Lesson 1
Freshmen Vocabulary

1. abstinence noun the practice of abstaining; doing without
   Although the preacher talked about abstinence a great deal, it was well-known that he would have a drink now and then.
   syn: self-denial    ant: indulgence
   
   
2. ambulatory adj. able to walk; up and about
   The ambulatory patients were led to the basement shelters, but the bedridden patients had to wait for stretcher-bearers to carry them below
   
   
3. diatribe noun a bitter and abusive criticism
   When he began his customary diatribe about shiftless and rude teenagers, I just walked out.


4. didactic adj. intended to instruct, guide, or teach
   Her poetry was so didactic that, although one learned a great deal about the topic, the poetry wasn't very good.
   
   
5. diffident adj. timid, shy; lacking confidence
   Unlike her sister, who is quite outgoing, Jan was a little diffident.
   syn: reserved    ant: confident, aggressive


6. garrulous adj. very talkative
   Susan was so garrulous that Steve couldn't get a word in edgewise.
   syn: verbose, loquacious    ant: reticent, taciturn
   
   
7. mandatory adj. required; obligatory
   In order to protect innocent victims, most states have mandatory auto insurance laws.
   syn: compulsory    ant: voluntary, optional
   
   
8. morbid adj. preoccupied with gruesome or gloomy matters; grisly; horrible
   It was such a morbid story that it depressed me.
   syn: morose, glum    ant: cheerful
   
   
9. munificent adj. very generous in giving; lavish
   While the oil company's offer was munificent, the senator could not accept it because the maximum contribution was $1,000.
   syn: liberal    ant: stingy, penurious, parsimonious
   
   
10. scoff verb to show derision or mocking contempt
    He scoffed at the notion of taking a lower-paying job, but eventually he was forced to do so.
    syn: ridicule, deride    ant: praise