Words and Meanings
- Ephemeral – Lasting for a very short time.
- Iconoclast – A person who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions.
- Mellifluous – Sweet or musical; pleasant to hear.
- Nefarious – Wicked, villainous, or despicable.
- Perspicacious – Having keen insight or understanding.
- Recalcitrant – Resisting authority or control; stubbornly disobedient.
- Salubrious – Health-giving; favorable to health or well-being.
- Tenebrous – Dark, shadowy, or obscure.
- Unctuous – Excessively flattering or ingratiating; oily in manner.
- Venerable – Commanding respect because of age, dignity, or character.
Usage Examples
- The beauty of cherry blossoms is ephemeral, lasting only a week in spring.
- Pablo Picasso was an iconoclast who challenged traditional art forms.
- Her mellifluous voice filled the concert hall with enchanting melodies.
- The villain’s nefarious scheme was foiled by the detective at the last moment.
- The perspicacious investor spotted the market trend before anyone else.
- The recalcitrant child refused to follow any classroom rules.
- The mountain retreat offered salubrious air that rejuvenated weary visitors.
- They ventured into the tenebrous cave, flashlight beams cutting through the gloom.
- The salesman’s unctuous compliments failed to convince skeptical buyers.
- The venerable oak tree had stood watch over the village for centuries.
Interactive Quiz
Fill in the blanks with the correct word from the list above. Test yourself first, then check the key.
- The __ nature of fireworks makes them a fleeting spectacle at celebrations.
- Steve Jobs proved to be an __ in the tech industry, defying conventional designs.
- The singer’s __ tones soothed the audience like honey flowing over velvet.
- The criminal mastermind devised a __ plot to steal the priceless artifact.
- Her __ analysis revealed flaws others overlooked in the complex data.
- The __ mule refused to budge despite the farmer’s coaxing and prods.
- Fresh ocean breezes created a __ environment perfect for recovery.
- In the __ depths of the forest, shadows hid ancient secrets.
- The politician’s __ smile hid his true intentions during the debate.
- The __ professor was honored for decades of scholarly contributions.
Answer Key with Explanations
- Ephemeral – Short-lived; fireworks burn out fast after launch.
- Iconoclast – Tradition-breaker; Jobs upended industry standards with innovation.
- Mellifluous – Sweet-sounding; compares to honey (“melli” root) for smooth flow.
- Nefarious – Wicked or evil; perfect for villainous, despicable plots.
- Perspicacious – Sharply insightful; detects subtle details others miss.
- Recalcitrant – Stubbornly defiant; mules are classic examples of resistance.
- Salubrious – Promoting health; clean breezes aid physical recovery.
- Tenebrous – Dark and shadowy; evokes deep obscurity from Latin “tenebrae.”
- Unctuous – Insincerely oily/flattering; suggests slick, fake charm.
- Venerable – Worthy of respect from age/wisdom; honors long-term dignity.
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