FCMS VOCABULARY KNOWLEDGE LIST FIRST SEMESTER 2013-2014 – 8th Grade
WEEK OF August ----– PRETEST OVER 30 WORDS
WEEK 1 - August --Sample Sentences to Introduce Words
Phenomenon:
1. The Weather Channel has programs that explore a variety of weather phenomena.
2. Baby Titus, the two-year-old basketball phenomenon, has been featured on YouTube and on television talk shows
showing his shooting skills.
Ambiguous:
1. Carl’s ambiguous response to my request to borrow his car left me unsure of whether he wanted me to do it.
2. The ambiguous shape in the fog that frightened me turned out to be only my little brother.
Compatible:
1. The newest update for that app is not compatible with my first generation I-pad.
Many college freshmen learn how hard it is to live with other people when they don’t have a compatible roommate.
2. Because defendant’s testimony was not compatible with the evidence, the jury found him guilty.
Definitions
Phenomenon, plural - phenomena
1. n- facts, occurrences, or circumstances observed or observable: to study the phenomena of nature
2. n- something that is impressive or extraordinary
Synonyms:
1. event, incident 2. marvel, miracle
Related forms: phenomenal
Word origin: Latin phainein = show forth
Ambiguous
1.
2.
having more than one possible meaning or interpretation; an ambiguous answer.
lacking clearness or definiteness; obscure; indistinct: an ambiguous shape; an ambiguous future.
Synonyms:
1. vague, uncertain 2. obscure, opaque
Antonyms:
1. explicit 2. clear, precise
Related forms: ambiguously – adv., ambiguousness – n, ambiguity - n
Word origin; Latin ambiguus, equivalent to ambig ( ere ) be uncertain
Compatible
1. able to exist together in harmony
2. consistent
Synonyms:
1. harmonious, well-matched
2. consistent, congruent
Antonyms:
1. disagreeable, antagonistic
2. inconsistent
Related Forms: compatibility, compatibleness, noun
compatibly, adverb
incompatible, adjective
noncompatibly, adverb
noncompatibleness, noun
Word origin: Latin com- com- together + patī to suffer, undergo + ible – capable of
WEEK 2- --Sample Sentences to Introduce Words
Initial
1. The initial step in cooking anything is to read through the entire recipe.
2. Mr. Stevens initialed each page of the contract, and signed his full name at the
end.
Resolution
1. The judge announced the resolution of the case against the defendant.
2. Mark’s resolution to raise his math grade required him to work hard, but his
success was worth it.
Proportion
1. A scale model must in proportion to the original object.
2. Use of cell phones for talking and texting while driving has become a problem of
huge proportions.
Definitions
Initial
1. adj. - of, pertaining to, or occurring at the beginning; first: the initial step in a process
2. v. -to mark or sign with a beginning letter or the beginning letters of one's name
Synonyms:
1. first, fundamental, primary, opening
Resolution
1. n- a formal decision, judgment, verdict
2. n. firmness of purpose; determination
Synonyms:
1. outcome, ending 2. strong will
Antonyms:
2. compliance, indecision, weakness
Proportion
1. comparative relation between things or magnitudes as to size, quantity, number, etc.; ratio.
2. n- size or dimension: a problem of huge proportions
Synonyms:
1. relationship, similarity
2. dimension
WEEK 3 - -----Sample Sentences to Introduce Words
Principal
1. The principal reason for Larry’s move to Chicago was his job.
2. Cathy’s cousin was a principal in the ballet company.
Arbitrary
1. After we had planned to go shopping together, my friend made an arbitrary decision to go to the movies with someone
else.
2. Hitler’s arbitrary government quickly eliminated all opposition.
Inquiry
1. In their research projects, the students conducted inquiries into a favorite science topic.
2. The detective conducted a formal inquiry into the doctor’s unexplained disappearance.
Definitions
Principal
1. adj. - first, highest, or foremost in importance, rank, worth, or degree; chief
2. n. - a main participant in a situation
Synonyms:
1. primary, main 2. chief, leader
Antonyms:
1. unimportant, secondary 2. subordinate
Related forms: principally adv.; principality noun
Word origin: Latin principalis = first
Arbitrary
1. adj. subject to individual will or judgment without restriction
2. adj. having unlimited power; uncontrolled or unrestricted by law; despotic; tyrannical
Synonyms:
1. willful, discretionary
2. dictatorial
Antonyms:
1. reasonable, rational
2. democratic
Related forms: arbitrarily- adv., arbitrariness – noun,
Word origin: from L. arbitrarius "depending on the will, uncertain,"
Inquiry
1. n- a search or request for truth, information, or knowledge
2. n- an investigation, as into an incident: a Congressional inquiry into the bribery charges
Synonyms:
1. question, request, interrogation 2. probe, analysis, hearing
Antonyms:
1. answer, reply
Related forms: inquire verb, inquisition noun inquiring adj.
Word origin: Latin in = into; quaerere = ask
WEEK 4 – _____
Sample Sentences to Introduce Words
Potential
1. Before deciding on which college to attend, Julie examined the potential benefits of attending each one.
2. With his knowledge of sports and his deep voice, Jason had the potential to become a first rate sportscaster.
Subsequent
1. Subsequent to their arrival in Chicago, they bought a new car.
Conjecture
1. Until the results of the medical tests were in, the doctor could only offer a conjecture about my father’s illness.
Definitions
Potential
1. adj.- possible, but not yet actual: the potential uses of nuclear energy
2. n- an ability that may or may not be developed
Synonyms:
1. latent, likely 2. promise
Antonyms:
1. impossible, unpromising
Related forms: potentially adjective
Word origin: L.L. potentialis "potential," from L. potentia "power"
Subsequent
1. adj.- occurring or coming later or after: subsequent events;
Synonyms:
1. following, succeeding, consequent
Antonyms:
1. preceding, initial
Related forms: subsequently adverb
Word origin: Latin sub from under + sequi = follow
Conjecture
1. n. - a conclusion reached by guessing
Synonym:
1. guess, surmise, speculation
Antonym:
1. fact, truth, reality
Related forms: conjectured, conjecturing verb
Word origin: Latin conjicere = discuss, throw together
WEEK 5 - SEPTEMBER ---
Sample Sentences to Introduce Words
Figurative
1. Eighth grade students are expected to recognize a metaphor as an example of figurative language.
Function
1. As the manager of the project, Bob’s function was to oversee the work of the all the contractors working for him.
2. If the owner of the company on vacation, Marcy will function in his place.
Complement
1. The strawberry shortcake was the perfect complement to our picnic lunch.
2. Mary’s scarf complemented her outfit.
Definitions
Figurative
1. adj. - of the nature of or involving a figure of speech, esp. a metaphor; metaphorical; not literal: a figurative expression
Synonyms:
1. Nonliteral, metaphorical, allegorical
Antonyms:
1. literal, exact
Related forms: figuratively adverb; nonfigurative adjective
Word origin:
Function
1. n.-a specific occupation or role
2. v. to work, act, or perform
Synonyms:
1. employment, capacity, purpose, duty, job, role; 2. act, behave, operate
Related forms: functional adjective, functionalism noun
Word origin: Latin function, - onis, fungi = perform
Complement
1. n. - something that fills up, completes, or makes perfect
2. v. - to complete; form a complement to
Synonyms:
1. addition, completion
2. To complete, to round out
Antonyms: lessening, subtraction
Related forms: complementer, noun
Word origin: Latin complēmentum something that completes
Usage Notes: 1. Complement and supplement both mean to make additions to something. To complement is to provide
something felt to be lacking or needed. To supplement is merely to add to. 2. Complement and compliment, which are
pronounced alike and originally shared some meanings, have become separate words with entirely different meanings.
Compliment is to praise or admire.
Week 6 ----Sample Sentences to Introduce Words
Primary
1. Jason’s primary concern as a coach was the safety of the players.
Cite
1. He cited the Constitution in his defense.
2. The eccentric musician was cited for failure to pay his taxes.
Plot
1. My grandfather plowed the plot behind his apartment building so he could plant a garden.
2. The rebels developed a plot to overthrow the government.
3. The thieves plotted to rob the bank over the holiday weekend.
Definitions
Primary
1. adj. -first or highest in rank or importance; chief; principal
Related Forms: prime, primarily
Origin: Latin prīmārius = of the first rank
Synonyms:. chief, leading, principal
Antonyms: secondary, subordinate
Cite
1. v. -to refer to or to quote (a passage, book, author, etc.), especially as an authority:
2. v. - to summon officially or authoritatively to appear in court.
Related Forms: cited, citation
Origin: Latin citare = to cause to move, arouse, summon, urge, call
Synonyms: 1. note, quote, refer to,
2. summon
Possible Problems: site and sight
Note: The list of sources used in a research paper is called a WORKS CITED page. A works cited page may also be
called a bibliography.
Plot
1. n. -a small piece or area of ground: a garden plot; burial plot.
2. n. -a secret plan or scheme to accomplish some purpose, especially a hostile, unlawful, or evil purpose; or
3. v. meaning to make this plan or scheme
Related Forms: plotted, plotting
Word origin: Old.English. plot "small piece of ground," of unknown origin. Sense of "ground plan," and thus "map, chart"
is 1551; that of "plan, scheme" is 1587, probably by accidental similarity to complot, from Old French complot "combined
plan," of unknown origin, perhaps a back-formation from compeloter "to roll into a ball."
Synonyms:
1. parcel (of land), area
2. device, maneuver, plan (noun form)
3. devise, maneuver, plan (verb form)
Week 7 -----Sample Sentences to Introduce Words
Reference
1. The newspaper article about war veterans in our area made a reference to the events of D-Day.
2. Lisa was sure to include a list of references she used for her research paper.
Objective
1. At FCMS, our learning objectives are posted, so students know their learning targets for the day.
2. When I asked my friend for an objective opinion on my essay, he read it carefully and explained what he felt was well
done and what he thought needed improvement.
Subjective
1. Although David asked for his mother’s thoughts about taking a new job in California, he knew that she would have a
subjective view since she didn’t want him to move away.
Definitions
Reference
1. n. -a mention; an allusion
2. n. –a source of information or facts
Related Forms: refer, referenced, referencing
Origin: Latin referre = to bring back
Synonyms:
1. note, allusion
2. resource
Objective
1. n- purpose; goal; target
2. adj. - not influenced by personal feelings or prejudice; based on facts
Related Forms: objectively, objectiveness
Origin: Middle English - something perceived, purpose, objection < Medieval Latin objectum = something thrown down
or presented (to the mind)
Synonyms: 1. aim, ambition,
2. impartial, unbiased
Antonyms: 1.
2. subjective, biased
Subjective
1. adj. - emotional; based on inner experience rather than fact, not objective: subjective views
Related Forms: nonsubjective, adjective, subjec·tiv·ly, adverb, subjectiveness, noun
Origin: Latin subjectus = placed beneath, inferior, open to inspection
Synonyms: 1. prejudiced, biased
Antonyms: 1. objective, fair, unbiased
Week 8 -------
Sample Sentences to Introduce Words
Term
1. The President’s term of office is four years.
2. The doctor was able to explain the complex medical terms for my ailment in a language I could understand.
Plausible
1. The only plausible explanation for the shredded pillow seemed to point to my dog as the culprit.
Interpret
1. In a class discussion, Jason interpreted the character’s motives in a way no one had considered.
2. Critics have applauded how Leonardo Di Caprio chose to interpret the character Jay Gatsby.
Definitions
Term
1. n. -a limited period of time, such as a term of office, a school term
2. n. -a word or group of words having a particular meaning
Related forms: terms, termed
Origin: Latin terminus - boundary, limit, end; akin to Greek térmōn = limit
Synonyms: 1. period
2. word, label, designation
Plausible
1. adj. believable, credible, having an appearance of truth or reason
Related Forms: plausibility, noun; plausibly, adverb
Origin: Latin plausibilis = deserving applause
Synonyms: reasonable, believable
Antonyms: improbable, implausible, unlikely
Interpret
1. v. -to give or provide the meaning of; explain;
2. v. - to convey or represent the spirit or meaning of (a poem, song, etc) in performance
Related Forms: interpretation (n)/interpreter/(n)
Origin: Latin interpretari = "explain, expound, understand,"
Synonyms:
1. clarify
2. depict, portray
Week 9 ----
Sample Sentences to Introduce Words
Structure
1. Steel beams formed the supporting structure of the building.
2. Margaret structured her essay using the format of Power Writing.
Justify
1. In math class, students were required to justify their answers to the story problem in a paragraph.
2. After Tom centered the title, he remembered to left-justify his essay.
Relevant
1. The teacher requested that students keep their comments relevant to the topic; they didn’t have time to go off on any
tangents.
.
Definitions
Structure
1. n- the arrangement and interrelationship of parts in a construction, such as a building
2. v- to give organization or arrangement to
Related forms: infrarstructure, noun; structural, adj.; structurally, adv.
Origin: Latin. structura = a fitting together, adjustment, building
Synonyms: 1. anatomy, arrangement, makeup
2. build, construct
Justify
1. v.-to demonstrate or prove to be just, right, or valid
2. v-In printing, to adjust the spacing with the lines of a document so that the lines end evenly at a
straight margin
Related Forms: justified, justifying, justification
Origin: Lain. justificare = "act justly toward, make just, from justificus - dealing justly, righteous,
Note: Meaning "to make exact" (now largely restricted to typesetting) is from 1551.
Synonyms: 1. validate, verify
Relevant
1. bearing upon or connected with the matter in hand; pertinent: a relevant remark.
Related Forms: relevance (n)
Origin: Medieval Latin relevant- Latin, present participle of relevāre = to raise, lift up
Synonyms: pertinent, applicable, related
Antonyms: unsuitable, inappropriate, irrelevant
Week 10 ---
Sample Sentences to Introduce Words
Valid
1. In her persuasive essay, Catherine supported her ideas with valid reasons.
2. The prince had a valid claim to the throne since he was the king’s oldest son.
Coherent
1. In order to have a coherent argument, Sophia planned her essay before she began to write.
Differentiate
1. It was impossible to differentiate between the identical twins unless they wore different outfits.
2. The young man differentiated himself from the other applicants by writing an honest and original essay.
Definitions
Valid
1. adj.-sound; just; well-founded: a valid reason
2. adj.-having legal force; effective or binding ex: a valid title
Related Forms: validly adv.; validity, validation, validness, noun; validate, verb
Origin: Latin validus = strong
Synonyms: 1. sound, proven
2. binding
Antonyms: invalid, unsound, wrong
Coherent
1. adj. -logically connected; consistent: a coherent argument.
Related Forms: coherently, adverb; noncoherent, incoherent, adjective
Origin: Latin - . from com- "together" + hærere = "to stick"
Synonyms: 1. logical, rational, understandable
Antonyms: 1. irrational, disorganized
Differentiate
1. v. - to perceive or the difference in or between; discriminate
2. v. - to form or mark differently from other such things; distinguish
Related Forms: differentiated, undifferentiated, adj.; differentiation, n.
Origin: Middle English differren - to distinguish < Middle French differer - to put off, distinguish, Latin differre - to
bear apart, put off, delay
Synonyms: 1. contrast, distinguish (between)
2. individualize
Antonyms: associate, confuse, connect
- Post-test TBA