Lesson 14

• Jaunty
• Ilk
• Anathema
• Expunge
• Integral
• Ostentatious
• Prestigious
• Placard
• Flamboyant
• Inhibition
• Fortuitous
• Utopia
• Schism
• Fractious
• Diatribe
• Incoherent
• Timorous
• Wear your heart on your sleeve
• Save face
• Wash dirty linen in public

• Jaunty: Describes someone or something that is lively, cheerful, and full of energy. It refers to a confident and carefree attitude or appearance.
• Ilk: Refers to a type or kind of people or things that share similar characteristics or qualities. It is often used to categorize or group things together based on their similarities.
• Anathema: Describes something or someone that is strongly disliked, detested, or condemned. It refers to a person, thing, or idea that is considered to be a curse or abomination.
• Expunge: Means to erase, remove, or eliminate completely. It involves getting rid of something, such as a record, memory, or information, in order to eliminate its existence.
• Integral: Describes something that is essential, necessary, or indispensable. It refers to a fundamental part or component that is necessary for the completeness or functioning of a whole.
• Ostentatious: Describes something that is showy, extravagant, or intended to attract attention. It involves displaying wealth, luxury, or success in a flashy and conspicuous manner.
• Prestigious: Refers to something that is highly respected, esteemed, or honored. It describes something that is considered to be of high status, reputation, or importance.
• Placard: A large sign or poster that is displayed in a public place to convey a message or provide information. It is often used for advertising, announcements, or protests.
• Flamboyant: Describes someone or something that is bold, colorful, and extravagant in appearance or behavior. It involves being showy, theatrical, or attention-grabbing.
• Inhibition: Refers to a feeling of self-consciousness, restraint, or hesitation that prevents someone from expressing themselves freely or acting in a natural way.
• Fortuitous: Describes something that happens by chance or luck, often in a positive or beneficial way. It involves an unexpected or fortunate occurrence.
• Utopia: Refers to an imagined or idealized place or state of perfection, where everything is perfect and ideal. It describes an ideal society or world that is free from problems or flaws.
• Schism: Refers to a division or split within a group or organization, often caused by differences in beliefs, opinions, or ideologies. It involves a separation or rupture.
• Fractious: Describes someone or something that is irritable, quarrelsome, or difficult to control. It involves being unruly, argumentative, or prone to causing disputes.
• Diatribe: Refers to a bitter, abusive, or angry speech or piece of writing that strongly criticizes or denounces someone or something. It involves a lengthy and vehement verbal attack.
• Incoherent: Describes something that is unclear, confused, or lacking logical order or connection. It involves being unintelligible or difficult to understand.
• Timorous: Describes someone who is timid, fearful, or lacking in confidence. It involves being shy, hesitant, or easily frightened.
• Wear your heart on your sleeve: Refers to openly and freely expressing one’s emotions or feelings, without hiding or suppressing them. It involves being transparent and vulnerable.
• Save face: Refers to preserving one’s reputation, dignity, or honor in a difficult or embarrassing situation. It involves avoiding humiliation or loss of respect.
• Wash dirty linen in public: Refers to discussing or revealing private or embarrassing matters in a public or inappropriate manner. It involves exposing personal problems or conflicts to others.

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Vocabulary Definitions

Jaunty
Jaunty means having a lively and cheerful manner, often characterized by a confident and carefree attitude.

• He walked into the room with a jaunty step, exuding confidence.
• Her jaunty hat made her stand out in the crowd.
• The jaunty melody lifted everyone’s spirits.

Ilk
Ilk refers to a type or kind, often used to categorize a group of people or things with similar characteristics.

• She preferred the company of intellectuals and artists of that ilk.
• His friends were of the same ilk, sharing similar interests and values.
• The book is filled with stories from authors of that ilk.

Anathema
Anathema means something or someone that is greatly detested or loathed, often used in a religious context to denote a formal curse.

• The idea of dishonesty was anathema to her principles.
• To many in the community, his actions were anathema.
• The doctrine was declared anathema by the church.

Expunge
To expunge means to erase or remove completely, often used in the context of deleting records or memories.

• The court decided to expunge his criminal record after rehabilitation.
• She wished she could expunge the painful memories of her past.
• The organization aims to expunge any misinformation.

Integral
Integral means essential or necessary for completeness; something that is a fundamental part of a whole.

• Good communication is an integral part of any successful relationship.
• The integral components of the project were outlined in the proposal.
• He plays an integral role in the team’s success.

Ostentatious
Ostentatious describes something that is characterized by vulgar or pretentious display; designed to impress or attract notice.

• The ostentatious mansion was filled with extravagant decorations.
• She wore an ostentatious necklace that caught everyone’s attention.
• His ostentatious lifestyle drew criticism from those who valued simplicity.

Prestigious
Prestigious refers to having a high reputation or status, often associated with respect and admiration.

• She graduated from a prestigious university known for its academic excellence.
• The award is given to individuals who have made prestigious contributions to their fields.
• Working for a prestigious company was a dream come true for him.

Placard
A placard is a sign or notice posted in a public place, often used for conveying messages or information.

• The placard outside the building provided directions to the event.
• Protesters carried placards with messages advocating for change.
• The placard announced the sale and attracted many customers.

Flamboyant
Flamboyant means tending to attract attention because of exuberance, confidence, and stylishness; often associated with bright colors or extravagant behavior.

• His flamboyant personality made him the center of attention at parties.
• She wore a flamboyant dress that turned heads wherever she went.
• The flamboyant artwork brightened the dull room.

Inhibition
Inhibition refers to a feeling that makes one self-conscious and unable to act naturally; it can also denote a subconscious restraint.

• Her inhibition prevented her from speaking up during the meeting.
• Many people struggle with inhibition in social situations.
• He worked to overcome his inhibition and express his true feelings.

Fortuitous
Fortuitous means happening by chance, often in a way that is fortunate or lucky; it can refer to events that occur unexpectedly.

• Their fortuitous meeting led to a lasting friendship.
• It was fortuitous that she found the job opportunity just when she needed it.
• The fortuitous turn of events changed the course of history.

Utopia
Utopia refers to an imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect; it often serves as a critique of existing societies.

• The novel depicts a utopia where everyone lives in harmony.
• Many philosophers have imagined their own versions of utopia.
• The idea of utopia often raises questions about practicality and human nature.

Schism
A schism is a division or split between a group, often due to differences in beliefs or opinions.

• The schism within the organization led to the formation of two factions.
• Historical schisms have shaped the course of religions.
• The political schism made it challenging to reach a consensus.

Fractious
Fractious describes someone who is irritable or quarrelsome; it can also refer to situations that are difficult to manage.

• The fractious debate escalated into heated arguments.
• She found it challenging to maintain order among the fractious group of children.
• His fractious nature often led to conflicts with colleagues.

Diatribe
A diatribe is a forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something; it can also refer to a prolonged discourse.

• The politician’s diatribe against his opponents was broadcasted on live television.
• She wrote a diatribe criticizing the lack of action on climate change.
• His diatribe left the audience stunned and speechless.

Incoherent
Incoherent means lacking clarity or organization; it often refers to speech or writing that is difficult to understand.

• His incoherent explanation left everyone confused.
• The patient’s incoherent ramblings worried the doctors.
• The report was incoherent and needed significant revisions.

Timorous
Timorous describes someone who is showing or suffering from nervousness, fear, or a lack of confidence.

• The timorous child hesitated to speak in front of the class.
• Her timorous nature made her shy away from new experiences.
• He took a timorous step forward, unsure of what to expect.

Wear your heart on your sleeve
This phrase means to openly show one’s emotions and feelings, rather than keeping them hidden.

• She tends to wear her heart on her sleeve, making it easy for others to understand her feelings.
• In relationships, it’s often better to wear your heart on your sleeve than to hide your emotions.
• His tendency to wear his heart on his sleeve made him vulnerable but also relatable.

Save face
To save face means to maintain one’s dignity or reputation, often in a difficult situation.

• He tried to save face after making a mistake during the presentation.
• The company took measures to save face after the public relations crisis.
• It’s important to find a way to save face in front of your peers.

Wash dirty linen in public
This phrase means to discuss private or sensitive matters in a public setting, often leading to embarrassment.

• They refused to wash their dirty linen in public and handled their issues privately.
• The scandal involved a lot of public figures washing dirty linen in public.
• It’s better to resolve conflicts quietly than to wash dirty linen in public.

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The Symphony of Dissent: A Tale of Harmony Amidst Discord

In the bustling city of Cadenza, where music flowed through cobbled streets and prestigious conservatories held the key to social mobility, lived Anya, a young violinist with a jaunty spirit and a passion that defied convention. Unlike her ostentatious peers, clad in flawless technique and predictable repertoires, Anya poured her soul into her music, her bow dancing with a unique, fiery expression.

This individuality, however, was anathema to the Maestro, the iron-fisted director of the esteemed Cadenza Conservatory. He believed his prestigious institution existed to churn out flawless replicas, not encourage creative rebellion. Anya’s performances, filled with raw emotion and flamboyant flourishes, were met with scathing critiques and stifled in favor of the tried-and-true.

Feeling ostracized and unheard, Anya sought solace in the city’s underbelly, where music thrummed in smoky jazz clubs and street performers weaved magic with unconventional instruments. Here, she found a motley crew of musicians, each ostracized from the conservatory for their individuality – a pianist with a penchant for dissonance, a drummer whose rhythms defied structure, and a vocalist who wore her heart on her sleeve, her voice raw and untethered.

One fateful night, during a heated debate about artistic freedom sparked by a particularly incoherent diatribe by the Maestro, Anya and her new companions took a fortuitous decision. They would hold their own concert, showcasing their unconventional styles in a public square, a direct challenge to the conservatory’s rigid ideology.

Their performance was a spectacle. The cacophony of their clashing styles, at first jarring, began to coalesce into a unique symphony, fueled by passion and unbridled expression. The crowd, initially timorous, was drawn in by their raw honesty. An old woman tapped her foot to the offbeat rhythm, a child giggled at the pianist’s dissonant chords, and a young man, inspired by the singer’s vulnerability, took out his worn guitar and joined in.

The city, divided by social classes and artistic preferences, found itself united in the face of such genuine expression. The Maestro, his face contorted in ostentatious outrage, tried to shut down the performance, but the crowd roared in defiance. In a fractious scene, the students of the conservatory, witnessing the power of Anya’s rebellion, stood by her side, placards raised in support.

The schism was complete. The Maestro, clinging to his outdated ideals, was forced to resign. Anya, along with her companions, established a new school, not one defined by prestige, but by inclusivity and artistic freedom. Their music, once rejected, became the soundtrack of a cultural revolution, a testament to the power of individual expression to break down barriers and build bridges.

The city of Cadenza, no longer fixated on replicating perfection, embraced the beauty of diverse voices. The once rigid lines between high and low art blurred, replaced by a vibrant tapestry of musical styles, each unique thread woven into the symphony of a city transformed. Anya, once an ostracized individual, became a symbol of artistic freedom, a reminder that the most beautiful music often arises from the most unexpected collaborations, proving that sometimes, the greatest revolutions begin with a jaunty violinist refusing to save face by playing someone else’s tune.

And so, the city learned that true harmony wasn’t about replicating a single note, but about embracing the discordant melodies that, when woven together, could create a symphony unlike any other, a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful voices are the ones that refuse to be silenced.

The Symphony of Dissent: A Tale of Music, Revolution, and Unexpected Bonds

In the prestigious city of Harmonia, where music flowed like water and etiquette was an ironclad religion, lived Elara, a young violinist with a jaunty spirit and a heart that pulsed to a different rhythm. Unlike her peers, content to play the same old melodies within the confines of the city’s fractious orchestra, Elara yearned for something more, something that resonated with the whispers of discontent brewing beneath the surface.

Her music, a vibrant blend of traditional harmonies and rebellious dissonance, was anathema to the city’s rigid conductors, their faces contorting in disapproval as Elara poured her soul into her instrument. Yet, amidst the disapproving stares, Elara found a kindred spirit in Leo, a timorous cellist whose eyes mirrored her own yearning for change.

One fateful evening, during a performance before the city’s elite, Elara, fueled by a surge of passion, deviated from the score, her bow weaving a tapestry of discordant notes that spoke of oppression and longing for freedom. The audience, accustomed to the ostentatious displays of virtuosity, erupted in outrage. The conductor, his face flushed with fury, declared Elara a heretic, demanding she expunge her music from their repertoire.

But Elara, emboldened by the murmurs of support from the silenced masses, refused. Standing tall, her voice ringing with conviction, she delivered a passionate diatribe against the city’s oppressive regime, its music a mere facade masking a society on the brink of schism.

Her words, like a spark igniting dry tinder, ignited a firestorm. The orchestra, divided by their own unspoken discontent, erupted in chaos. Some, swayed by Elara’s words and Leo’s hesitant but heartfelt agreement, joined her in a symphony of dissent. Others, clinging to the comfort of tradition, clung to the conductor, their instruments raised in discordant protest against the rebellion.

The once harmonious performance hall became a battleground of sound, the clash of ideologies echoing through the city. The elite, their placards of disapproval replaced by expressions of fear and confusion, watched in disbelief as the carefully crafted facade of their utopia crumbled before their eyes.

The ensuing conflict, though fractious, ultimately led to change. The city, forced to confront its festering wounds, embarked on a journey towards a more just and equitable society. Elara, the once timorous musician, became a symbol of hope, her music a testament to the power of individual courage to challenge the status quo.

Leo, no longer a shadow but a partner in progress, stood by her side, his music now a bridge between the divided factions, a melody of unity woven from the threads of discord. The city, forever marked by the fortuitous night when a single violinist dared to break the mold, became a symphony of voices, each unique and essential, proving that even the most prestigious facades can crumble when ordinary people wear their hearts on their sleeves and refuse to save face by keeping their dirty linen hidden.

The harmony that eventually emerged was not a return to the old, but a beautiful, complex composition born from the ashes of dissent, a testament to the transformative power of music, courage, and the unexpected bonds forged in the face of shared struggle.

The Jaunty Revolution: A Tale of Dissent and Unexpected Heroes

In the prestigious Academy of Eloquence, where students honed their voices for power and persuasion, Elara stood out like a rogue comma in a perfect sentence. Her jaunty beret and mismatched socks screamed individuality, anathema to the academy’s ostentatious uniformity.

Elara wasn’t just different; she was fractious, her diatribes against the academy’s elitism echoing through the halls, challenging its very foundations. She spoke of a utopia where voices weren’t mere tools for the privileged, but instruments of change, accessible to all.

Her classmates, raised on the academy’s dogma, scoffed. They were groomed for placards and speeches, not schisms. Elara, they believed, was a timorous dreamer, her incoherent ramblings a threat to their carefully curated futures.

But Elara was not alone. A ragtag group of outcasts, drawn to her flamboyant spirit and genuine concern, gathered around her. There was Finn, the shy poet whose words found courage in Elara’s defiance; Maya, the streetwise orator whose voice held the power of lived experience; and Leo, the tech whiz who dreamt of using his skills to amplify unheard voices.

Their bond, forged in shared dreams and ostracized by the academy’s elite, grew into a movement. They called themselves the “Jaunty Revolution,” a name that mocked the academy’s stuffy image and embodied their spirit of playful rebellion.

They didn’t wear their hearts on their sleeves, but used their voices, honed by the academy’s very system, to expose its flaws. They created fortuitous opportunities, like “Open Mic Nights” in the forbidden courtyard, where anyone could share their voice, not just the chosen few.

The academy, initially dismissive, grew threatened. They tried to expunge the Jaunty Revolution, labeling them rabble-rousers and silencing their voices. But Elara, ever resourceful, used Leo’s tech to amplify their message beyond the academy walls.

Their incoherent ramblings, once confined to hushed corners, became powerful narratives shared across the city. People, tired of the academy’s elitism, resonated with their call for a more inclusive future.

The pressure mounted, forcing the academy to save face. They couldn’t wash their dirty linen in public any longer. A compromise was reached: the Jaunty Revolution would have a platform, their voices included in the curriculum.

It wasn’t a complete victory, but it was a crack in the academy’s facade. Elara, the jaunty outcast, had shown that even the most rigid systems could be challenged, not with violence, but with the power of words, shared courage, and the audacity to dream of a better future.

The academy remained prestigious, but it was no longer anathema to individuality. And Elara, the accidental revolutionary, became a symbol of hope, proving that even the most timorous voice, when amplified by conviction and a touch of flair, can spark a revolution.