Word List
ado(a ̆·doo) n.fuss, trouble, bother. Without much ado, she completed her book
report.
amulet(am·yu ̆·lit) n.something worn around the neck as a charm against
evil. The princess wore an amulet after being cursed by a wizard.
aperture(ap·e ̆r·chu ̆r) n.an opening or gap, especially one that lets in light.
The aperture setting on a camera has to be set perfectly to ensure that pictures will
have enough light.
archetype(ahr·ki·t ̄p) n.an original model from which others are copied;
original pattern or prototype. Elvis Presley served as the archetype for rock and
roll performers in the 1950s.
bravado(bra ̆·vah·doh) n.false courage; a show of pretended bravery. Kyle’s
bravado often got him in trouble with other kids in the neighborhood.
conclave(kon·klav) n.a private or secret meeting. The double agent had a
conclave with the spy he was supposed to be observing.
countenance(kown·te ̆·na ̆ns) n.the appearance of a person’s face, facial fea-
tures, and expression. As she walked down the aisle, Julia’s countenance was
absolutely radiant.
dichotomy(d ̄·kot·o ̆·mee) n.division into two usually contradictory parts
or kinds. The dichotomy between vanilla ice cream lovers and chocolate ice cream
lovers was clear.
élan(ay·lahn) n.1. vivacity, enthusiasm, vigor. 2. distinctive style or flair.
The new designer’s élan and originality was sure to help him succeed in the highly
competitive fashion industry.
ethos(ee·thos) n.the spirit, attitude, disposition, or beliefs characteristic
of a community, epoch, region, etc. The ethos of their group included a com-
mitment to pacifism.
harbinger(hahr·bin·je ̆r) n.a person, thing, or event that foreshadows or
indicates what is to come; a forerunner or precursor. The arrival of the robins
is a harbinger of spring.
impasse(im·pas) n.a deadlock, stalemate; a difficulty without a solution.
The labor negotiations with management reached an impasse, and a strike seemed
imminent.
mélange(may·lahnzh) n.a mixture or assortment. There was a very inter-
esting mélange of people at the party.