semester 1 vocabulary. week 1: september 8 petty venture whim quizzical
TRANSCRIPT
Semester 1 Vocabulary
Week 1: September 8Petty
Venture
Whim
Quizzical
pettyRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
pettyGuess the meaning using context clues
”Students shouldn’t argue over such petty things like who gets to answer the question first.”
pettyadj.
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
ventureRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
ventureGuess the meaning using context clues.
After hearing the creaking sounds in the house, she carefully ventured outside the bedroom.
venturenoun
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
whimRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
whimGuess the meaning using context clues.
The teenager dyed her hair blue on a whim last weekend.
whimnoun
an odd or fanciful or capricious idea; a sudden desire
Synonyms notion, whimsy, caprice, impulse
quizzicalRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
quizzicalGuess the meaning using context clues.
After I told the the long, complicated joke, she gave me a quizzical look.
quizzicaladj.
perplexed (as if being expected to know something that you do not know); playfully vexing (especially by ridicule)
Synonymquestioning, mocking, teasing
Week 2- September 15Moderate
Fiasco
Gritty
Contemplate
moderateRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
moderateGuess 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
fiascoRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
fiascoGuess 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.
fiasconoun
a sudden and violent collapse
Synonyms debacle, blunder
grittyRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
grittyGuess the meaning using context clues.
The sandpaper was gritty.Those that chose to move west on the Oregon
Trail had a gritty disposition.
grittyadj.
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
contemplateRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
contemplateGuess the meaning using context clues.
She contemplated her reflection in the mirror.
contemplateverb
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 VocabularySeptember 22
Diplomatic
Taunt
Obsolete
Exaggerate
diplomaticRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
diplomaticGuess 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.
diplomaticadj.
skilled in dealing with people
Synonyms Tactful
tauntRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
tauntGuess 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.
tauntVerb
To tease or make fun of
Synonyms Mock, tease
obsoleteRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
obsoleteGuess the meaning using context clues.
Just as CD’s made records a thing of the past, DVD players made VCR’s obsolete.
obsoleteadj.
old; no longer in use or valid or fashionable; no longer in use
Synonyms out-of-date, ancient, extinct, stale
exaggerateRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
exaggerateGuess the meaning using context clues.
Tall tales usually exaggerate and attribute superhuman traits to characters.
exaggerateVerb
to enlarge beyond bounds or the truth; do something to an excessive degree
SynonymsOverstate, magnify, amplify, inflate
Week 4September 29
Tendency
Persistent
Extricate
Flaunt
tendencyRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
tendencyGuess the meaning using context clues.
The puppy has a tendency to chew on things.
tendencyNoun
Likelihood of behaving in a certain way
Synonyms Inclination, propensity, leaning
persistentRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
persistentGuess 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.
persistentadj.
Not giving upLasting a long time
Synonyms Perseverant, insistent, relentless
extricateRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
extricateGuess the meaning using context clues.
The bear struggled to extricate itself from the net.
extricateVerb
to set free from a difficult or embarrassing situation
Synonyms Free, release, disentangle
flauntRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
flauntGuess the meaning using context clues.
My cousin loves to flaunt her expensive clothes whenever she has the chance.
flauntVerb
To display noticeably
SynonymShow off, display, parade
Week 5October 6
Deception
Immobile
Avert
Fastidious
DeceptionRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
Guess the meaning using context clues.The movie villain's deception to disguise his
identity was uncovered by the clever detective.
Deception
NounA trick or lie meant to deceive
someone
SynonymsDeceit, fraud, trickery
Deception
ImmobileRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
Guess the meaning using context clues.The car is totally immobile without its battery.
Immobile
AdjectiveUnable to move
SynonymsMotionless
Immobile
AvertRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
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
VerbTo turn away fromTo prevent
SynonymsPrevent, avoid
Avert
FastidiousRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
Guess the meaning using context clues.The fastidious eater complained about every dish
served at dinner.
Fastidious
AdjNot easy to please
SynonymsPainstaking, meticulous
Fastidious
Week 6- October 13Lunge
Reluctant
Confront
Ambiguous
LungeRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
LungeGuess the meaning using context clues.
The kitten lunged at my fish sandwich.
LungeVerb
To move forward suddenly
SynonymJab, stab, thrust, charge
ReluctantRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
ReluctantGuess the meaning using context clues.
The young boy was reluctant to jump into the deep end of the pool.
ReluctantAdjective
Unwilling
SynonymUnwilling, opposed, resistant
ConfrontRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
ConfrontGuess the meaning using context clues.
I decided to confront my brother about using my bike without permission.
ConfrontVerb
To meet or face boldly
SynonymsTackle, address, face
AmbiguousRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
AmbiguousGuess the meaning using context clues.
The judge asked the witness to clarify her ambiguous answer.
AmbiguousAdj
Having more than one possible meaning
SynonymDebatable
Week 7- October 20Encumber
Indispensable
Mortify
Bountiful
EncumberRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
encumberGuess the meaning using context clues.
The escaping robber was encumbered by the heavy sack of loot.
encumberVerb
To weigh down or burden
SynonymHamper, hinder, obstruct, impede
IndispensableRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
IndispensableGuess the meaning using context clues.
Although we can live a long time without food, water is indispensable.
indispensableAdj
Absolutely necessary
SynonymsVital, essential, necessary, crucial, key
MortifyRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
mortifyGuess the meaning using context clues.
At my graduation party, my brother mortified me when he began to sing off-key into the karaoke machine.
mortifyVerb
To cause someone to fell terrible embarrassment.
SynonymsHumiliate, embarrass, shame, abash, horrify,
appall
BountifulRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
bountifulGuess the meaning using context clues.
Because everyone brought something to eat, we had a bountiful amount of food for the potluck.
bountifulAdj
More than enough
SynonymsPlenty, plentiful, abundant, ample, copious
Week 8- October 27Endorse
Idle
Descend
Absorb
EndorseRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
endorseGuess 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.
endorseVerb
1. To give support or approval to2. To sign one’s name
Synonyms1. advocate, favor, commend, praise2. sign, authenticate
IdleRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
idleGuess the meaning using context clues.
I like to spend my idle hours on on a rainy day watching old movies.
idleAdj
Not busy; doing nothing
SynonymsLazy, inactive
DescendRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
descendGuess the meaning using context clues.
The squirrel quickly descended from the treetop to the ground.
descendVerb
To move from a higher place to a lower place
SynonymsGo down, come down
AbsorbRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
absorbGuess the meaning using context clues.
Marta is absorbed by an interest in horses. She absorbs all the books she can find on the subject.
AbsorbVerb
1. To involve or engage completely2. To take in or soak up
Synonyms1. Engrossed, captivated2. Soak up, draw in
Week 9- November 3Erroneous
Mesmerize
Jubilant
Repose
ErroneousRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
erroneousGuess the meaning using context
clues.The garage sale address given in
the newspaper was erroneous, so we never found the right location.
ErroneousAdjective
Containing an error
Synonyms
Untrue, inaccurate, false, flawed, misguided
MesmerizeRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
mesmerizeGuess the meaning using
context clues.The meteor shower
mesmerized everyone who saw it.
MesmerizeVerb
To fascinate
Synonyms
Enthrall, grip, spellbind, entrance
JubilantRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
jubilantGuess the meaning using context
clues.The streets were filled with
jubilant spectators as the Olympic victors paraded past.
JubilantAdjective
Feeling or showing great joy
Synonyms
Ecstatic, elated, euphoric, joyous
ReposeRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
ReposeNoun
Freedom from activity or responsibility
Synonyms
Inactivity, stillness, peace
Week 10- November 10Conform
Fatigue
Redundant
Ravenous
ConformRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
conformGuess the meaning using context
clues.I’d rather sit on the floor, but in
school I must conform and sit at a desk.
ConformVerb
To act or think in a way that follows the rules
Synonyms
Comply, yield, follow, obey
FatigueRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
fatigueGuess the meaning using context
clues.I felt extreme fatigue after the
twenty-mile bike ride.
FatigueNoun
The condition of being very tired
Synonyms
Exhausted, weariness
RedundantRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
redundantGuess 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.
RedundantAdjective
Being in excess; exceeding what is usual or natural
Synonyms
Unnecessary, superfluous
RavenousRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
ravenousGuess the meaning using context
clues.Right before lunch, my stomach
growls because I am ravenous.
RavenousAdjective
Extremely Hungry
Synonyms
Ferocious, greedy, voracious, famished
Week 11- November 17Trepidation
Tenacious
Permeate
Intrepid
TrepidationRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
TrepidationGuess the meaning using context clues.I took the leadership role with
considerable trepidation because of all the responsibility.
TrepidationNoun
A fear about something that may happen
Synonyms
Fear, apprehension, dread, tension, unease
TenaciousRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
TenaciousGuess the meaning using context
clues.The detective tenacious in his
search for clues, which led him to the truth.
TenaciousAdjective
Keeping a firm hold on something
Synonyms
Persistent, determined, insistent
PermeateRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
PermeateGuess the meaning using context
clues.The smell of perfume was so strong
that it permeated the hallways and classrooms, giving some students headaches.
PermeateVerb
To spread throughout (something)
Synonyms
Pervade, fill, penetrate
IntrepidRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
IntrepidGuess the meaning using context
clues.The intrepid reporter would face any
situation with ease.
IntrepidAdjective
Adventurous (often used for rhetorical or humorous effect)
Synonyms
Fearless, unafraid, bold, heroic
Week 12- November 24Incessant
Incandescent
Impede
Benevolent
IncessantRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
IncessantGuess the meaning using context
clues.The dog’s incessant barking kept me
awake all night.
IncessantAdjective
The continuation of something unpleasant without pause or interruption
Synonyms
Constant, continuing, persistent, relentless
IncandescentRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
IncandescentGuess the meaning using context
clues.The volcano erupted in incandescent
liquid rock.
IncandescentAdjective
Showing light as a result of being heated
Passionate or brilliant
Synonyms
White-hot, burning, fiery
Passionate, ardent, fervent
ImpedeRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
ImpedeGuess 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.
ImpedeVerb
To delay or prevent (someone or something) by obstructing them
Synonyms
Hinder, obstruct, hamper
BenevolentRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
BenevolentGuess the meaning using context
clues.During the holidays, it is especially
important to show benevolence towards one’s neighbors.
BenevolentAdjective
Well-meaning and kindly
Synonyms
Kindly, compassionate, caring
Week 13- December 1Astute
Apathy
Admonish
Emulate
AstuteRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
AstuteGuess the meaning using context
clues.
The astute business man could always find the right person for the job.
AstuteAdjective
having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage.
Synonyms
Shrewd, crafty, intuitive
ApathyRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
ApathyGuess the meaning using context
clues.
The widespread apathy among the students resulted in low attendance and high failure rates.
ApathyNoun
lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
Synonyms
Indifference, unconcern, lethargy
AdmonishRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
AdmonishGuess the meaning using context
clues.
She admonished him when he used bad manners at the dinner table.
AdmonishVerb
to warn or scold someone firmly
Synonyms
Reprimand, berate, criticize
EmulateRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
EmulateGuess the meaning using context
clues.
My mother told me not to emulate my brother’s bad behavior, or I would be sorry.
EmulateVerb
match or surpass (a person or achievement), typically by imitation.
Synonyms
Imitate, copy, mirror
Week 14- December 8Elude
Eloquent
Elicit
Debacle
EludeRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
EludeGuess the meaning using context
clues.He managed to elude the police by
escaping into an alley.
EludeVerb
Escape from (a danger, an enemy), typically in a skillful or cunning way.
Synonyms
Evade, avoid, dodge
EloquentRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
EloquentGuess the meaning using context
clues.The President gave an eloquent
speech on the importance of volunteering.
EloquentAdjective
fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing.
Synonyms
Fluent, articulate, expressive
ElicitRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
ElicitGuess the meaning using context
clues.The extremely successful comedy
elicits laughs from all audience members.
ElicitVerb
To draw out (a response, answer, or fact) from someone in reaction to one's own actions
Synonyms
Obtain, extract, evoke
DebacleRate the word
1-I have never heard of this word2- I have heard of the word but I have no idea
what it means3 I have heard the word and I guess that’s its’
meaning is ______________4 I know the word and it means _____________
DebacleGuess the meaning using context
clues.In the 1930’s, the great financial
debacle became known as The Great Depression.
DebacleNoun
A sudden failure
Synonyms
Fiasco, failure, catastrophe, mess