Vocabulary Lesson 17English IV

DEPRAVITY Boardwalk Empire depicts the depravity of mobsters, and gangsters during the Prohibition Era.

MEGALOM

ANIA Nina Sayers, Natalie Portman’s character in Black Swan, is afflicted with megalomania during her ballet practices and performances.

ATTRIBUTE The actor’s success can be attributed to his supportive mother, his legendary mentor, and his innate talent.

CELERITY Lesean McCoy runs with such celerity that his defenders grasp and grab at the air.

ALIMENTARY Michelle Obama created an alimentary initiative for school aged

children across the nation. Her hope is to educate students on the benefits of healthy eating and regular exercise.

CONGENITAL I was born with a congenital eye condition that elevates my optical nerves, resulting in headaches and pulsating noises in my ears.

DISCOURSE Jake began to zone out during Jasmine’s lengthy discourse about how he could be a better boyfriend and, in general, a better person.

PRIMORDIAL Terra Nova is set in a primordial location full of

monstrous dinosaurs and lush wildlife.

REMUNERATION Brian Kingrey, MLB2K11’s Perfect Game Winner, received

a generous remuneration for his ability to research stats and players and then throw a virtual perfect game.

ATTENUATE Every superhero has their own kryptonite that tends to attenuate their strength.

MUTABLE “You can’t ever make plans with Beth,” said John. “Her

ideas are completely mutable, which is super annoying.”

ETHEREAL Nearly Headless Nick, Rowena Ravenclaw, and Peeves are ethereal beings that float around Hogwarts.

ENCOMIUM When Michael Jackson passed away, there were endless

encomiums on the television and in magazines and newspapers.

TACTILE Miss Gee has some serious tactile issues; there are certain fabrics and styles of clothing that make her feel restricted, itchy, and uncomfortable.

ASCETIC Many celebrities are selective ascetics, meaning they renounce food in order to complete a cleanse.