Semester 1 Vocabulary Week 1: September 2 Petty Venture Whim Quizzical petty Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ petty Guess the meaning using context clues ”Students shouldn’t argue over such petty things like who gets to answer the question first.” petty adj. contemptibly narrow in outlook; (informal) small and of little importance; inferior in rank or status; noun larceny of property having a value less than some amount (the amount varies by locale) Synonyms small-minded, petit larceny, petty larceny, fiddling, footling, little, niggling, piddling, piffling, trivial, inferior, lower-ranking, lowly, secondary, subordinate venture Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ venture Guess the meaning using context clues. After hearing the creaking sounds in the house, she carefully ventured outside the bedroom. venture noun any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome; a commercial undertaking that risks a loss but promises a profit; an investment that is very risky but could yield great profits; verb proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers; put at risk; put forward, of a guess, in spite of possible refutation Synonyms embark, hazard, adventure, stake, jeopardize, speculation, guess, pretend whim Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ whim Guess the meaning using context clues. The teenager dyed her hair blue on a whim last weekend. whim noun an odd or fanciful or capricious idea; a sudden desire Synonyms notion, whimsy, caprice, impulse quizzical Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ quizzical Guess the meaning using context clues. After I told the the long, complicated joke, she gave me a quizzical look. quizzical adj. perplexed (as if being expected to know something that you do not know); playfully vexing (especially by ridicule) Synonym questioning, mocking, teasing Week 2 Moderate Fiasco Gritty Contemplate moderate Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ moderate Guess the meaning using context clues. I will not moderate my criticism! The debate was moderated by a famous law professor. Most voters in the neighborhood reported being moderates. moderate adj. not extreme; being within reasonable or average limits; not excessive or extreme; marked by avoidance of extravagance or extremes; noun a person who takes a position in the political center; verb make less fast or intense; preside over; restrain or temper; make less strong or intense; soften; make less severe or harsh; lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits Synonyms chair, lead, temperate, restrained, centrist, middle of the roader, chasten, temper, tone down, tame, mince, soften, control, hold in, hold, contain, check, curb fiasco Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ fiasco Guess the meaning using context clues. The party started out small and controlled, but as soon as the word spread it soon turned into a fiasco. fiasco noun a sudden and violent collapse Synonyms debacle, blunder gritty Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ gritty Guess the meaning using context clues. The sandpaper was gritty. Those that chose to move west on the Oregon Trail had a gritty disposition. gritty adj. willing to face danger; composed of or covered with particles resembling meal in texture or consistency Synonyms game, gamy, gamey, mettlesome, spirited, spunky, farinaceous, coarse-grained, grainy, granular, granulose, mealy contemplate Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ contemplate Guess the meaning using context clues. She contemplated her reflection in the mirror. contemplate verb consider as a possibility; look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought; reflect deeply on a subject; think intently and at length, as for spiritual purposes Synonyms chew over, think over, meditate, ponder, excogitate, muse, reflect, mull, mull over, ruminate, speculate, study Week 3 Vocabulary September 15 Diplomatic Taunt Obsolete Exaggerate diplomatic Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ diplomatic Guess the meaning using context clues. My teacher is so diplomatic at giving feedback that I never get my feelings hurt when I get the wrong answer. diplomatic adj. skilled in dealing with people Synonyms Tactful taunt Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ taunt Guess the meaning using context clues. The zookeeper had to scold some teenagers who were taunting the lion by poking sticks through the bars of its cage. taunt Verb To tease or make fun of Synonyms Mock, tease obsolete Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ obsolete Guess the meaning using context clues. Just as CD’s made records a thing of the past, DVD players made VCR’s obsolete. obsolete adj. old; no longer in use or valid or fashionable; no longer in use Synonyms out-of-date, ancient, extinct, stale exaggerate Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ exaggerate Guess the meaning using context clues. Tall tales usually exaggerate and attribute superhuman traits to characters. exaggerate Verb to enlarge beyond bounds or the truth; do something to an excessive degree Synonyms Overstate, magnify, amplify, inflate Week 4 September 22 Tendency Persistent Extricate Flaunt tendency Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ tendency Guess the meaning using context clues. The puppy has a tendency to chew on things. tendency Noun Likelihood of behaving in a certain way Synonyms Inclination, propensity, leaning persistent Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ persistent Guess the meaning using context clues. The persistent hikers finally overcame the last obstacle and reached the summit. Their ordeal left them with persistent aches and pains. persistent adj. Not giving up Lasting a long time Synonyms Perseverant, insistent, relentless extricate Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ extricate Guess the meaning using context clues. The bear struggled to extricate itself from the net. extricate Verb to set free from a difficult or embarrassing situation Synonyms Free, release, disentangle flaunt Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ flaunt Guess the meaning using context clues. My cousin loves to flaunt her expensive clothes whenever she has the chance. flaunt Verb To display noticeably Synonym Show off, display, parade Week 5 September 29 Deception Immobile Avert Fastidious Deception Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ Deception Guess the meaning using context clues. The movie villain's deception to disguise his identity was uncovered by the clever detective. Deception Noun A trick or lie meant to deceive someone Synonyms Deceit, fraud, trickery Immobile Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ Immobile Guess the meaning using context clues. The car is totally immobile without its battery. Immobile Adjective Unable to move Synonyms Motionless Avert Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ Avert Guess the meaning using context clues. A sudden noise made the driver avert his eyes from the road. Fortunately, he was able to avert an accident by refocusing on the traffic ahead. Avert Verb To turn away from To prevent Synonyms Prevent, avoid Fastidious Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ Fastidious Guess the meaning using context clues. The fastidious eater complained about every dish served at dinner. Fastidious Adj Not easy to please Synonyms Painstaking, meticulous Week 6 Lunge Reluctant Confront Ambiguous Lunge Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ Lunge Guess the meaning using context clues. The kitten lunged at my fish sandwich. Lunge Verb To move forward suddenly Synonym Jab, stab, thrust, charge Reluctant Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ Reluctant Guess the meaning using context clues. The young boy was reluctant to jump into the deep end of the pool. Reluctant Adjective Unwilling Synonym Unwilling, opposed, resistant Confront Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ Confront Guess the meaning using context clues. I decided to confront my brother about using my bike without permission. Confront Verb To meet or face boldly Synonyms Tackle, address, face Ambiguous Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ Ambiguous Guess the meaning using context clues. The judge asked the witness to clarify her ambiguous answer. Ambiguous Adj Having more than one possible meaning Synonym Debatable Week 7 Encumber Indispensable Mortify Bountiful Encumber Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ encumber Guess the meaning using context clues. The escaping robber was encumbered by the heavy sack of loot. encumber Verb To weigh down or burden Synonym Hamper, hinder, obstruct, impede Indispensable Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ Indispensable Guess the meaning using context clues. Although we can live a long time without food, water is indispensable. indispensable Adj Absolutely necessary Synonyms Vital, essential, necessary, crucial, key Mortify Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ mortify Guess the meaning using context clues. At my graduation party, my brother mortified me when he began to sing off-key into the karaoke machine. mortify Verb To cause someone to fell terrible embarrassment. Synonyms Humiliate, embarrass, shame, abash, horrify, appall Bountiful Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ bountiful Guess the meaning using context clues. Because everyone brought something to eat, we had a bountiful amount of food for the potluck. bountiful Adj More than enough Synonyms Plenty, plentiful, abundant, ample, copious Week 8 Endorse Idle Descend Absorb Endorse Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ endorse Guess the meaning using context clues. Famous athletes sometimes endorse athletic gear. They have to endorse a contract to make a legal agreement with a sporting gear company. endorse Verb 1. To give support or approval to 2. To sign one’s name Synonyms 1. advocate, favor, commend, praise 2. sign, authenticate Idle Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ idle Guess the meaning using context clues. I like to spend my idle hours on on a rainy day watching old movies. idle Adj Not busy; doing nothing Synonyms Lazy, inactive Descend Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ descend Guess the meaning using context clues. The squirrel quickly descended from the treetop to the ground. descend Verb To move from a higher place to a lower place Synonyms Go down, come down Absorb Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ absorb Guess the meaning using context clues. Marta is absorbed by an interest in horses. She absorbs all the books she can find on the subject. Absorb Verb 1. To involve or engage completely 2. To take in or soak up Synonyms 1. Engrossed, captivated 2. Soak up, draw in Week 9 Erroneous Mesmerize Jubilant Repose Erroneous Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ erroneous Guess the meaning using context clues. The garage sale address given in the newspaper was erroneous, so we never found the right location. Erroneous Adjective Containing an error Synonyms Untrue, inaccurate, false, flawed, misguided Mesmerize Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ mesmerize Guess the meaning using context clues. The meteor shower mesmerized everyone who saw it. Mesmerize Verb To fascinate Synonyms Enthrall, grip, spellbind, entrance Jubilant Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ jubilant Guess the meaning using context clues. The streets were filled with jubilant spectators as the Olympic victors paraded past. Jubilant Adjective Feeling or showing great joy Synonyms Ecstatic, elated, euphoric, joyous Repose Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ Repose Noun Freedom from activity or responsibility Synonyms Inactivity, stillness, peace Week 10 Conform Fatigue Redundant Ravenous Conform Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ conform Guess the meaning using context clues. I’d rather sit on the floor, but in school I must conform and sit at a desk. Conform Verb To act or think in a way that follows the rules Synonyms Comply, yield, follow, obey Fatigue Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ fatigue Guess the meaning using context clues. I felt extreme fatigue after the twentymile bike ride. Fatigue Noun The condition of being very tired Synonyms Exhausted, weariness Redundant Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ redundant Guess the meaning using context clues. Wearing uniforms everyday with little change can become redundant. The woman said that she finally changer her hair style after 20 years because it was redundant. Redundant Adjective Being in excess; exceeding what is usual or natural Synonyms Unnecessary, superfluous Ravenous Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ ravenous Guess the meaning using context clues. Right before lunch, my stomach growls because I am ravenous. Ravenous Adjective Extremely Hungry Synonyms Ferocious, greedy, voracious, famished Week 11 Trepidation Tenacious Permeate Intrepid Trepidation Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ Trepidation Trepidation Noun A fear about something that may happen Synonyms Fear, apprehension, dread, tension, unease Tenacious Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ Tenacious Guess the meaning using context clues. The detective tenacious in his search for clues, which led him to the truth. Tenacious Adjective Keeping a firm hold on something Synonyms Persistent, determined, insistent Permeate Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ Permeate Guess the meaning using context clues. The smell of perfume was so strong that it permeated the hallways and classrooms, giving some students headaches. Permeate Verb To spread throughout (something) Synonyms Pervade, fill, penetrate Intrepid Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ Intrepid Guess the meaning using context clues. The intrepid reporter would face any situation with ease. Intrepid Adjective Adventurous (often used for rhetorical or humorous effect) Synonyms Fearless, unafraid, bold, heroic Week 12 Incessant Incandescent Impede Benevolent Incessant Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ Incessant Guess the meaning using context clues. The dog’s incessant barking kept me awake all night. Incessant Adjective The continuation of something unpleasant without pause or interruption Synonyms Constant, continuing, persistent, relentless Incandescent Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ Incandescent Guess the meaning using context clues. The volcano erupted in incandescent liquid rock. Incandescent Adjective Showing light as a result of being heated Passionate or brilliant Synonyms White-hot, burning, fiery Passionate, ardent, fervent Impede Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ Impede Guess the meaning using context clues. A piece of candy became caught in the child’s throat and began to impeded his breathing, so he began to choke. Impede Verb To delay or prevent (someone or something) by obstructing them Synonyms Hinder, obstruct, hamper Benevolent Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ Benevolent Guess the meaning using context clues. During the holidays, it is especially important to show benevolence towards one’s neighbors. Benevolent Adjective Well-meaning and kindly Synonyms Kindly, compassionate, caring Week 13 Astute Apathy Admonish Emulate Astute Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ Astute Guess the meaning using context clues. The astute business man could always find the right person for the job. Astute Adjective having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage. Synonyms Shrewd, crafty, intuitive Apathy Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ Apathy Guess the meaning using context clues. The widespread apathy among the students resulted in low attendance and high failure rates. Apathy Noun lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. Synonyms Indifference, unconcern, lethargy Admonish Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ Admonish Guess the meaning using context clues. She admonished him when he used bad manners at the dinner table. Admonish Verb to warn or scold someone firmly Synonyms Reprimand, berate, criticize Emulate Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ Emulate Guess the meaning using context clues. My mother told me not to emulate my brother’s bad behavior, or I would be sorry. Emulate Verb match or surpass (a person or achievement), typically by imitation. Synonyms Imitate, copy, mirror Week 14 Elude Eloquent Elicit Debacle Elude Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ Elude Guess the meaning using context clues. He managed to elude the police by escaping into an alley. Elude Verb Escape from (a danger, an enemy), typically in a skillful or cunning way. Synonyms Evade, avoid, dodge Eloquent Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ Eloquent Guess the meaning using context clues. The President gave an eloquent speech on the importance of volunteering. Eloquent Adjective fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing. Synonyms Fluent, articulate, expressive Elicit Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ Elicit Guess the meaning using context clues. The extremely successful comedy elicits laughs from all audience members. Elicit Verb To draw out (a response, answer, or fact) from someone in reaction to one's own actions Synonyms Obtain, extract, evoke Debacle Rate the word 1-I have never heard of this word 2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea what it means 3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’ meaning is ______________ 4 I know the word and it means _____________ Debacle Guess the meaning using context clues. In the 1930’s, the great financial debacle became known as The Great Depression. Debacle Noun A sudden failure Synonyms Fiasco, failure, catastrophe, mess