Vocabulary Unit #2

ameliorate

Ice can ameliorate the discomfort of a sprained ankle.

aplomb

Although I was extremely nervous, I gave the speech with aplomb.

bombastic

Some voters believe that politicians are dishonest, bombastic, and loud-mouthed.

callow

The new callow CEO had no idea what to do with the failing company.

drivel

The girl’s apology was not sincere and sounded like complete drivel.

epitome

Watching Jersey Shore is the epitome of stupidity.

exhort

Parents will constantly exhort their children to do chores and help out around the house.

ex officio

Barack Obama has returned to being the ex officio leader of the United States.

infringe

My parents infringe on my right to privacy by coming into my room uninvited.

ingratiate

The new girl tried to ingratiate herself by giving out candy to help her make friends.

interloper

If someone breaks into a closed store, they can be arrested as an interloper.

intrinsic

Although it isn’t worth much money, the old ring has intrinsic value and means a great deal to me because it belonged to my grandmother.

inveigh

The girls inveighed the poor boy on Facebook by making fun of everything about him.

lassitude

After the intensive workout, the man was filled with lassitude as he left the gym.

millennium

On New Year’s Eve in 1999, people celebrated the new millennium with lavish parties and elaborate firework displays.

occult

The large trees that surrounded the mansion occulted our view of the immense building.

permeate

The wet snow permeated my boots and got my socks wet.

precipitate

The girl’s outburst was precipitated by the teacher wrongly accusing her of throwing food in the cafeteria.

stringent

The mother’s rules were stringent when it came to cleaning up before bedtime if you wanted a snack.

surmise

I surmised that since I was absent from school and missed the review, I wouldn’t have to take the test the next day.