originality (uh RIJ in AL i tee) n.1. the quality or condition of never having
occurred before; 2. the ability to be creative or inventive
- The person who wrote “Roses are red, violets are blue, monkeys are hairy,
and so are you” can hardly lay claim to having any originality. - When it comes to cooking contests, originalityin use of seasonings usually
plays a large part in determining the winner.
ornate(awr NAYT) adj.1. heavily adorned, often to excess; 2. showy or flowery,
as in some musical or literary styles - Corinthian capitals (column tops) are known for their exceptionally ornate
decoration. - Paganini was an exceptionally gifted violinist, and some of his composi-
tions are so ornatethat nobody else can play them.
orthodox(AWR thuh DAHKS) n.1. conforming to the established beliefs and
doctrines (as in religion, politics, etc.); 2. designating any of the churches of the
Eastern Orthodox Church - The orthodoxpolitician makes it a point not to offend any potential voters.
- Admiral Yamamoto’s unorthodoxreliance on aircraft carriers was the main
reason for early Japanese successes in World War II. - The Catholic Church celebrates Easter at a different time from the Orthodox
Church.
[-y* n.] [Ant. unorthodox]
ostensible(ahs TEN sib il) adj.apparent; seeming; professed - There was an ostensiblemisunderstanding between the valet parking
attendant and his client. - An ostensibledifference of opinion exists between those voting for one
candidate and those supporting the other.
[ostensibly adv.]
ostentatious*(AHS tin TAY shuhs) adj.showy display of wealth or learning;
pretentious - The lobby of the Ritz Carlton Hotel can only be described as slightly
ostentatious,as one would expect. - As a Harvard graduate, Andrew felt it necessary to place his diploma in an
ostentatiousframe in his law office.
[-ly adv., ostentation n.]
ostracism (AHS truh sizm) n.barring; banishment; excluding (from the ancient
Greek word ostra,for a shard of pottery) - In ancient Athens, a man’s name might be written on a broken piece of
pottery, and if enough ostra had his name on it, an ostracismtook place;
that is, he was banished. - Ostracismis a rather cruel form of social punishment.
[ostracize v., ostracized, ostracizing] [Syn. banish]
outcast (OWT kast) n.one cast out; a person or thing rejected by society - One who has been ostracized is an outcast.
- Persons serving jail time for having committed crimes can be considered
social outcasts.
O: SAT Words 171