Vocabulary: Reading and
Writing 2
For the following vocabulary
words, complete all steps below:




Copy the word and part of speech.
Take a guess at the word’s meaning in
the sentence (use the context clues).
Copy the actual definition down for the
word.
Use it in your own sentence.
Week One Words
Humble-Perfunctory for Selma’s
Texas BBQ Reading
1. Humble (adj.)




Even though he was the best player in the
league and had plenty to brag about, he
was very humble when talking to reporters
and everyday people.
Write down your guess
Definition:not proud or arrogant; modest
Use it in a sentence
2. Discerning (adj.)




In order to be at the top of your field as a
mechanic, you must be very discerning
and not miss any details.
Write down your guess
Definition:showing good or outstanding
judgment or understanding.
Use it in a sentence
3. Enticing (adj.)




The food on the table looked very enticing
to every hungry person in the room.
Write down your guess
Definition:attractive; exciting; creating
desire.
Use it in a sentence
4. Improbable (adj.)




It is improbable they will have the game
today if this rain keeps up.
Write down your guess
Definition:not likely to happen or to be
true
Use it in a sentence
5. Concoction (n.)




A smoothie is usually a concoction that
consists of many different fruits.
Write down your guess
Definition:a combination of ingredients
Use it in a sentence
6. Miscalculation (n.)




Because of their miscalculation, there was
not enough pizza for every one at the
party. Many people left hungry and angry.
Write down your guess
Definition: an incorrect estimate
Use it in a sentence
7. Suffused (adj.)




The ribs were suffused with barbeque
sauce, so they were very moist.
Write down your guess
Definition:overspread with liquid or
another material
Use it in a sentence
8. Subtle (adj.)




Good readers can catch all the subtle
details and not simply character names
and major events.
Write down your guess
Definition:fine or delicate in meaning
Use it in a sentence
9. Cloying (adj.)




The student’s cloying questions drove the
teacher insane. The teacher could not get
through one minute of instruction without
being questioned.
Write down your guess
Definition: causing disgust through
excess or overuse
Use it in a sentence
10. Primed (adj.)



All the food was primed and ready for the
oven.
Write down your guess
Definition:prepared for a special purpose
Use it in a sentence
11. Ubiquitous (adj.)




Stink bugs are ubiquitous at his house.
They are on the walls, on the windows,
and in fireplace.
Write down your guess
Definition:everywhere all at once
Use it in a sentence
12. Succulent (adj.)




The succulent chicken was cooked
perfectly and watered as much as our
mouths when we saw it.
Write down your guess
Definition:moist
Use it in a sentence
13. Dollop (n.)




“Please, please waiter, would you bring
another dollop of sour cream for my baked
potato,” the customer asked, “this is not
enough?”
Write down your guess
Definition:a lump or blob of a soft
substance.
Use it in a sentence
14. Transcend (v.)




Although professional basketball has
come a long way since the 1990s, we are
still waiting for a player to transcend the
skills and statistics of Michael Jordan.
Write down your guess
Definition:to go beyond the limits
Use it in a sentence
15. Perfunctory (adj.)




Man, that cake was decorated in a very
perfunctory way. The name is on the side
of the cake, the flower pedals are not
touching the center of the flowers, and the
icing is not a consistent color.
Write down your guess
Definition:done without care or attention.
Use it in a sentence
Reyna’s Restaurante: lagcompliment
1. Lag (v.)



We were hoping the other hikers were not
lagging too far behind. It was getting dark.
Definition: to move slowly; to fall behind.
Write it in a sentence
2. International (adj.)



Sarah had to take an international flight,
which would be very expensive and would
probably be lengthy and involve many
stops.
Definition: among nations; of many nations
Use it in a sentence
3. Cuisine (n.)



We are hoping to sample many different
cuisines at the buffet: Mexican, Italian,
Mediterranean, Asian, and Indian.
Definition: cookery; food
Use it in a sentence
4. Kitschy (adj.)



The bright dress got everyone’s attention,
but because it was a bright gold and
poorly made, many considered it to be
kitschy.
Definition: shallow; showing a lack of good
taste.
Use it in a sentence
5. Staple (n.)



Spaghetti and meatballs is a staple of
Italian cuisine. Tacos are a staple of
Mexican cuisine.
Definition: a basic or necessary item
Use it in a sentence
6. Auspicious (adj.)



Fortunately, the weather was very
auspicious for the picnic: it was sunny and
82 degrees.
Definition: fortunate; lucky
Use it in a sentence
7. Pliable (adj.)



Unlike tree branches, which are very stiff,
tree limbs are very pliable.
Definition: easily bent or influenced;
flexible
Use it in a sentence
8. Consciousness (n.)



The team’s consciousness was very hurt
by their coach leaving them for their
biggest rivals.
Definition: collective thoughts and feelings
Use it in a sentence
9. Rehydrate (v.)



After running five miles, it is a good idea to
rehydrate so you do not get ill or faint.
Definition: to restore moisture or fluid to
something.
Use it in a sentence
10. Pungent (adj.)



The pungent taste and smell of the cheese
deterred many people from having a
second slice.
Definition: sharp or biting in taste or odor
Use it in a sentence
11. Complement (v.)




The salsa really complemented to chicken
tacos very well.
Her shoes really complemented the rest of
her outfit.
Definition: to complete or go along with
Use it in a sentence
12. Compliment (v.)



Tiara complimented Taylor on her shoes
and her outfit.
Definition: to praise
Use it in a sentence
13. Complimentary (adj.)



The restaurant offers complimentary mints
with every meal.
Definition: given free
Use it in a sentence