Vocabulary
Unit 11A
Brevity

(n.) shortness

Hint: Brief
Sentence

The brevity of his speech left people
wondering if he was uncomfortable with
public speaking.
Comport

(v.) to conduct or bear oneself, behave; to be
in agreement

Hint: the root word port means to carry (as in
transport) the word literally means how you carry
yourself
Sentence

When you are going on a job interview, it is
important to comport yourself in a respectful
manner.
Concise

(adj.) expressing much in a few words

Hint: prefix “con” means with, the root “cis” is
exact or cut (as in precise or scissors)
together it means to express with few words,
or exactly
Sentence

When taking a timed exam, it is
necessary to be concise on the essay
portion.
Demure

(adj.) sober or serious in manner, modest
Sentence

A century ago ladies were expected to
behave in a demure fashion. They never
raised their voices in public or went out
without gloves and a hat.
Depreciation

(n.) a lessening in value; a belittling

Hint: when we show appreciation we show how much
we value something, when something shows
depreciation we remove value
Sentence

The economy has caused a lot of
depreciation in the housing market; for many,
their house is now worth less than they paid
for it.
Deteriorate

(v.) to lower in quality or value, to wear away
Sentence

The exterior of the house deteriorated over
many years of neglect.
Divulge

(v.) to tell, reveal; to make public

Hint: Just dive in and get it over with, let everyone
know
Sentence

Nancy’s best friend wouldn’t talk to her after
she divulged her secret.
Enlightened

(adj.) free from ignorance and false ideas;
possessing sound understanding
 Hint
(
: the light bulb goes on
Sentence

After Mrs. Zeiner completed her explanation,
the class was enlightened.
Forestall

(v.) to prevent by acting first

Hint: STALL an event by acting beFORE
Sentence

When a toddler is getting ready to throw a
tantrum, you can try to forestall it by using a
distraction.
Garble

–(v.) to distort in such a way as to make
unintelligible

Hint: “ Gabe was not able to understand the
message”
Sentence

My answering machine needed to be
repaired; it garbled my messages, and
people were getting mad when I didn’t return
their calls.