Lesson 7
Junior Vocabulary

1. cynical adj. inclined to distrust or deny the goodness or sincerity of human motive
   When you are cynical others doubt your motives.
   syn: distrustful, skeptical, scornful             ant: idealistic, optimistic
   
   
2. decorum noun conformity to accepted standards of conduct; proper behavior
   The usually belligerent agnostic acted with surprising decorum during church service.
   syn: propriety, dignity, etiquette              ant: impropriety, inappropriateness
   
   
3. demagogue noun a leader who appeals to the emotions and prejudices of the people, especially to advance his or her own power.
   Once the leader of the revolt defeated the dictator, he then became a demagogue.
   syn: agitator, ringleader, rabble-rouser
   
   
4. demure adj. quiet and modest
   Although she wanted to leave her abusive husband, she still tried to be demure while she was present.
   syn: modest, decorous, reserved              ant: audacious, conceited, blunt
   
   
5. deprecate verb to express disapproval of; to depreciate one's effort.
   Because the others deprecated his earlier ideas, he offered no new ones.
   syn: belittle, disparage            ant: approve, commend, praise
   
   
6. destitute adj.  extremely poor; lacking necessities like food and shelter
   Since they had no insurance, the fire which completely destroyed their home left them destitute.
   syn: indigent, impoverished, penniless           ant: opulent, affluent
   
   
7. diffident adj. lacking in self-confidence; shy
   After hearing of the man's accomplishments; it was especially hard to understand his diffident attitude.
   syn: timid, shy, modest         ant: arrogant, aggressive, forward
   
   
8. dilemma noun a difficult choice; especially a choice between two equally undesirable alternatives
   Whether I should repair my old car or purchase a new one was a real dilemma.
   syn: quandary, plight, predicament
   
   
9. dilettante noun one who studies an art or science for mere amusement
   Though just a dilettante, he practiced his piano with as much diligence as a concert pianist.
   syn: amateur, trifler, dabbler             ant: expert, professional, connoisseur
   
   
   
10. disparity noun inequality; difference
    He was forty and she twenty, but their marriage was very happy despite the disparity in their ages.
    syn: disproportion, dissimilarity               ant: parity, likeness, equality