artist

• designer

malevolent

• Evil, producing hatred

• Kind and benevolent

• Neutral and indifferent

• Friendly and supportive