sequence
Definition
a specific order in which
things occur
sss
Sounds Like
Story
Sea of quints
With so many babies, the parents
felt like they had a sea of quints
to take care of and had to feed
and change everyone in order to
keep track of it.
Cc
Order
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Noun
The sequence of events leading to the
climax of the book kept me entertained.
I started watching with season three so I
am out of sequence.
Can you put the songs in sequence from
oldest to most current?
Related Word Form: Sequel (noun)
Root: seq=consequence, subsequent,
Picture:
consequently
Definition
As a result or effect
sss
Sounds Like
Story
Conner sees
tent lean
Cc
Conner sees the tent lean
over and fall. Consequently
he calls his brother to help
him set it up again .
therefore
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Adverb
He did not study, consequently he failed
the test.
She loved the food at camp, consequently
she gained weight.
He decided not to use the map;
consequently, he got lost.
Other forms:
Consequence (noun),
Root: Sequ=follow (sequence, sequel)
Picture:
rapport
Definition
Friendly relationship
ss
Sounds Like
Story
Run for
Because of his great rapport
with his cousin, John started
to run for a hug.
Cc
repetitive
Part of Speech/Sentences:
NOUN
He quickly developed a good rapport with
his teachers and classmates.
The politician wanted a good rapport with
the people in the community..
He felt rapport with the main character of
the book.
Root: port – carry
Picture:
embed
Story
Sounds Like
to surround tightly or
firmly; to incorporate or
set into
The bedbugs were in bed with
me.
insert; enclose; fix
Part of Speech/Sentences:
VERB
The jeweler embedded a new
diamond into my ring.
The journalist was embedded with
troops during the war.
Prefix: em=put into
Picture:
token
Definition
In the same way or for the
same reason
sss
Sounds Like
Story
Toe can
Finding toe socks can be a
challenge. By the same token,
just think how many colors of
nail polish I can use at once!
Cc
furthermore
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Noun
You want to store things but by the same
token you want to be able to find them.
You think he was mean to you, but by the
same token he thinks you were mean to
him.
Some people think he is funny, but by the
same token others think he is annoying.
.
Picture:
implied
Definition
To indicate or suggest
without stating
sss
Sounds Like
Story
In my
“In my world a bird that
can’t sing is a disgrace.”
“I think he just implied I
cannot sing.”
Cc
inferred
Part of Speech/Sentences:
VERB: He implied he would sell his truck at
a price I could afford.
He asked if I would like to see the movie. I
think he implied he would like to take me
out.
The teacher implied the paper would need
to be lengthy when she said it was worth
100 points.
Prefix: im=in; into; towards; inside
Picture:
implication
Definition / Synonym
The conclusion that can be
drawn from something,
although it is ss
not plainly
stated
Sounds Like
simple vacation
Cc
suggestion
Story
The implication that we got from
Dad was that our summer would
be different this year because we
bought a new house. Some people
took cruises to the Bahamas, we
had a simple vacation.
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Noun
The teacher gave the implication that we
needed an A to go on the field trip.
What is the implication you get from an
old woman standing on the porch
frowning , and pointing her finger at her
crushed flower bed?
Related Word Forms: imply (verb)
Prefix: im – not
Root: pli – fold or bend
Picture:
depict
Story
Sounds Like
to represent something
using a picture or words
portray; describe
Part of Speech/Sentences:
VERB
The artist depicted his vision of
war through a portrait of a
battlefield.
Prefix: de=down; away; removal
Root: pict=photograph, drawing or
painting (picture)
Dee picked a rose for her next
tattoo; she felt it best
represented her personality.
Picture:
convey
Definition
To communicate; make
known, to pass from one
sss
person to another
Sounds Like
Story
con Jay
If I can just con Jay into
thinking this is fun, maybe
he will help me paint.
Cc
communicate, express
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Verb
His blue eyes convey surprise when he hits
the ball at baseball practice.
I want to convey my sympathy for the
death your family experienced.
It took 30 minutes to convey all that was
happening.
Root: con=with, together; convene,
converge
Picture:
thus
Definition
consequently or as an
example
sss
Sounds Like
Story
The bus
The bus was full, thus he
had to stand.
Cc
therefore
Part of Speech/Sentences:
adverb
It is late, thus my grade will be 10% lower.
I thought the service was horrible, thus I
am writing a letter to complain.
He was having trouble with his knee, thus
he went to the doctor.
Picture:
consecutive
Definition
Following one another in
order
sss
Sounds Like
Story
Calm
executive
Cc
Even though everything was
going badly at the office,
the calm executive handled
one problem at a time.
Chronological; continuous
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Adjective
Lee’s Summit won the championship for
the third consecutive year.
Because his studying improved, John was
pleased he received his third consecutive A
on the test.
Thursday was a busy night. Molly had play
practice, piano lessons and soccer practice
consecutively.
Prefix: con=with; jointly; completely
Picture:
concurrent
Definition
existing, happening, or done
at the same time
sss
Sounds Like
Story
Conquer ant
.Jeff wanted to conquer the
ant but at the same time he
felt bad about killing it.
Cc
simultaneous
Part of Speech/Sentences:
adjective
I hope the concurrent use of two
medications will help me get well quickly.
The concurrent work of the plumber and
the carpenter were driving the
homeowner crazy.
Concurrent attacks by the army and the
navy pushed back the enemy.
Prefix: con=with; jointly; completely
Picture:
paradigm
Definition
A theory about how
something should be done.
sss
Sounds Like
Story
Pair of dimes
Her theory was there would be
a market for jewelry made
from coins. She hoped her
paradigm would make her rich.
Cc
model
Part of Speech/Sentences:
NOUN
The music video gave us a new paradigm
for looking at the song lyrics.
Gandhi introduced the paradigm of nonviolent protests in India.
Prefix: para=side-by-side; adjacent to
Picture:
falter
Definition / Synonym
To hesitate, stumble; speak
or move unsteadily
ss
Sounds Like
fall to her
Cc
Stutter, stagger
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Verb
The speaker faltered when he saw his opponent
enter the room.
It was only after weeks of rehearsals that the
students were confident they would not falter on
the musical’s opening night.
Students sometimes avoid reading in front of the
classroom because of their fear they will falter.
Root: fal – deceive
Story
Asking for her hand in marriage
as they stood on top of the
mountain. Josh was so nervous
he continued to falter, stumbling
over his words, and then finally
his own two feet . Before it was
over, Josh would fall to her feet,
then finally make the proposal.
Picture:
alternative
Story
Sounds Like
a choice limited to one of
two or more possibilities
option; selection
Part of Speech/Sentences:
NOUN: The alternative choice to
doing your homework is to receive
a detention.
I am hungry. We can eat at Olive
Garden, or alternatively, we could
go to Red Lobster.
Root: alter=other (alter)
Instead of choosing to
befriend and help the Native
Americans, the Colonists all
turned on the natives, killing
them.
Picture:
commence
Definition
Begin; start
Sounds Like
Story
Come cents
Come put your cents in my
piggy bank and help me
begin to save for my new
car.
sss
Cc
begin
Part of Speech/Sentences:
verb
Road repairs will commence on Saturday.
Southwest will commence flights from
Kansas City to Jefferson City on Thursday.
Other forms:
Commencement (noun)
Prefix: com=with; jointly; completely
Picture:
commission
Story
Sounds Like
an order, charge or
direction; to authorize or
send on a mission
The General directed the
soldier to commit a mission.
in service
Part of Speech/Sentences:
VERB
I commissioned an artist to create
a painting for my house.
NOUN: The commission stated
that the soldiers were to drive
their tanks across enemy lines.
Prefix: com=with; completely;
jointly
Picture:
comprehensive
Story
Sounds Like
of large scope; covering
much
inclusive
The farmer had too many
chickens, so he told his friends
to come get free hens. All
hens were included.
Picture:
Part of Speech/Sentences:
ADJECTIVE: The comprehensive
health insurance policy covered
everything from doctor’s visits to
major surgery.
Root: com=fully (complete,
commit)
reflect
Definition
to think about
ss
Sounds Like
Story
Rhee
checked
Cc
Rhee checked her answers
and thought about all the
possibilities before she
turned in his work.
ponder
Part of Speech/Sentences:
VERB: Reflect about what you are going to
say if you are calling your boss while you
are angry.
At first she didn’t understand the grade,
but she decided to reflect on her answer
before she asked the teacher.
Reflect carefully before you choose a
girlfriend.
Prefix: re=again
Root: flect=bend
Related Word Forms – reflective, reflection
Picture:
obsolete
Definition
No longer produced or used;
out of date ss
Sounds Like
Story
Odd so late
Rob was so late that by the
time he got to the meeting
all the technology was
outdated.
Cc
Old-fashioned, antiquated
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Adjective
Many of the television shows that start in
the fall will be obsolete by summer.
Her computer was obsolete by today’s
standards.
The student eliminated the redundant
information from their paper.
Picture:
impartial
Definition / Synonym
Sounds Like
Not prejudiced toward any
one person or idea
ss
In part shell
Cc
neutral, fair, just
Adjective
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Story
The tribesman’s necklace was in
part shell, and the rest made of
beads. Only after proving he was
among the most fair and
impartial member of the tribe,
was a tribesman allowed to wear
the special necklace.
To make sure the judges were impartial, the
artists’ names were covered on the paintings.
The little boy wanted to make sure the lady
serving ice cream cones was impartial giving him
the same size scoop as the others.
An impartial discussion leader will make certain
everyone has a chance to speak.
Prefix: im – not
Root: part – beside, near
Suffix: (i)al – relating to
Related Words: partial
Picture:
implausible
Definition / Synonym
Not appearing to be
believable or accurate.
ss
Sounds Like
impossible
Cc
Unlikely, unbelievable
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Adjective
When you get home past curfew, make sure your
story is not implausible.
It is implausible for you to get a perfect score on
the test if you finish in five minutes.
Jake gave the teacher an implausible excuse as to
why he didn’t have his homework.
Related Word Forms: plausible, plausibility
Prefix: im – not
Root: plaus – truth
Suffix: capable
Story
Coach Smith instructed the team
to run the bleachers five times;
then hit the showers. The herd of
boys blasted up the bleachers ,
and back down. After only a
minute, Snoop headed off to the
shower, yelling back, “Done
Coach!”
“Implausible!!” Coach growled at
him. “Get your skinny butt back
here and do five more!”
Picture:
turmoil
Definition
State of upset and confusion
Sounds Like
Story
Turn oil
When the government
raises the price of oil, it
creates turmoil among the
public.
sss
Cc
fluster
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Noun
Bob was in a state of turmoil when his
parents told him he had to move.
Even though he looked calm, Joe sensed a
great deal of turmoil on the face of the
principal.
In all of the turmoil, Bryan lost his cell
phone.
Related Word Form – turbulent
Picture:
ponder
Definition
Reflect deeply on a subject
Sounds Like
Story
pond or
I like to go to the pond or
someplace quiet when I have
something important to think
about.
ss
Cc
Contemplate, reflect,
Part of Speech/Sentences:
VERB: I pondered the reason why she
broke up with me.
We pondered the issue of why bad things
happen to good people.
I observed the experiment and I am still
trying to ponder why the outcome was
negative.
Root: pon=place; put
Picture:
fluctuate
Definition / Synonym
To change continually;
switch back and forth
ss
Sounds Like
Fruit you ate
Cc
waver
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Verb
Samantha’s SRI scores fluctuated every
time she took the test because she was
only guessing at the answers.
The temperature in the room fluctuates so
much; I always bring a jacket I can put on
and take off when needed.
Root: fluc – flow
Story
Weird restaurant! The chef
was tossing all sorts of fruit at
us to catch and dip in the
fondue. The fruit you ate
fluctuated between grapes,
apples, bananas, peaches and
strawberries , depending on
what you caught.
Picture:
attribute
Story
Sounds Like
a quality or characteristic
of a person or a thing
defining feature
Part of Speech/Sentences:
NOUN: One of the attributes of an
Olympic athlete is determination.
VERB: I can attribute the fact that I
have the flu as a result of spending
too much time around sick people
in the hospital.
Root: trib-give (tribute,
contribute, distribute)
As a tribute to my favorite
teacher, I decided to
volunteer in her classroom.
She has always been generous
towards me.
Picture:
valid
Definition
Fair or reasonable
Sounds Like
Story
Val slid
Val slid a list of all the
reasons she should be able
to get a car under her
parents’ door.
sss
Cc
sensible
Part of Speech/Sentences:
ADJECTIVE: He had a valid reason for
turning in his work late.
The reasons her parents gave for saying
she could not go to the party did not seem
valid to her.
You make a valid point.
Other forms:
Validity (noun)
Root: vali=strength; worth
Picture:
cursory
Story
Sounds Like
going over something
quickly without paying
attention to details
hasty; superficial
Part of Speech/Sentences:
ADJECTIVE: I took a cursory glance
at today’s newspaper to see if
there were any stories I wanted to
read.
Root: cur=run (current, courier)
I quickly moved the cursor on
my computer screen over the
text. I did not read carefully.
Picture:
diligent
Story
Sounds Like
constant effort to
accomplish something;
attentive and persistent
focused; hard-working
Part of Speech/Sentences:
ADJECTIVE: I wanted to get a
scholarship, so I was diligent about
studying for the ACT test.
The gent worked very hard at
making the best dill pickles.
Picture:
compilation
Definition
a group of things (such as
songs or pieces of writing)
that have been
sssgathered into
a collection (noun)
collection
Sounds Like
Story
Tom piled a
ton
Cc
Tom piled a ton of his
favorite music into a CD.
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Noun
The CD is a compilation of greatest hits.
The compilation of data showed the
students were making great progress.
Other forms:
compile (verb)
Root: com=with, together (combine,
commitment)
Picture:
initiate
Definition
To get going or take the first
step
ss
Sounds Like
Story
a fish to bait
Using a fish to bait and
catch a bigger fish is usually
a good way to start.
Cc
start
Part of Speech/Sentences:
verb
He wanted to ask her out but he was afraid
to initiate the conversation.
Do you want to initiate the meeting or
should I?
The principal decided to initiate a change
in the tardy policy.
Other forms:
Inititation (noun)
Picture:
intrigue
Story
Sounds Like
a mysterious or fascinating
quality; arouse the
curiosity or interest of
The penguin sitting in my tree
attracted an interested crowd
of people.
Interest; attract
Part of Speech/Sentences:
VERB: I was intrigued by your
question.
NOUN: I enjoyed the novel I was
reading; it was filled with intrigue
and romance.
Picture:
innovation
Story
Sounds Like
something new invented
or introduced
invention
Part of Speech/Sentences:
NOUN: The Internet was arguably
the greatest innovation of the 21st
century.
Root: nov = new (novel, novice)
I received a standing ovation
for my creative science project
invention.
Picture:
incentive
Definition / Synonym
A reward offered to
someone to encourage them
to do a good job
ss
encouragement,
motivation
Sounds Like
In cents, Eve
Cc
Story
In cents, Eve was worth only a few
when she spilled paint all over the
house. After giving her an incentive
of $50 for painting the bedroom,
Eve was neater with her work.
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Noun
Ten dollars for each A on my report card is
a pretty good incentive
What is your incentive for doing well on
the ACT test?
Prefix: in – not
Root: cent – hundred
Suffix: ive – causing, making
Picture:
infuriate
Story
Sounds Like
to make furious; enrage
anger
Part of Speech/Sentences:
VERB: I did not want to infuriate
my parents, so I did all of my
homework and cleaned my room
before they got home from work.
Prefix: in=in; towards; into
I was very angry when I
discovered cat fur in my food.
Picture:
retaliate
Definition
To make an attack or assault
in return for a similar attack
sss
Sounds Like
Story
Re tally he
ate
Cc
After re-tallying what he ate,
we determined “all you can
eat” was not good for the
restaurant. His stomach
retaliated hours later!
revenge
Part of Speech/Sentences:
VERB: The Royals retaliated in the ninth
and won the game.
He wants to retaliate against the person
who bullied his sister.
She wanted to complain to her boss but
she was afraid of retaliation.
Prefix: re – back or again
Picture:
redundant
Definition
Characterized by
unnecessary repetition in
ss
expressing ideas
Sounds Like
Story
Redone ant
The boy kept squishing the ant
hill. The ant kept building it
back. The boy said, “Ha Ha it
has to be redone, ant”
Cc
repetitive
Part of Speech/Sentences:
ADJECTIVE
The teacher just talked about that. His
question was redundant.
It would be redundant to describe
something big as huge..
The student eliminated the redundant
information from their paper.
Prefix: re=again
Picture:
reconcile
Definition
To bring into agreement or
harmony, to settle
ss
Sounds Like
Story
wreck inside
She felt like a wreck inside
when she and her best friend
had a big argument. She can’t
wait for them to reconcile.
Cc
harmonize
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Verb
After the big fight the couple was able to reconcile.
He was a democrat and she was a republican but
they were able to reconcile their political
differences.
It was hard to reconcile the person before her with
the person she knew 10 years ago.
Prefix: re – again
Root: con – with, together
Related Word Form – reconcilable, irreconcilable,
reconciliation
Picture:
Succumb
Definition
Give in reluctantly
Sounds Like
Story
Suck thumb
Children don’t like to give
up sucking their thumb.
Children are succumb in
sucking their thumbs.
sss
Cc
yield
Part of Speech/Sentences:
verb
I will not succumb to the temptations of
the donut shop.
Eventually the other people in the group
will succumb to your ideas.
I decided to succumb to the cooler
weather and wear a jacket.
Picture:
marginal
Story
Sounds Like
on the border or edge
The margarine was on the
edge of the table.
off to the side
Part of Speech/Sentences:
NOUN: Please take notes in the
margins of your paper.
ADJECTIVE: The answer you gave is
marginally correct, but you need
to give more details.
Picture:
incorrigible
Definition
Not easily changed, swayed
or influenced; firmly fixed;
bad beyond correction
or
sss
reform
Sounds Like
Story
Encourage a
bull
Cc
Encourage a bull to do
what? I can’t make him do
anything!
Incurable; hopeless
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Adjective
The boy has been in and out of trouble
since he was three. He is incorrigible.
The president hoped the two sides would
agree, but both sides were incorrigible.
She tried to housebreak the puppy but he
was incorrigible.
Prefix: in=not
Picture:
incoherent
Definition / Synonym
Without logical or
meaningful connection
ss
Sounds Like
I can hear ants
Cc
Confused, irrational
Story
“I can hear ants talking; they are
going to take over the world,”
Jackson told the doctor. Based on
Jackson’s incoherent story, the
psychologist determined Jackson
should be medicated.
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Adjective
Awaken in the middle of the night by the
phone, my conversation was incoherent.
It is important when writing an essay to
make certain there are no incoherent
sentences.
Related Word Form: coherent
Prefix: in – not
Root: her(e) – stick
Suffix: ent – having the quality of
Picture:
infamous
Definition / Synonym
Having an extremely bad
reputation
ss
Sounds Like
I’m famous
Cc
Story
Chris Brown originally became
famous for his song “Run it”; but is
now infamous for his conviction for
beating his girlfriend, Rihanna.
scandalous
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Adjective
The infamous Miley Cyrus may find it difficult to
beat the stir she caused with “Wrecking Ball”
Most of us prefer to remain unknown rather than
being infamous.
Related Words: famous; fame
Prefix: in – not
Picture:
incompatible
Story
Sounds Like
unable to exist together in
harmony
The cat had sharp claws and
hissed a lot. It was not
pettable.
unsuitable; inharmonious
Part of Speech/Sentences:
ADJECTIVE: Typically, cell phones
and water are incompatible.
Sue and Johnny decided to breakup because they were
incompatible.
Prefix: in=not
Com= with, together (companion)
Picture:
hypothetical
Definition / Synonym
Supposed – not real.
Supported by theory or
ss
guess.
theoretical
Sounds Like
Hippo on the
Cc
elliptical
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Adjective
The speaker gave us a hypothetical
situation about a person who found a $100
bill and then asked us what we would do?
The whole process of science begins with
hypothetical theories that are proven.
Related Word Forms: hypothetically,
hypothesis
Roots: hypo – under; the(t) – put
Suffixes: ic – that which; al – relating to
Story
It was purely hypothetical – the
idea of a hippo on the elliptical
machine doing her morning
exercise. But then I saw one; she
was wearing pink and that’s when
I knew. It’s not hypothetical, it is
proven – there is a hippo on the
elliptical.
Picture:
ambivalent
Story
Sounds Like
having mixed feelings;
unable to choose between
options; difficulty deciding
unsure; confused
Part of Speech/Sentences:
ADJECTIVE: I was ambivalent
about what kind of puppy to get.
While Siberian Huskies are pretty,
they can be difficult to manage.
On the other hand, Golden
Retrievers are friendly but very
active. It was a tough decision.
Root: ambi=both (ambidextrous)
I wasn’t sure how to feel
about the situation. I had a
vale of ambiguity.
Picture:
ambiguous
Definition
Not expressed or
understood clearly; able
to be understood
sss in more
than one way
Sounds Like
Story
Ann’s big blue
dress
Cc
Mike was suppose to bring
Ann’s big blue dress for her to
the interview. The problem
was he didn’t know which one.
Vague;confusing
Part of Speech/Sentences:
adjective
She did not do well on the assignment
because the directions were ambiguous.
The policy was ambiguous and therefore
might easily be misinterpreted.
It seemed like their first date went well.
Why didn’t he call? His behavior was
ambiguous.
Root: ambi=both; (two meanings)
ambidextrous
Picture:
connotation
Story
Sounds Like
the implied or suggested
meaning of a word or
phrase
emotional meaning
Part of Speech/Sentences:
NOUN: When my mother said I was
“pleasantly plump,” she chose a word
with a positive connotation instead of
just saying I am “fat.”
The sign on the side of the car
said, “Safe and Speedy
Service.” The car’s notation
was positive.
Picture:
perception
Definition
The way you think about or
understand someone
or
ss
something
Sounds Like
Story
Purses except
one
Cc
Her perception was that the
purse was made for humans.
All the purses except one went
to human customers.
insight
Part of Speech/Sentences:
NOUN: Luke’s perception was that the
teacher did not like him.
My perception is the crowd is restless.
The athlete had to prove the stereotypical
perceptions about a short basketball
player were incorrect.
Root: cept – taken
Picture:
credible
Story
Sounds Like
capable of being believed
trustworthy
Part of Speech/Sentences:
ADJECTIVE: Since I lied to my
mother about why I broke curfew,
she said I was no longer credible
and she couldn’t trust me.
Root: cred=believe (incredible,
credit)
The shopkeeper let you
charge your purchases on
credit because you are
believeable.
Picture:
isolate
Definition
To set apart from others
Sounds Like
Story
I so late
I (am) so late that my teacher
ordered me to sit apart from
the others.
ss
CcI
Separate
Part of Speech/Sentences:
VERB
If you isolate and punish one
troublemaker the rest will behave.
The doctor had to isolate the sick girl to
keep her from spreading the disease.
He tried to isolate the sound but he
couldn’t tell where it was coming from.
Root: iso=equal
Picture:
escalate
Definition / Synonym
To raise or increase in
intensity
ss
Sounds Like
escalator
Cc
advance, increase
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Verb
The argument escalated after John accused
his girlfriend of cheating.
If you would like to escalate the process of
getting your driver’s license, be sure you
have your birth certificate when you go.
A good diet and exercise will likely keep your
blood pressure from escalating to a
dangerous level in your older years.
Rlated Word forms: de-escalate; escalator
Story
Getting on an escalator caused
the young boy’s heart rate to
escalate because he was
afraid.
Picture:
dilemma
Story
Sounds Like
a difficult situation or
problem
difficulty; predicament
Part of Speech/Sentences:
NOUN: I wanted to go to both of
my friends’ parties, but they were
at the same time, so I had a
dilemma.
Root: di=two, twice (dissect,
divide, diverge)
We wanted the limo for Prom,
but we didn’t know how we
were going to pay for it.
Picture:
cynic
Story
Sounds Like
someone who believes
most people are selfish
skeptic; pessimist
Part of Speech/Sentences:
NOUN: The cynic did not believe
humans are naturally good.
The cynic had to go to the
clinic to fix their negative
attitude.
Picture:
scrutiny
Definition
a careful watch or close
examination
sss
Sounds Like
Story
Screw tiny
If you want to screw tiny
screws in you will need scrutiny
to chose the correct miniature
screwdriver.
Cc
observation
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Noun
She ignored his scrutiny and pretended to
look at her Ipad.
All the evidence was given close scrutiny,
then the jury found him not guilty.
Other forms:
Scrutinize (verb)
Picture:
lucrative
Sounds Like
Definition
Profitable; moneymaking
ss
Look creative
Cc
Profitable, rewarding
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Adjective
Professional athletes can make a lucrative
salary.
Starting a painting business can be one of
the most lucrative businesses for an
individual. .
She found it very lucrative to sell items on
eBay.
Story
Any business where you look
creative is likely to earn you a
profit. Creative businesses can
be lucrative.
Picture:
punitive
Definition
Inflicting punishment
ss
Sounds Like
Story
Punish it
He loved the dog but he had to
punish it to housebreak the
puppy.
Cc
disciplinary
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Adjective
The parent will take punitive action against
his son for sneaking out of the house.
The judged assessed punitive damages
against the defendant..
The community service was intended to
rehabilitate and not be punitive.
Root: pun – to punish
Picture:
quantitative
Story
Sounds Like
measured by quantity
Quan did eat them, all 6
pieces of pizza.
measurable; calculable
Part of Speech/Sentences:
ADJECTIVE: The quantitative study
concluded that independent
reading increased SRI scores.
Root: quant=number
Picture:
aftermath
Definition
a period of time after a bad
and usually destructive
event
sss
Sounds Like
Story
Laughter mat
The yoga mat turned into a
laugher mat in the
aftermath of the student
passing gas during class.
Cc
Repercussion, consequence
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Noun
He was glad he didn’t see the wreck
happen, dealing with the aftermath was
hard enough.
The immediate aftermath of her
announcement was a look of shock on the
face of everyone.
In the aftermath of the horrible fire, the
boy searched to find his dog.
Picture:
squander
Definition
To be wasteful or spend
extravagantly
sss
Sounds Like
Story
wander
If you keep wandering, you
ultimately waste time in
life.
Cc
waste
Part of Speech/Sentences:
verb
Dad will not give me any more money
because he says I squander what I have.
John squandered his money playing video
games.
The foolish teen squandered his paycheck
on a girl who really didn’t care about him.
Picture:
explicit
Definition / Synonym
Clearly expressed, leaving
nothing to bess
misunderstood
Sounds Like
Exit, please
Cc
sit!
definite / precise
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Adjective
An assignment can be made easier and
more fair for students if there are explicit
instructions given from the beginning.
The movie earned an R-rating because the
romance scenes were too explicit.
Having explicit knowledge of the crime
may mean you were involved.
Prefix: ex – out
Root: lic (luc) – light
Suffix: it – quality of
Story
A stink bomb set off in the
classroom infuriated the teacher!
Exit, then Please sit!! He yelled
pointing to the floor outside the
room. His instructions were very
explicit.
Picture:
implicit
Definition / Synonym
Implied, rather than
expressly stated, but
absolute ss
Sounds Like
ShrimpCcbiscuit
Inherent, complete, total
Story
No one knew Sally did not eat pork;
but her instructions to the waiter to
prepare her a shrimp biscuit and to
make sure no bacon or sausage had
touched it was very clear.
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Adjective
The test instructions were clear, but the
importance of the results was much more
implicit.
We were given a choice as to whether to do the
review assignment; but the implicit message
from the conversation was that we should do it.
Related Words: Imply
Prefix: im – not
Root: lic (luc) – light
Picture:
elicit
Story
Sounds Like
to draw out or bring forth
evoke
Part of Speech/Sentences:
VERB
The teacher asked a question but
found it difficult to elicit an answer
from the students.
Advertising professionals spend
their time creating graphics to elcit
a positive response from their
customers.
Prefix: e – out
Root: lic (luc) – light
If you would like to sell your
baseball cards, you can always
e-list them on eBay to elicit a
customer and make some
money.
Picture:
inferential
Definition
Based on reasoning ,
evidence, and logical
thinking, notsss
directly
expressed
Sounds Like
Story
In ferns and
shells
Cc
Bob looked in ferns and shells
to find evidence. His inferential
thinking indicated the lost boy
came this way. .
implied
Part of Speech/Sentences:
adjective
We do not have a witness but we can use
inferential evidence to show he committed
the crime.
He used inferential data to draw
conclusions about the teens.
Other forms:
Inference (noun)
Root: fer=carry (that which carries the
meaning on) refer, transfer
Picture:
derived
Story
Sounds Like
Obtained through
reasoning
Dee arrived at the conclusion
that Harry was not the man
for her; he was too hairy.
Infer; attain; gather
Part of Speech/Sentences:
VERB
I derived the answers to the questions from
the reading in the textbook.
Can you derive a meaning to this equation?
Understanding the plot of the story, as well
as the figurative language will help you
derive the theme of the story.
Prefix: de=down; away; removal
Picture:
rationale
Definition
The reason or principles
that guide actions
ss
Sounds Like
Story
ration Al
These are the rations Al put in
the emergency bunker.
Although he didn’t like the
taste, he understood the
rationale for having dried food.
Cc
Basis, grounds
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Noun
The rationale for late start is to give the
teachers time for collaboration.
He explained his rationale for starting the
new program.
Chris thought he had a good reason for
being late, but his mother did not want to
hear his rationale.
Related Word Form: Irrational
Picture:
simulate
Definition
to create a likeness or model
sss
Sounds Like
Story
it’s too late
One way to teach children
about tornados, is to simulate
it he storm in a bottle, before
it’s too late.
Cc
reproduce
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Verb
The school simulated an emergency, so
students and teachers could practice what
to do in a red alert.
During dress rehearsal, we simulate the
noise of the audience laughing, so we
know how long to pause.
Other forms:
Simulation (noun)
Simulator
Picture:
generates
Definition
To create
Sounds Like
Story
Jenny ate
She loved to cook and
create new recipes. Jenny
ate a lot of food and was
becoming quite a chef.
sss
Cc
produce
Part of Speech/Sentences:
verb
Interesting posts will generate more traffic
on your facebook page.
He needed to generate more income
before he could buy a car.
Anger was generated when the same kid
won the raffle for the third time in the
evening.
Noun: generation
Root: Gen=birth, produce, (genesis,
genetics)
Picture:
alleviate
Story
Sounds Like
to make easier; lessen
lighten; relieve
Part of Speech/Sentences:
VERB: To alleviate your headache
pain, take a Tylenol and lie down.
Levitate: levi=light (levitate,
levity)
Al was hungry, so he decided
to leave and he ate at a buffet
to make his hunger pains go
away.
Picture:
devastate
Story
Sounds Like
to lay waste
ruin; destroy
Part of Speech/Sentences:
VERB: The atomic bomb
devastated Hiroshima.
Prefix: de=down; away; removal
Devin ate a rotten fish
sandwich. It devastated his
intestines.
Picture:
exacerbate
Definition / Synonym
Sounds Like
Story
Verb
Sampson was not catching any
fish and he was certain it was
because he had the wrong bait.
Trying not to exacerbate the
situation he began looking for
options. “Is that your bait,” he
asked the old man who was
holding a can of worms.
Poison Ivy can be exacerbated by scratching.
Picture:
To aggravate or irritate
ss
Is that your
Cc
bait?
worsen
Part of Speech/Sentences:
The pacifier in the hungry child’s mouth only
seemed to exacerbate the situation when the
baby realized nothing was there to eat.
I was already mad because I was running late
for school, the red light exacerbated my
mood.
Prefix: ex -- out
Root: acer – bitter, sharp
classification
Definition
a whole is divided based on
a common characteristic
sss
Sounds Like
Story
Class in
location
Cc
Every class was in location
to work on their group
project. The sophomores
worked at Starbucks.
category
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Noun
The classification of movies as G,PG or R
helped the parents to make choices about
what their kids should see..
The classification of players as varsity or
junior varsity made some of the team
unhappy.
If she doesn’t pass all her classes her
classification will be a junior instead of a
senior.
Picture:
allocation
Story
Sounds Like
a share; a portion set
aside
Al’s location helped him find
the treasure.
quota or share
Part of Speech/Sentences:
NOUN: My allocation of the
inheritance was enough for me to
take a vacation and pay for
college.
Prefix: all=every type of; whole
Picture:
procedure
Definition
An estabilshed or official way
of doing something; a series
of actions conducted
in a
sss
certain order or manner
method
Sounds Like
Story
Pro seed your
Let a pro seed your garden!
First we prepare the soil,
then plant the vegetables
and come back and harvest.
Cc
Part of Speech/Sentences:
NOUN: This procedure can result in
everyone having the same results.
I was confused about the procedure for
the science experiment.
The procedure to get a credit card will take
a couple of days
Other forms:
Procedural (adjective)
Prefix: pro=for
Picture:
intercede
Story
Sounds Like
act on behalf of someone
intervene
Part of Speech/Sentences:
VERB: After my teacher unfairly
gave me a detention, my parents
decided to intercede so I would
not have to serve it.
Root: cede = go; yield; surrender
Prefix: inter=between
Root: ced=to go, move, (precede,
exceed, recede)
I wanted to help in my
neighbor’s garden, so I
entered seeds for him.
Picture:
pacify
Definition
To cause someone who is
angry or upset to become
calm or quietss
Sounds Like
Story
pack of flies
It was hard to calm down or
pacify the man until we could
find a way to remove the pack
of flies that had swarmed him.
Cc
soothe
Part of Speech/Sentences:
VERB: The flight attendant decided to
pacify the passengers by passing out
snacks.
It was difficult to pacify the young child
after the nurse gave her three shots.
The child was throwing a tantrum in the
grocery store but the mom would not give
in to pacify him.
Root: pac – peace
Picture:
verify
Definition
Make sure or demonstrate
that something is true,
ss
accurate or justified
Sounds Like
Story
Vera fly
Will Vera fly on the plane? She
forgot her identification. Will
she be able to verify who she is
so they will let her on?
CcI
Confirm, prove, validate
Part of Speech/Sentences:
VERB:
Will you verify your PIN number so you
can use your debit card?
Can you verify this is the man you saw
leaving the scene of the crime?
If you apply for a new job, your
prospective employer is likely to verify the
information on your application.
Root: ver -- truth
Picture:
mortify
Definition
The shame or humiliate; to
injure one’s pride or selfss
respect
Sounds Like
(Ms.) Moore
to fly.
Cc
Story
Getting Ms. Moore to fly was a
challenge. She didn’t want to
mortify herself because of her
fear of flying.
shame
Part of Speech/Sentences:
VERB: It would mortify Nicole to wear a
swimsuit in public.
Jason was mortified when he had a rip in
his pants. .
The teen was mortified when his mother
kissed him goodbye.
Root: mort=mortal; death
Picture:
digress
Story
Sounds Like
to wander away from the
main topic
ramble; stray
Part of Speech/Sentences:
VERB: I was upset about the
change in schedule, so I
complained, hoping to move the
conversation away from it.
Prefix: di=removal
After I swallowed my
sandwich, it moved away
from my stomach toward my
intestines.
Picture:
diversion
Sounds Like
turning away from the
main course or path
detour; distraction
Part of Speech/Sentences:
NOUN: While the shoplifter tucked
the jewelry into her handbag, her
accomplice created a diversion by
pretending to have a heart attack
in the store.
Prefix: di=two; through; across
Root: vers=turn
Story
This version of Cinderella is so
different from the others, I
forgot what the original one
was about.
proponent
Definition
A person who argues for or
supports something
ss
Sounds Like
Story
pro phone
tent
Cc
“Go to the pro phone tent and
sign up for service” shouted
the proponent of each person
having a cell phone.
advocate
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Noun
She was a proponent of school uniforms.
The council was a proponent of the tax
increase on the ballot.
Jordan was a proponent of students having
a longer lunch and allowing an open lunch.
Prefix: pro=supporting; in favor of
Root: pon=place; put
Picture:
protocol
Story
Sounds Like
customs and regulations; a
draft or a record from
which a document is
prepared
agreement; custom
Part of Speech/Sentences:
NOUN: In order to avoid a war, it is
important for world leaders to
follow protocol when they
disagree on issues.
Prefix: pro=in favor of
When you don’t know
procedures or customs, you
should find a pro to call.
Picture:
mediate
Definition
The help resolve a dispute
Sounds Like
immediate
ss
Cc
Story
When my brother and I start to
fight, Mom put in an
immediate call to Dad to
mediate the argument.
Resolve, intervene
Part of Speech/Sentences:
VERB: She had to mediate the argument
between her brother and sister.
The lawyers will mediate the dispute.
They helped to mediate the month long
strike between the workers and the
managers.
Root: medi=halfway; middle; between
Picture:
bureaucracy
Definition
Working in a way that has
many steps to complete a
task and verysss
strict order
and rules (red tape)
regulations
Sounds Like
Story
Buried rocks
at sea
Cc
The aquarium owner wanted to
remove the buried rocks at sea and
display them but the Conservation
Department had many steps he had
to complete.
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Noun
Because of the bureaucracy, it took him a
week to get the permit.
The politician campaigned in favor of
reducing bureaucracy in the health care
system.
Other forms:
Bureau (noun), bureaucrat (noun)
Picture:
significant
Story
Sounds Like
important; having or
expressing a meaning
If I don’t know how important
the test is, I will slip if I can’t
study.
momentous; weighty
Part of Speech/Sentences:
ADJECTIVE: This assignment is
going to count as a significant part
of your grade.
ADJECTIVE (related): None of your
classes should be treated as
insignificant. They are all
important.
Root: signi=mark, sign (signal,
insignia, signature)
Picture:
prevalent
Definition
Widespread in a particular
area at a particular
time
ss
Sounds Like
Story
Prevent lint
Bathing often prevents lint in
your belly button.
CcI
Common, predominant
Part of Speech/Sentences:
VERB:
Iphones are prevalent among mobile
phone users.
Tatoos were much less prevalent for
females 15 years ago.
Infant deaths are prevalent in some
societies.
Related Word Form -- prevail
Picture:
obscure
Definition
Not easily understood;
less visible or unclear
ss
Sounds Like
Story
A blur
The image was such a blur the
detective could not determine
the identify of the suspect.
Cc
vague
Part of Speech/Sentences:
adjective
Her obscure remarks left everyone
confused.
My stars are obscured by the clouds.
Bob gives such obscure directions that I
can never find where I am supposed to go.
Prefix: obs – in the way
Picture:
tangible
Definition
Something that can be real
or touchable
sss
Sounds Like
Tan gerbil
Cc
concrete
Part of Speech/Sentences:
ADJECTIVE: The jury doesn’t want your
theory, they want tangible evidence.
I prefer a tangible book made out of paper
over an audiobook.
He owed so much money he had to have a
garage sale and sell all his tangible assets.
Root: tang=touch
Story
Allie was happy when her mom
allowed her to get a tan gerbil
for a pet instead of her make
believe pet unicorn. .
Picture:
feasible
Sounds Like
Definition
Capable of being done
ss
fee Isabel
CcI
Possible
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Adjective
It is feasible that you will be sitting in a
college class four years from now.
What is the most feasible way to get to
Alaska?
I don’t believe it is feasible for you to buy a
house this year.
Related Word forms: feasibility
Root: feas – to do
Suffix: ible – able, capable
Story
If you want to move to the next
level, you will have to pay the
fee, Isablel; otherwise it is not
possible.
Picture:
foster
Definition
to promote the growth or
development of
sss
Sounds Like
Story
frost her
Elsa could promote the
development of frost
without even trying.
Cc
encourage
Part of Speech/Sentences:
verb
The tiger mentor should foster a good
relationship with the freshmen.
His efforts to foster a new book club paid
off. Thirty people attended the meeting..
The coach did all he could to foster good
eating habits and discourage fast food.
Picture:
dissent
Story
Sounds Like
differing in opinion
disagreement; opposition
This scent doesn’t smell like
anything I have ever smelled
before.
Picture:
Part of Speech/Sentences:
NOUN: I expressed my dissent by
voting against the rest of the
board members.
Prefix: dis=removal
Root: sent=feel
Prefix: dis=not, opposite of
(disperse, disconnect)
distort
Story
Sounds Like
twist; make crooked or
deformed
falsify; misconstrue
Part of Speech/Sentences:
VERB: The glare from the sun
distorted my view of the
Smartboard.
Root: tort=twist
This torte is delicious, but it
has distorted my diet.
Picture:
sabotage
Definition
Any underhand interference with
production or work by enemy
agents during war or people
sss
during a dispute.
Sounds Like
Story
Sam bought
hog
Cc
Sam was tired of uninvited
people using his pool. Sam
bought a hog to sabotage the
pool. They were surprised
when they started to enter!
vandalize
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Noun or verb
The prisoner was accused of sabotage.
I want ice cream but it will sabotage my
diet.
The workers were angry that the store was
going to move and they were doing
everything they could think of to sabotage
the plan.
Picture:
infrastructure
Story
Sounds Like
the basic underlying
features or structure of a
system
framework; foundation
Part of Speech/Sentences:
NOUN: The infrastructure of a city
includes things like water supply,
electricity, schools, and
government.
Prefix: infra=below
In front of the structure, there
were power lines and the
phone company.
Picture:
vulnerable
Definition
Easily hurt or harmed
physically, mentally, or
emotionally sss
Sounds Like
Story
Gull in a cable
They had to cut the power
to the lines or the gull in
the cable might be
wounded.
Cc
endangered
Part of Speech/Sentences:
adjective
Walking late at night by yourself in a high
crime area leaves you in a vulnerable
position.
She was very vulnerable after the divorce.
Other forms:
Picture:
implementation
Definition
The act of putting into effect.
sss
Sounds Like
Story
In Plum
Station
Cc
In Plum Station the NASA
employees put into effect
their ideas.
application
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Picture:
Noun
Implementation of the new dress code
made students angry.
The plan sounded good but the
implementation sounds like it could be
difficult.
Other forms:
Implement (verb or noun)
Can you implement a new work out
program? (verb) He used a sharpedged implement to chop the wood.
Root: ment-mind (mental, mention)
detract
Story
Sounds Like
to take away a part from
divert; remove
Part of Speech/Sentences:
VERB: Your large, ugly necklace
detracts from the nice details of
your suit.
Prefix: de=down; away; removal
Tract= pull (tractor, extract,
subtract)
Do not try to detract my
attention from the lesson; I
am trying to pay attention!
Picture:
elation
Story
Sounds Like
great joy or pride;
extreme happiness
pleasure; high spirits
Part of Speech/Sentences:
NOUN: I felt a great amount of
elation on my wedding day.
Related form: Elated
I was elated when I found out I
had been accepted to college.
Winning the Lottery caused an
elevation in my mood. I was
super happy!
Picture:
jeopardize
Definition
To put at risk; to pose a
threat or danger
ss to
Sounds Like
Leopard is
Cc
Story
The leopard is putting me at
risk or jeopardizing my life!
Endanger, threaten
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Verb
I am not about to jeopardize my job by
arguing with my boss.
Cheating on a test could jeopardize his
chances of getting into college.
Driving too fast might jeopardize your
ability to get a good deal on your car
insurance.
Picture:
excerpt
Definition / Synonym
A quotation or passage taken
from a book , article, film,
ss
etc.
Selection, portion
Sounds Like
expert
Cc
Story
Clyde is an excerpt expert. He
uses an Exacto knife to cut out
inspirational words and pastes
them into a collage for his wall.
It’s like a homemade Wordle!
Part of Speech/Sentences:
Noun
The teacher reminded us to put quotation
marks around the excerpt we used in our
“Of Mice and Men” research paper.
My favorite part of the presentation was the
excerpt from “Frozen.”
The speaker used an excerpt from Lincoln’s
Gettysburg Address in his argument.
Related Word forms: excerpt as a verb – to
cut out. Example: Excerpt that paragraph
from your essay.
Picture: