CHAPTER 3 / BUILDING AN IMPRESSIVE VOCABULARY 125
Vocabulary Lesson 28: That’s Better
Today’s roots: culpa blame placare to please
ex-, e- out mollis soft❑ vindicate(v) to clear from blame
The adroit defense lawyer was able to vindicateher client of all charges, and he was set free.
Synonyms:exonerate, absolve Antonym:convict❑ assuage(v) to soothe anger or pain; to satisfy a hunger (suavisagreeable, sweet)
If your dog gets stung by a bee, place a wet washcloth on the area to assuagethe pain.
Synonyms:pacify, appease, quench, allay Antonyms:provoke, vex, exacerbate❑ mollify(v) to soothe the anger of (mollissoft)
The waiter attempted to mollifythe angry customer by offering him a free dessert with his dinner.
Synonyms:assuage, appease, placate, conciliate Antonyms:rile, provoke❑ exonerate(v) to clear from accusation (ex-out+onusburden)
When the principal found the spray paint in Rex’s locker, Timmy was exoneratedof all graffiti charges.
Synonyms:acquit, exculpate, absolve Antonym:incriminate❑ placate(v) to soothe; to mollify (placareto please)
The mother attempted to placateher crying baby by handing him his favorite teddy bear.
Synonyms:pacify, assuage, conciliate, appease Antonyms:enrage, provoke❑ exculpate(v) to free from blame (ex-out+culpablame)
Although the DNA evidence did not identify the killer, it did exculpatethe police’s primary suspect.
Synonyms:acquit, disculpate, exonerate Antonyms:impeach, convict❑ anesthetic(n) something that reduces sensation (an-without+aisthesisGk feeling)
Before closing the cut, the doctor administered an anestheticto numb the area around the wound.
Synonym:palliative❑ pacify(v) to soothe the agitation or anger of (pacispeace)
Synonyms:appease, conciliate❑ invigorate(v) to energize (in-in+vigorliveliness+-ateto do)
Synonyms:stimulate, rejuvenate❑ alleviate(v) to relieve (think of “Aleve” to relieve body aches)
Synonyms:assuage, allay❑ emollient(n) a substance that softens (mollissoft)
❑ absolve(v) to pardon (ab-from+solvereto loosen)
Synonyms:exculpate, acquit❑ placid(adj) peaceful; calm (placareto please)
Synonyms:serene, tranquil❑ mitigate(v) to make less severe; to lessen the force of