Lesson 17
Freshmen Vocabulary

1. aberration noun an act or condition deviating from what is normal or typical
   Because his behavior in recent times was considered an aberration by his family, they urged him to see a doctor.
   syn: irregularity, abnormality   
   
   
2. devious adj. in an underhanded manner; not a straight path; roundabout;
   Spies employ devious methods to gather information.
   syn: deceitful, wily   
   
   
3. devoid adj. completely lacking; being without
   His remark was devoid of logic but filled with passion.
   
   
4. felicity noun great happiness; a pleasing manner
   His manner of speaking was marked with such felicity that he quickly won everyone over.   
   
   
5. ferment noun a state of unrest, agitation
   He was told that he had been fired because of the ferment he had caused among the workers.
   syn: turmoil                        ant: tranquility   
   
   
6. haggard adj. appearing worn or exhausted because of worry or suffering
   While it had been only a month since I saw him last, he appeared much more haggard.
   
   
7. laudable adj. deserving praise; praiseworthy
   Mike 's job performance was laudable and worthy or a promotion.  
   
   
8. lucid adj. easily understood; clear to the mind
   Her explanation of the insurance policy was lucid.  
   
   
9. malicious adj. having malice; spiteful; intentionally harmful
   Her malicious statements got her in trouble when the truth came out.
   syn: rebounding, supple              ant: benevolent, benign   
   
   
10. resilient adj. springing back to original shape; recovering its strength, spirit
    It is a very resilient material and will regain its original form within minutes.
    syn: rebounding, supple             ant: inflexible   
    
    
11. reticent adj. hesitant or disinclined to speak out; reserved
    Because John's views differed from the rest of the group, he was reticent about joining the conversation. 
    
    
12. sagacious adj. shrewd and wise
    Sally's sagacious business decisions led to her promotion to president of the company.
    syn: astute, judicious                ant: foolish, fatuous   
    
    
13. ultimatum noun a final demand or offer
    Her ultimatum was that she get a pay raise or she would quit the job.
    
    
14. usurer noun person who lends money at excessively high interest rates
    It was either go to the usurer for the money or go out of business 
    
    
15. utopia noun any society thought, or designed, to be perfect
    He is searching for a utopia where his life will be free of stress.