“The Red-headed League” Vocabulary
Deduction (n) the deriving of a conclusion by
reasoning
In Holmes’s case, deduction usually follows as such:
Observation + prior knowledge = deduction
When Holmes arrives on a scene he uses deduction to figure out
the solution to the crime.
Examples of deduction in real life:
All 9th graders take health.
Pete is a 9th graders
Therefore, Pete must be taking health.
I had to use deduction to figure out whose test the no name
paper was before handing the tests back to the class. After
looking at the handwriting, and the names of those who turned
their tests in with names on them, I deduced that the paper
belonged to Kevin.
 When might you use deduction?
 Write an original sentence of your own using the word
deduction.
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Singular (adj.) extraordinary; rare
The Aurora Borealis, The Northern Lights, is a singular
event only seen by a few people.
 Which of the following words are synonyms and which are
antonyms for singular?
odd
normal peculiar bizarre average unusual
 Write an original sentence of your own using the word
singular.
2
Avail (v) to be of help; to be of use
Although the committee made many efforts to avail the
family’s situation, they still had to move from their
home in January.
 Is the word succor a synonym or antonym of avail?
 Write an original sentence of your own using the word avail.
3
Hoax (n) deceitful trick
Many people believe that UFOs are a hoax.
On April Fool’s Day we tried to play a hoax on my mother, but
it backfired and we got in trouble.
 Which of the following words are synonyms for hoax?
fraud
forthrightness
fabrication
prank
ruse
truth
 Write an original sentence of your own using the word
hoax.
4
Introspective (adj.) causing one to look into
one’s own thoughts and feelings
Some people are more introspective than others and spend many
hours thinking about their own thoughts and feelings.
People often become introspective after a great failure or
tragedy, searching for understanding as to why it occurred.
 If you are described as being introverted would you also be
introspective? Explain.
 Write an original sentence of your own using the word
introspective.
5
Vex (v) to annoy; to distress; to cause agitation
Mary was vexed by the mystery of the missing
homework.
The Sheriff of Nottingham was vexed by Robin Hood and
wanted him to be assassinated.
 List two things that vex you.
 Write an original sentence of your own using the word
vex.
6
Conundrum (n) a puzzling question or
problem
Brainteasers could be considered conundrums
because the answers are hard to figure out quickly.
“What a conundrum!” Josh exclaimed as he tried to figure out
which of the two identical pictures was real.
 Would a dilemma most likely be a conundrum? Explain.
 Is inscrutable a synonym or antonym of conundrum? Explain.
 Write an original sentence of your own using the word
conundrum.
7
Astuteness (n) shrewdness; the ability to
grasp what is obscure
Holmes is known for his astuteness especially when
it comes to observations of crime scenes.
Dogs have an astute sense of smell that far surpasses human
beings.
 Which of the following are antonyms of the adjective from of
astuteness; astute?
discerning
naïve
obtuse ignorant
perceptive
 Write an original sentence of your own using the word
astuteness.
8
Formidable (adj.) awe-inspiring; causing
fear or dread; having qualities that discourage approach
or attack
The wrestler was a formidable opponent, and caused many of
his rivals to forfeit because they knew they would lose.
Climbing high mountain peaks is a formidable task and requires
planning and conditioning.
 Which of the following are antonyms of formidable?
weak
frightful
menacing
helpless
feeble
 Write an original sentence of your own using the word
formidable.
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