monotonous [muh-not-n-uhs] (adj.)

The teacher’s lecture seemed very monotonous today, and Beatrice fell asleep during class.

monotonous [muh-not-n-uhs] (adj.)

boring, repetitious, lacking variety

The teacher’s lecture seemed very monotonous today, and Beatrice fell asleep during class.

timid [tim-id] (adj.)

The puppy was very timid around the other dogs at the dog park.

timid [tim-id] (adj.)

scared, shy, fearful

The puppy was very timid around the other dogs at the dog park.

vanquish [vang-kwish] (v.) The fierce gladiator vanquished

the weaker opponent.

vanquish [vang-kwish] (v.) to defeat or conquer The fierce gladiator vanquished

the weaker opponent.

hostile [hos-tahyl] (adj.) The soldiers were in a fierce

battle in a hostile region of Iraq.

hostile [hos-tahyl] (adj.) warlike, aggressive, enemy-

like The soldiers were in a fierce

firefight in a hostile region of Iraq.

vulnerable [vuhl-ner-uh-buhl] (adj.) The wounded zebra was

vulnerable to attack by the lion.

vulnerable [vuhl-ner-uh-buhl] (adj.) easily hurt; weak and open

to attack The wounded zebra was

vulnerable to attack by the lion.

wretched [rech-id] (adj.) The student got in trouble and

was given the wretched job of sweeping the dirty school hallways late on Friday afternoon.

wretched [rech-id] (adj.) miserable, sorrowful, pitiful The student got in trouble and

was given the wretched job of sweeping the dirty school hallways late on Friday afternoon.

sympathetic [sim-puh-thet-ik] (adj.) The businesswoman was

sympathetic to the homeless man and gave him a dollar.

sympathetic [sim-puh-thet-ik] (adj.) sharing feelings, relating to

others through emotion The businesswoman was

sympathetic to the homeless man and gave him a dollar.

quota [kwoh-tuh] (n.) The mean boss gave his

employee a quota requiring him to catch 2,000 pounds of fish a week.

quota [kwoh-tuh] (n.) a number or percentage that

is required The mean boss gave his

employee a quota requiring him to catch 2,000 pounds of fish a week.

vivid [viv-id] (adj.) The painter used such vivid

colors that the painting seemed to jump out at you.

vivid [viv-id] (adj.) having brilliant color; lifelike

and descriptive The painter used such vivid

colors that the painting seemed to jump out at you.

lackadaisical [lak-uh-dey-zi-kuhl] (adj.)

The lackadaisical bear just wanted to chill.

lackadaisical [lak-uh-dey-zi-kuhl] (adj.)

lazy, without care or interest The lackadaisical bear just

wanted to chill.

treacherous [trech-er-uhs] (adj.) Driving along the steep curvy

road was a real treacherous experience.

treacherous [trech-er-uhs] (adj.) dangerous or hazardous

Driving along the steep curvy road was a real treacherous experience.

divulge [dih-vuhlj] (v.) You should never divulge

important personal information to anyone you don’t know.

divulge [dih-vuhlj] (v.) to make known, tell, reveal You should never divulge

important personal information to anyone you don’t know.

belligerent [buh-lij-er-uhnt] (adj.)

The belligerent coach disagreed with the referee’s call and threw a chair.

belligerent [buh-lij-er-uhnt] (adj.)

angry, aggressive, or combative

The belligerent coach disagreed with the referee’s call and threw a chair.

gradually [graj-oo-uhlly] (adv.) The hills rose gradually in the

distance into larger mountains.

gradually [graj-oo-uhlly] (adv.) little by little, by small

degrees The hills rose gradually in the

distance into larger mountains.

fluctuate [fluhk-choo-eyt] (v.) The prices of many products

fluctuate based on supply and demand.

fluctuate [fluhk-choo-eyt] (v.) to shift back and forth; to

change constantly The prices of many products

fluctuate based on supply and demand.

eloquent [el-uh-kwuhnt] (adj.) Martin Luther King, Jr., gave

eloquent public speeches that captivated thousands.

eloquent [el-uh-kwuhnt] (adj.) well spoken, using good

speech Martin Luther King, Jr., gave

eloquent public speeches that captivated thousands.

melancholy [mel-uhn-kol-ee] (n.) The girl was melancholy after

breaking up with her boyfriend.

melancholy [mel-uhn-kol-ee] (n.) feeling sad or depressed

The girl was melancholy after breaking up with her boyfriend.

arrogant [ar-uh-guhnt] (adj.) The rich, arrogant guy always

seemed to be showing off all his expensive things.

arrogant [ar-uh-guhnt] (adj.) feeling overly proud or

superior The rich, arrogant guy always

seemed to be showing off all his expensive things.

vivacious [vi-vey-shuhs] (adj.) The vivacious cheerleaders

encouraged the fans to cheer on the team.

vivacious [vi-vey-shuhs] (adj.) lively or spirited,

enthusiastic The vivacious cheerleaders

encouraged the fans to cheer on the team.

cliché [klee-shay] (n.) Watch any sporting event and

you’re sure to hear some of these common clichés.

cliché [klee-shay] (n.) an idea or phrase that has

become overused and stale Watch any sporting event and

you’re sure to hear some of these common clichés.

murmur [mur-mer] (n., v.) The campers enjoyed falling

asleep to the murmur of the stream.

The student in the back row murmured something underneath her breath.

murmur [mur-mer] (n., v.) a low, continuous sound; to

mumble The campers enjoyed falling

asleep to the murmur of the stream.

The student in the back row murmured something underneath her breath.

alleviate [a-lee-vee-ayt] (v.) Amanda had a cold and really

wanted some aspirin to alleviate her headache.

alleviate [a-lee-vee-ayt] (v.) to lessen pain or tension Amanda had a cold and really

wanted some aspirin to alleviate her headache.

predicament [pri-dik-uh-muhnt ] (n.)

Paul was in a real predicament because he was late for curfew

and wrecked his dad’s car.

predicament [pri-dik-uh-muhnt ] (n.)

a difficult and troublesome situation

Paul was in a real predicament because he was late for curfew

and wrecked his dad’s car.

rant [rant ] (v.) Although grandpa was usually a

laid-back person, he could rant for hours if you got him going on politics.

rant [rant ] (v.) to talk very loudly, wildly or

go on at length Although grandpa was usually a

laid-back person, he could rant for hours if you got him going on politics.

idealistic [ahy-dee-uh-lis-tik] (adj.) The idealistic young man

wanted to end world poverty and environmental problems.

idealistic [ahy-dee-uh-lis-tik] (adj.) believing in the power to

positively change the world The idealistic young man

wanted to end world poverty and environmental problems.

amiable [ey-mee-uh-buhl] (adj.) Although some dogs are bred to

be watchdogs, most are quite amiable and welcoming to people.

amiable [ey-mee-uh-buhl] (adj.) friendly or kind

Although some dogs are bred to be watchdogs, most are quite amiable and welcoming to people.

frugal [froo-guhl] (adj.) The frugal young man stopped

buying his daily sodas and soon saved up for a car.

frugal [froo-guhl] (adj.) saving, not wasteful, not

generous The frugal young man stopped

buying his daily sodas and soon saved up for a car.

mundane [muhn-deyn] (adj.) Your morning routine can

become quite mundane; that’s when you wish for a vacation to change things up.

mundane [muhn-deyn] (adj.) commonplace or ordinary Your morning routine can

become quite mundane; that’s when you wish for a vacation to change things up.

concise [kuhn-sahys] (adj.) The speaker was very concise

and got his point across in just a few moments.

concise [kuhn-sahys] (adj.) getting straight to the point The speaker was very concise

and got his point across in just a few moments.

egotistical [ee-guh-tis-ti-kal] (adj.)

Pretty soon Pam’s friends caught on that she was just egotistical and only concerned with moving herself up on the social ladder.

egotistical [ee-guh-tis-ti-kal] (adj.)

self-absorbed , self-centered, conceited

Pretty soon Pam’s friends caught on that she was just egotistical and only concerned with moving herself up on the social ladder.

plethora [pleth-er-uh] (n.) There was a plethora of choices

at lunch, and I just couldn’t decide what to have.

plethora [pleth-er-uh] (n.) having a great variety or

amount There was a plethora of choices

at lunch, and I just couldn’t decide what to have.

devious [dee-vee-uhs] (adj.) In one episode of The Simpsons,

Mr. Burns has a devious plan to block out the sun so his nuclear power plant would get all the customers.

devious [dee-vee-uhs] (adj.) deceptive, shifty, shady In one episode of The Simpsons,

Mr. Burns has a devious plan to block out the sun so his nuclear power plant would get all the customers.

inquisitive [in-kwiz-i-tiv] (adj.) The inquisitive cats just had to

see what was going on outside.

inquisitive [in-kwiz-i-tiv] (adj.) eager for knowledge, curious The inquisitive cats just had to

see what was going on outside.

berate [bih-reyt] (v.) The teacher berated the class

for misbehaving for the substitute teacher yesterday.

berate [bih-reyt] (v.) to scold in a harsh tone The teacher berated the class

for misbehaving for the substitute teacher yesterday.

scheme [skeem] (n.) The robbers’ scheme was to

steal cars and then sell them to the mob.

scheme [skeem] (n.) a plan of action; or, a shady

plan The robbers’ scheme was to

steal cars and then sell them to the mob.

ostentatious [os-ten-tey-shuhs] (adj.) Wearing too much “bling” and

driving the expensive sports car, the pro athlete was just being ostentatious.

ostentatious [os-ten-tey-shuhs] (adj.) showing off, especially

wealth Wearing too much “bling” and

driving the expensive sports car, the pro athlete was just being ostentatious.

lament [luh-ment] (v., n.) The boy lamented not asking

the girl out sooner before the rival asked her out.

lament [luh-ment] (v., n.) to feel regret for something

lost The boy lamented not asking

the girl out sooner before the rival asked her out.

aloof [uh-loof] (adj.) While dogs usually crave human

interaction, cats tend to be aloof and prefer keeping to themselves.

aloof [uh-loof] (adj.) uninterested, emotionally

distant, “out in left field” While dogs usually crave human

interaction, cats tend to be aloof and prefer keeping to themselves.

meticulous [muh-tik-yuh-luhs] (adj.)

The meticulous watchmaker used very small tools to assemble the watch.

meticulous [muh-tik-yuh-luhs] (adj.)

extremely careful about precise details

The meticulous watchmaker used very small tools to assemble the watch.

subordinate [suh-bawr-dn-eyt] (adj.)

In the army, the subordinate soldier must always solute the higher-ranked officer.

subordinate [suh-bawr-dn-eyt] (adj.)

inferior, lower in rank or status

In the army, the subordinate soldier must always solute the higher-ranked officer.

premonition [preem-uh-nish-uhn] (n.)

Superstitious people believe if a black cat crosses your path it’s a premonition of bad things to come.

premonition [preem-uh-nish-uhn] (n.)

a warning about the future Superstitious people believe if a

black cat crosses your path it’s a premonition of bad things to come.

lethargic [luh-thahr-jik] (adj.) After working a 12-hour shift at

the factory, Julius was feeling quite lethargic.

lethargic [luh-thahr-jik] (adj.) having little or no energy After working a 12-hour shift at

the factory, Julius was feeling quite lethargic.

admonish [ad-mon-ish] (v.) Cassandra’s parents

admonished her to improve her grades or they will take away her cell phone.

admonish [ad-mon-ish] (v.) to warn or advise Cassandra’s parents

admonished her to improve her grades or they will take away her cell phone.

nonchalant [non-shuh-lahnt] (adj.)

The businessman walked out of work nonchalantly, whistling and crossing the busy street.

nonchalant [non-shuh-lahnt] (adj.)

casual, doing something without stress or care

The businessman walked out of work nonchalantly, whistling and crossing the busy street.

identity [ahy-den-ti-tee] (n.) Even with the move to a new

school, she kept true to her identity and believed in herself.

identity [ahy-den-ti-tee] (n.) one’s distinct personality or

sense of self Even with the move to a new

school, she kept true to her identity and believed in herself.

raucous [raw-kuhs] (adj.) The neighbors just couldn’t

stand the raucous party next door anymore and called the cops.

raucous [raw-kuhs] (adj.) loud or unruly, disorderly The neighbors just couldn’t

stand the raucous party next door anymore and called the cops.

valid [val-id] (adj.) The student made a valid

argument by supporting it with facts and good reasons.

valid [val-id] (adj.) supported by facts; true The student made a valid

argument by supporting it with facts and good reasons.

exalt [ig-zawlt] (v.) The crowd exalted the point

guard after he sunk the winning shot.

exalt [ig-zawlt] (v.) to praise or glorify The crowd exalted the point

guard after he sunk the winning shot.

hinder [hin-der] (v.) His sprained ankle hindered

him from practicing with the team this spring.

hinder [hin-der] (v.) to prevent, obstruct, hold

someone back His sprained ankle hindered

him from practicing with the team this spring.

glutton [gluht-n] (n.) You’re officially a glutton if

you’ve ever participated in a hot dog eating contest.

glutton [gluht-n] (n.) one who overindulges in

food and drink You’re officially a glutton if

you’ve ever participated in a hot dog eating contest.

neutral [noo-truhl] (adj.) He was neutral on the issue of

gun control; he really didn’t care one way or the other.

neutral [noo-truhl] (adj.) on neither side; not picking a

side He was neutral on the issue of

gun control; he really didn’t care one way or the other.

gingerly [jin-jer-lee] (adj.) The tightrope walker walked

very gingerly on the wire many stories above the bustling city.

gingerly [jin-jer-lee] (adj.) very carefully or cautiously The tightrope walker walked

very gingerly on the wire many stories above the bustling city.

deliberate [dih-lib-er-it] (adj., v.) The student made a deliberate

effort to improve his grades by studying more and completing all his assignments.

deliberate [dih-lib-er-it] (adj., v.) intentional, done with

purpose, not chance; thinking things over

The student made a deliberate effort to improve his grades by studying more and completing all his assignments.

adversary [ad-ver-ser-ee] (n.) The kung fu student was

shocked when his adversary turned out to be a devious monster.

adversary [ad-ver-ser-ee] (n.) an opponent or enemy The kung fu student was

shocked when his adversary turned out to be a devious monster.

obscure [uhb-skyoor] (adj., v.) The blizzard obscured his view

of the beautiful mountains surrounding him.

obscure [uhb-skyoor] (adj., v.) dark, murky, or unclear; to

hide The blizzard obscured his view

of the beautiful mountains surrounding him.

superficial [soo-per-fish-uhl]

(adj.) The painters applied only a superficial coat, and it pealed quickly.

superficial [soo-per-fish-uhl]

(adj.) on the surface only; lacking depth or importance

The painters applied only a superficial coat, and it pealed quickly.

resilient [ri-zil-yuhnt] (adj.) After the devastating hurricane,

the town was resilient and started building anew.

resilient [ri-zil-yuhnt] (adj.) to spring back, recover

quickly from adversity After the devastating hurricane,

the town was resilient and started building anew.

voracious [vaw-rey-shuhs] (adj.) My friend has a voracious

appetite for cookies.

voracious [vaw-rey-shuhs] (adj.) having a huge appetite for

something, gluttonous My friend has a voracious

appetite for cookies.

pervade [per-veyd] (v.) The false rumor pervaded

through the school like wildfire.

pervade [per-veyd] (v.) to spread throughout The false rumor pervaded

through the school like wildfire.

vigilant [vij-uh-luhnt] (adj.) The secret service must be

constantly vigilant in protecting the President.

vigilant [vij-uh-luhnt] (adj.) carefully alert and watchful The secret service must be

constantly vigilant in protecting the President.

somber [som-ber] (adj.) Funerals are usually somber

occasions where people grieve for loved ones lost.

somber [som-ber] (adj.) gloomy, melancholy,

depressing Funerals are usually somber

occasions where people grieve for loved ones lost.

volatile [vol-uh-tl] (adj.) In the chemistry lab, you deal

with some volatile compounds.

volatile [vol-uh-tl] (adj.) explosive or changing very

quickly In the chemistry lab, you deal

with some volatile compounds.

wrath [rath] (n.) “You will feel my wrath,” yelled

the monster to the defenseless little humans.

wrath [rath] (n.) intense anger, wanting

vengeance “You will feel my wrath,” yelled

the monster to the defenseless little humans.

obsolete [rath] (n.) old, outdated, no longer in

use “You will feel my wrath,” yelled

the monster to the defenseless little humans.

placate [pley-keyt] (v.) The mother placated the crying

baby by giving him a pacifier.

placate [pley-keyt] (v.) to calm one’s anger, pacify The mother placated the crying

baby by giving him a pacifier.

sly [pley-keyt] (v.) sneaky, shifty, or

underhanded The mother placated the crying

baby by giving him a pacifier.

persist [per-sist] (v.) Even though it looked like it was

going to stop, the rain persisted into the evening.

persist [per-sist] (v.) to continue; refuse to stop Even though it looked like it was

going to stop, the rain persisted into the evening.

prudent [per-sist] (v.) careful, cautious, wise Even though it looked like it was

going to stop, the rain persisted into the evening.

spontaneous [spon-tey-nee-uhs] (adj.)

Jazz musicians often play spontaneous musical solos, making it up as the song plays.

spontaneous [spon-tey-nee-uhs] (adj.)

on the spur of the moment Jazz musicians often play

spontaneous musical solos, making it up as the song plays.

ambivalent [spon-tey-nee-uhs] (adj.)

unsure, having conflicting feelings about something, indifferent

Jazz musicians often play spontaneous musical solos, making it up as the song plays.

consent [kuhn-sent] (v., n.) The teacher gave his consent

for the student to go on the field trip.

consent [kuhn-sent] (v., n.) to give permission; agree The teacher gave his consent

for the student to go on the field trip.

autonomous [kuhn-sent] (v., n.) independent The teacher gave his consent

for the student to go on the field trip.

rural [roor-uhl] (adj.) Ferdinand got tired of the fast-

paced city and moved out to a more rural setting.

rural [roor-uhl] (adj.) in the country Ferdinand got tired of the fast-

paced city and moved out to a more rural setting.

cynical [roor-uhl] (adj.) believing that all others are

motivated by self-interest Ferdinand got tired of the fast-

paced city and moved out to a more rural setting.

aspiration [as-puh-rey-shuhn] (n.) Her aspiration was to make the

varsity tennis team next year.

aspiration [as-puh-rey-shuhn] (n.) a strong desire or goal

Her aspiration was to make the varsity tennis team next year.

tentative [as-puh-rey-shuhn] (n.) hesitant, not sure

Her aspiration was to make the varsity tennis team next year.