Vocabulary List 8
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Study tip: Print this PowerPoint and write sentences
for each word next to the slides.
diffident
 dis = not
 The diffident child did
 Diffident is an adjective.
not participate in the game
of kickball at recess.
 Synonyms: shy, timid
 Try writing a sentence
using the word diffident.
 Now, look at the example
to the right.
 How does your sentence
compare? Do you use
diffident to describe a
noun?
Diffident: lacking confidence in one's
own ability, worth, or fitness; timid; shy.
belligerent
 bell = war
 The belligerent customer
 Belligerent is an adjective.
fought with the sales clerk
and demanded a refund.
 Synonyms: hostile,
aggressive, quarrelsome
 Write a sentence using the
word belligerent.
 Now, look at the example
sentence to the right.
 How does your sentence
compare? Do you use
belligerent to describe a
noun?
Belligerent: of warlike character;
aggressively hostile; waging war;
engaged in war
supersede
 super = above
 Your new contract
 Supersede is a verb.
supersedes any previous
agreements, negotiations,
promises or
representations, whether
verbal or written.
 Synonyms: replace,
surpass
 Write a sentence using the
word supersede.
 Now, look at the example
sentence to the right.
 How does your sentence
compare? Do you use
supersede as an action
verb?
Supersede: to replace in power,
authority, effectiveness, acceptance, use,
etc., as by another person or thing.
inanimate
 in = not
 Jim is always so lively and
 Inanimate is an adjective.
cheerful, so I was surprised
to see him so inanimate
at the party.
 Synonyms: lifeless, dull
 Write a sentence using the
word inanimate.
 Now, look at the example
sentence to the right.
 How does your sentence
compare? Do you use
inanimate as an adjective?
inanimate: not animate; lifeless;
spiritless; sluggish; dull.
intervene
 inter = between
 The umpire had to
 Intervene is a verb.
intervene when the two
managers started arguing.
 Synonyms: mediate,
intercede
 Write a sentence using the
word intervene.
 Now, look at the example
sentence to the right.
 How does your sentence
compare? Do you use
intervene as a verb?
intervene: to come between disputing
people, groups, etc.; intercede; mediate.
subordinate
 sub = under
 Everyone at XYZ
 Subordinate is an adjective.
Corporation resented how
their boss treated them as
subordinate workers and
nothing more.
 Synonyms: inferior, lesser
 Write a sentence using the
word subordinate.
 Now, look at the example
sentence to the right.
 How does your sentence
compare? Do you use
subordinate as an adjective?
Subordinate: placed in or belonging to a
lower order or rank of less importance;
secondary; subject to or under the authority
of a superior.
dissonant
 son = sound
 LA Reid described Fifth
 Dissonant is an adjective.
 Write a sentence using the
Harmony’s performance as
dissonant and off-key.
word dissonant.
 Now, look at the example
sentence to the right.
 How does your sentence
compare? Do you use
dissonant as an adjective?
Dissonant: disagreeing or harsh in sound; discordant; out
of harmony; incongruous; at variance.