WEEKLY VOCABULARY
MARCH 17-21
MS. MACEMORE
AVERSION
Definition: A strong feeling of
dislike, opposition,
repugnance, or antipathy.
Example: I have a strong
aversion to snakes and
spiders.
Part of Speech: Noun
Synonyms: distaste,
abhorrence, disgust
Antonyms: predilection,
attraction
This word is usually followed by
the word ‘to.’
Connection: What do you have an aversion to?
DECORUM
Definition: dignified
propriety of behavior,
speech, dress, etc.
Similar to respect.
Example: He
demonstrated decorum
when he waited until his
turn to speak.
Connection: Does everyone define
decorum the same way? What is an
example of this?
Part of Speech: Noun
Synonyms: politeness,
manners, dignity
Antonyms: disrespect,
rudeness
EXHILARATION
Definition: a state of
being enlivened,
invigorated, or
stimulated.
Example: When the
roller coaster took its first
plunge, she felt
immediate exhilaration.
Connection: What makes you feel
exhilaration?
Part of Speech: Noun
Synonyms: animation, elation,
thrill
Antonyms: depression
IMPORTUNE
Definition: to beg
urgently or
persistently
Example: She
importuned her
kidnapper to
allow her to call
home, but he
refused.
Part of Speech: Verb
Synonyms: beg, plead,
beseech, implore, solicit
Antonyms: dissuade,
leave alone, give help
Connection: Have you ever been in a situation in
which you importuned for something?
NONCONFORMIST
Definition: a person who
refuses to conform, as to
established customs,
attitudes, or ideas.
Part of Speech: Noun
Example: Lady Gaga is a
great example of a
nonconformist; she dresses
extremely uniquely and
doesn’t care what anyone
thinks.
Antonyms: normal, typical,
obedient
Connection: Is it always good to be a
nonconformist? Why or why not?
Synonyms: oddball, offbeat,
original
OCCULT
Definition: beyond the
range of ordinary
understanding or
knowledge; mysterious
Example: Though we
know a lot about
nature, it is still an
extremely occult thing;
there are mysteries
that we can never
understand.
Connection: What things are occult to
you?
Part of Speech: Adjective
Synonyms: concealed, veiled,
hidden
Antonyms: bare, exposed,
obvious, uncovered
ABJECT
Definition: hopeless,
miserable, humiliating, or
wretched
Example: She was
homeless, out of work,
and hungry. To say the
least, her situation was
abject.
Connection: What conditions make
up an abject situation, in your
opinion?
Part of Speech: Adjective
Synonyms: wretched,
degraded, dejected,
dishonorable
Antonyms: commendable,
excellent, noble, worthy
CONGENIAL
Definition: agreeable,
suitable, or pleasing in
nature
Example: With her
pleasant smile, kind
words, and positive
outlook, Amber was a
very congenial person to
be around.
Connection: In your opinion, what are
some things that make a person
congenial?
Part of Speech: Adjective
Synonyms: favorable,
pleasant
Antonyms: disagreeable,
harsh, hateful
DELIBERATELY
Definition: in a careful,
studied, or intentional
manner
Example: Though she
was told not to go to
the party, she
deliberately disobeyed
her parents.
Connection: What are some things
you might do deliberately?
Part of Speech: Adverb
Synonyms: knowingly,
purposefully, willfully
Antonyms: unintentionally,
unknowingly
IMPETUOUS
Definition: Of, pertaining
to, or characterized by
sudden or rash action,
emotion, etc.; impulsive
Part of Speech: Adjective
Synonyms: impulsive, abrupt,
spontaneous
Antonyms: calm, cautious, sensible
Example: Josie showed
her impetuous nature
when she packed her
bags and headed for
the beach at midnight
on Friday night.
Connection: Would you consider
yourself to be more of an impetuous
person or a cautious one?
MISGIVING
Definition: a feeling of
doubt, mistrust, or
apprehension
Example: Because she
had never met John
before, Daisy had
several misgivings about
his character.
Connection: Why did we feel
misgiving toward Abigail Williams?
Part of Speech: Noun
Synonyms: anxiety,
foreboding, suspicion
Antonyms: certainty, faith,
trust
PERTURBATION
Definition: mental
disquiet, disturbance, or
agitation
Example: She couldn’t
help her perturbation
when the neighbors
refused to keep their
voices down while
arguing.
Connection: What are some times in
your life that you’ve experienced
perturbation?
Part of Speech: Noun
Synonyms: anxiety, confusion
Antonyms: calmness, peace,
quiet
PERVADE
Definition: to be
spread throughout all
parts of.
Example: The weather
was so beautiful
Saturday that spring
pervaded the air.
Connection: What are some other
things that can “pervade”?
Part of Speech: Verb
Synonym: infuse, permeate,
fill
Antonym: deplete, take out,
drain
TRANSGRESS
Definition: to violate
a law, moral code,
command, etc.
Part of Speech: Verb
Example: It is hard
to live a moral life,
but very easy to
transgress.
Antonym: behave, obey
Connection: What transgressions
have you committed in your life?
Synonym: trespass, violate,
disobey