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lean adj., lacking capital. The writer spent his lean years living in an attic that he rented for three hundred dollars a month.

whim n., fancy; eccentric and often sudden idea. On a whim, Todd borrowed his brother’s motorcycle and rode out to the lake.

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beau n., boyfriend. Sylvia waited for her beau to claim most of the dances on her dance card.

gyp • sy n., wanderer; member of an itinerant people who live chiefly in Asia, Europe, and North America. After three months of living like a gypsy in Europe, Claire was happy to come home.

mi • ser • ly adj., characterized by stinginess. The Ghost of Christmas Past intended to change Scrooge’s miserly ways.

dow • dy adj., unbecoming in appearance. The television makeover transformed Gloria’s dowdy appearance.

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lav • ish adj., abundant; excessive. Mr. Hilpisch’s lavish gifts to his family were received with laughter and surprise.

wist • ful • ly adv., expressing yearning or desire mixed with melancholy. Mom said wistfully, “My beautiful wedding dress has yellowed with age.”

gid • dy adj., lightheartedly silly. Justin was pleased with Carol’s giddy laughter at his jokes.