Conservant
Source sentence: It was not long before the settlers became connversant with the plants and herbs that could be used as medicine or as food. EDL word clues pg. 15
Context clues:
Synonyms: familiar
Antonyms: inexperienced
Defintion: familiar by use or study
Original sentence: If you study something long enough, the subject becomes conversant.
Moot
Source sentence: It is a moot point whether Maine or Nova Scotia makes the better vaction spot. pg.29
Context clues:
i think it means important or opinionated
Definition: open to discussion or debate; debatable; doubtful
Original sentence: Abortion is a moot point whether its right or wrong is not going to change what people choose to do.
Pallid
Source sentence: It is rare that you see a pallid complexion in the province. pg. 61
Context clues:
It sounds like plain or something that is dull
Definition: pale; faint or deficient in color; wan
Original sentencce: There's never a pallid moment in cities like New York or LA.
Showing posts with label vocabulary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vocabulary. Show all posts
Thursday, April 30, 2009
vocab for wk # 3
Propagate
Source sentence: " Go and collect all the captive humans," the chief chimp ordered. " Now that we know their true nature, we cannot allow them to propagate. EDL word clues pg. 132
Context clues:
Sounds like propoganda which means spread lies or bad things so maybe this word means scatter or grow.
Definition: to cause (an organism) to multiply by any process of natural reproduction from the parent stock.
Original sentence: Many teens are having babies because they chose to propagate without protection.
Taciturn
Source sentence: A very funny comedian played the role of a taciturn old man. pg. 112
Context clues:
Synonyms: bitter, mean
Antonyms: kind, sincere
Definition: inclined to silence; reserved in speech; reluctant to join in conversation.
Original sentence: In the movie Speak, the female lead was taciturn after a horrible event.
Imbue
Source sentence: When Roseann met her parents in the lobby after the final act, she was imbued with envy and hard feelings toward her fellow performers. pg. 70
Context clues:
Synonyms: overwhelmed, burdened
Antonyms: relieved
Definition: to impregnate or inspire, as with feelings, opinions
Original sentence: The girl was imbued with stress when she didn't pass her class
Source sentence: " Go and collect all the captive humans," the chief chimp ordered. " Now that we know their true nature, we cannot allow them to propagate. EDL word clues pg. 132
Context clues:
Sounds like propoganda which means spread lies or bad things so maybe this word means scatter or grow.
Definition: to cause (an organism) to multiply by any process of natural reproduction from the parent stock.
Original sentence: Many teens are having babies because they chose to propagate without protection.
Taciturn
Source sentence: A very funny comedian played the role of a taciturn old man. pg. 112
Context clues:
Synonyms: bitter, mean
Antonyms: kind, sincere
Definition: inclined to silence; reserved in speech; reluctant to join in conversation.
Original sentence: In the movie Speak, the female lead was taciturn after a horrible event.
Imbue
Source sentence: When Roseann met her parents in the lobby after the final act, she was imbued with envy and hard feelings toward her fellow performers. pg. 70
Context clues:
Synonyms: overwhelmed, burdened
Antonyms: relieved
Definition: to impregnate or inspire, as with feelings, opinions
Original sentence: The girl was imbued with stress when she didn't pass her class
Thursday, April 23, 2009
vocab wk # 11
Conjecture
Source sentence: After the couple began to kiss and hug each other, Pam conjectured that they, too, were honeymooners. EDL word clues pg. 58
Context clues:
Synonyms: speculated, realized
Antonyms: denied, misunderstood
Definition: Inference or judgment based on inconclusive or incomplete evidence; guesswork.
Original sentence: People should have conjectures about what they read in tabloids because it's usually not the truth.
Guile
Source sentence: Penny is so cunning she can always rely on her guile rather than force to win the day. pg.126
Context clues:
Synonyms: wit, cleverness
Antonyms: timid, shynesss
Subservient
Source sentence: Like Penny, young children are often expected to play a subservient role.
Context clues:
i think it means stereotypical by the way its used in the sentence
Definition: serving or acting in a subordinate capacity; subordinate.
Original sentence: People like teachers and priests are expected to be subservient
Source sentence: After the couple began to kiss and hug each other, Pam conjectured that they, too, were honeymooners. EDL word clues pg. 58
Context clues:
Synonyms: speculated, realized
Antonyms: denied, misunderstood
Definition: Inference or judgment based on inconclusive or incomplete evidence; guesswork.
Original sentence: People should have conjectures about what they read in tabloids because it's usually not the truth.
Guile
Source sentence: Penny is so cunning she can always rely on her guile rather than force to win the day. pg.126
Context clues:
Synonyms: wit, cleverness
Antonyms: timid, shynesss
Definition: insidious cunning in attaining a goal; crafty or artful deception; duplicity.
Original sentence: Con artists are known to have a lot of convincing guile.Subservient
Source sentence: Like Penny, young children are often expected to play a subservient role.
Context clues:
i think it means stereotypical by the way its used in the sentence
Definition: serving or acting in a subordinate capacity; subordinate.
Original sentence: People like teachers and priests are expected to be subservient
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
vocab wk 10
sumptuous
Source Sentence: In some of his public appearances, the pope is garbed in sumptuous robes. EDL word clues (pg.84)
Context clues:
Synonyms: fancy, unique
Antonyms: heinous, unattractive
Definition: luxuriously fine or large; lavish; splendid
Original Sentence: Wealthy people seem to always have the most sumptuous clothing. (pg.64)
autocracy
Source sentence: The governement of this Balkan state was an autocracy.
Context clues:
The ending: "cracy" makes me think that it has something to do with how things are controlled like countries and states because it sounds like democracy and bureaucracy. Its also used in that way in the sentence when explaining the government.
Definition: government in which one person has uncontrolled or unlimited authority over others; the government or power of an absolute monarch
Original Sentence: I hope the U.S. never becomes an autocracy.
Proletariat
Source Sentence: If there was one reason for the success of the revolution, it was the proletariat.
Context clues:
I think "pro" means expert in something like professional and protege so it might be something or someone powerful/knowledegable.
Definition: the class of wage earners, esp. those who earn their living by manual labor or who are dependent for support on daily or casual employment; the working class.
Original Sentence: The proletariat are often ignored and taken for granted because of what they lack.
Source Sentence: In some of his public appearances, the pope is garbed in sumptuous robes. EDL word clues (pg.84)
Context clues:
Synonyms: fancy, unique
Antonyms: heinous, unattractive
Definition: luxuriously fine or large; lavish; splendid
Original Sentence: Wealthy people seem to always have the most sumptuous clothing. (pg.64)
autocracy
Source sentence: The governement of this Balkan state was an autocracy.
Context clues:
The ending: "cracy" makes me think that it has something to do with how things are controlled like countries and states because it sounds like democracy and bureaucracy. Its also used in that way in the sentence when explaining the government.
Definition: government in which one person has uncontrolled or unlimited authority over others; the government or power of an absolute monarch
Original Sentence: I hope the U.S. never becomes an autocracy.
Proletariat
Source Sentence: If there was one reason for the success of the revolution, it was the proletariat.
Context clues:
I think "pro" means expert in something like professional and protege so it might be something or someone powerful/knowledegable.
Definition: the class of wage earners, esp. those who earn their living by manual labor or who are dependent for support on daily or casual employment; the working class.
Original Sentence: The proletariat are often ignored and taken for granted because of what they lack.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
vocab wk 9
Acumen
Source sentence: Fortunately for the settlers, their leader was a man of acumen. EDL word clues( pg. 129)
Context clues:
Synonyms: honor, integrity
Antonyms: deciet, dishonesty
Defintion: Quickness, accuracy, and keenness of judgment or insight.
Original Sentence: President Obama seems to be a man with acumen.
Impetus
Source sentence: The success of Jamestown provided the impetus for other Europeans to start settlements in the New World. (pg. 3)
Context clues:
The prefix "im" is into so it might mean the desire to follow through on actions
Defintion: An impelling force; an impulse.
Original sentence: Knowing that she would be rewarded for good grades, gave the girl the impetus to work her hardest.
Nebulous
Source sentence: The pilgrims could never be accused of being nebulous in their aims. (pg.9)
Context clues:
The suffix "ous" is lacking something or incomplete so it could mean lazy or not having any determination
Definiton: hazy, vague, indistinct, or confused.
Original sentence: Many people agreed that Proposition 8 was nebulous and should have been more clear.
Source sentence: Fortunately for the settlers, their leader was a man of acumen. EDL word clues( pg. 129)
Context clues:
Synonyms: honor, integrity
Antonyms: deciet, dishonesty
Defintion: Quickness, accuracy, and keenness of judgment or insight.
Original Sentence: President Obama seems to be a man with acumen.
Impetus
Source sentence: The success of Jamestown provided the impetus for other Europeans to start settlements in the New World. (pg. 3)
Context clues:
The prefix "im" is into so it might mean the desire to follow through on actions
Defintion: An impelling force; an impulse.
Original sentence: Knowing that she would be rewarded for good grades, gave the girl the impetus to work her hardest.
Nebulous
Source sentence: The pilgrims could never be accused of being nebulous in their aims. (pg.9)
Context clues:
The suffix "ous" is lacking something or incomplete so it could mean lazy or not having any determination
Definiton: hazy, vague, indistinct, or confused.
Original sentence: Many people agreed that Proposition 8 was nebulous and should have been more clear.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
vocabulary wk 8
Fetid
Source sentence: The fetid odor of the truck was too much for the men to take. (pg.73) EDL Word Clues
Context clues:
Synonyms: smelly, foul
Antonyms: fresh, clean
Defintion: having an offensive odor; stinking.
Original sentence: After the basketball game, the players wreaked with a fetid smell.
Ribald
Source sentence: The inmates' conversation was ribald as they discussed Massey's escape plan and described the way he would look and smell (pg.85)
Context clues:
The way its being used in the sentence sounds like it could mean clever or decisive
Definition: vulgar or indecent in speech, language, etc.; coarsely mocking, abusive, or irreverent; scurrilous.
Original sentence: The ribald way the young boy talked to his girlfriend was very inappropriate and scary.
Ignoble
Source Sentence: As Massey thought about the morning and his almost certain discovery, his attempt to escape began to seem more and more ignoble.
Context clues:
Synonyms: unrealistic, difficult
Antonyms: worthwhile
Definition: of low grade or quality; inferior.
Original sentence: The solicitor's ignoble intentions were made clear when she used the money that was supposed to be for charity, on a trip to Hawaii.
Source sentence: The fetid odor of the truck was too much for the men to take. (pg.73) EDL Word Clues
Context clues:
Synonyms: smelly, foul
Antonyms: fresh, clean
Defintion: having an offensive odor; stinking.
Original sentence: After the basketball game, the players wreaked with a fetid smell.
Ribald
Source sentence: The inmates' conversation was ribald as they discussed Massey's escape plan and described the way he would look and smell (pg.85)
Context clues:
The way its being used in the sentence sounds like it could mean clever or decisive
Definition: vulgar or indecent in speech, language, etc.; coarsely mocking, abusive, or irreverent; scurrilous.
Original sentence: The ribald way the young boy talked to his girlfriend was very inappropriate and scary.
Ignoble
Source Sentence: As Massey thought about the morning and his almost certain discovery, his attempt to escape began to seem more and more ignoble.
Context clues:
Synonyms: unrealistic, difficult
Antonyms: worthwhile
Definition: of low grade or quality; inferior.
Original sentence: The solicitor's ignoble intentions were made clear when she used the money that was supposed to be for charity, on a trip to Hawaii.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
vocab wk 7
Debilities
Source sentence: Many debilities of old age, including loss of hearing, poor eyesight, and diseases such as arthritis, can be treated medically. Textbook pg. 83
Context clues:
the prefix "de" means away, from
Sounds like abilities but it probably is the same as disabilities
Definition:
a weakened or enfeebled state; weakness
Original sentence: My grandmother is suffering from the debility of memory loss and might be showing signs of Alzheimers.
viable
Source sentence: Today, this once "alternative" method is going mainstream and proving itself as a viable and desirable drug-testing option for small businesses and large coorperations everywhere. Textbook pg. 251
Context clues:
synonyms: resourceful, reliable
antonyms: inconsistent, not dependable
Definition:
capable of living
Original sentence: Jobs are no longer a viable source of income because theres no guarantee that it will last.
Attrition
Source sentence: The french had superior firepower and were all trained in the mode of conventional European combat, but Ho's native forces knew the land and fought an effective guerrilla war of attrition. Firsthand America pg.21
Context clues:
Ho's native forces knew the land
Reading the word in context makes it seem like it means strategy.
Definition:
a reduction or decrease in numbers, size, or strength
Original sentence: There was a very high rate of attrition in my senior year of high school due to "senioritis" and the ability to sign yourself out if you were eighteen.
Source sentence: Many debilities of old age, including loss of hearing, poor eyesight, and diseases such as arthritis, can be treated medically. Textbook pg. 83
Context clues:
the prefix "de" means away, from
Sounds like abilities but it probably is the same as disabilities
Definition:
a weakened or enfeebled state; weakness
Original sentence: My grandmother is suffering from the debility of memory loss and might be showing signs of Alzheimers.
viable
Source sentence: Today, this once "alternative" method is going mainstream and proving itself as a viable and desirable drug-testing option for small businesses and large coorperations everywhere. Textbook pg. 251
Context clues:
synonyms: resourceful, reliable
antonyms: inconsistent, not dependable
Definition:
capable of living
Original sentence: Jobs are no longer a viable source of income because theres no guarantee that it will last.
Attrition
Source sentence: The french had superior firepower and were all trained in the mode of conventional European combat, but Ho's native forces knew the land and fought an effective guerrilla war of attrition. Firsthand America pg.21
Context clues:
Ho's native forces knew the land
Reading the word in context makes it seem like it means strategy.
Definition:
a reduction or decrease in numbers, size, or strength
Original sentence: There was a very high rate of attrition in my senior year of high school due to "senioritis" and the ability to sign yourself out if you were eighteen.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
vocab wk 6
Improbable
Source sentence: Vietnam was full of strange stories, some improbable, some well beyond that, but the stories that will last forever are those that swirl back and forth across the border between trivia and bedlam, the mad and the mundane. (pg. 89) Tim o' Brien
Context clues:
Synonyms: fascinating, unbelievable
Antonyms: ridiculous, uneventful
Definition: not probable; unlikely to be true or to happen
Original sentence: Most people thought that having an african american as president was improbable.
Mortared
Source sentence: The place was never mortared, never taken under fire, and the war seemed to be somewhere far away. (pg. 92) Tim o' Brien
Context clues:
Never taken under fire this might mean that the area was never really bothered.
Definition: A vessel in which substances are crushed or ground with a pestle.
Original sentence: I wonder what life would be like if New York was never mortared by terrorists.
Excrement
Source sentence: Thick and numbing, like an animals den, a mix of blood and scorched hair and excrement and the sweet-sour odor of moldering flesh- the stink of the kill. (pg. 110) Tim o'Brien
Context clues:
prefix "ex" means from, out of, former
suffix "ment" means state, condition, or quality
Definition: waste matter discharged from the body, esp. feces.
Original sentence: The excrement from the toddler smelled worse than road kill.
Source sentence: Vietnam was full of strange stories, some improbable, some well beyond that, but the stories that will last forever are those that swirl back and forth across the border between trivia and bedlam, the mad and the mundane. (pg. 89) Tim o' Brien
Context clues:
Synonyms: fascinating, unbelievable
Antonyms: ridiculous, uneventful
Definition: not probable; unlikely to be true or to happen
Original sentence: Most people thought that having an african american as president was improbable.
Mortared
Source sentence: The place was never mortared, never taken under fire, and the war seemed to be somewhere far away. (pg. 92) Tim o' Brien
Context clues:
Never taken under fire this might mean that the area was never really bothered.
Definition: A vessel in which substances are crushed or ground with a pestle.
Original sentence: I wonder what life would be like if New York was never mortared by terrorists.
Excrement
Source sentence: Thick and numbing, like an animals den, a mix of blood and scorched hair and excrement and the sweet-sour odor of moldering flesh- the stink of the kill. (pg. 110) Tim o'Brien
Context clues:
prefix "ex" means from, out of, former
suffix "ment" means state, condition, or quality
Definition: waste matter discharged from the body, esp. feces.
Original sentence: The excrement from the toddler smelled worse than road kill.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
vocab wk 5
Harried
Source sentence: The workers stand loosely grouped and at ease, but my uncle looks as harried and tense as a police officer trying to unsnarl a New York City traffic jam.(pg.417)McWhorter
Context clues:
Synonyms: uptight, nervous
Antonyms: calm, relaxed
Definition: to harass, annoy, or prove a nuisance to by or as if by repeated attacks, worry
Original sentence: The woman was harried by the repeated attacks from her discriminatory co-workers.
Ominous
Source sentence: Such an unnecessary loss has ominous implications for the spiritual, economic, social, and political health of society.(pg. 423)McWhorter
Context clues:
Ominous sounds like omen which is something bad or harmful
the suffix "ous" refers to a state, condition, or quality
Definition: portending evil or harm, foreboding, threatening, inauspicious
Original sentence: Halloween is the only holiday that always seems to have an ominous connotation.
Gauge
Source sentence: So how do you gauge how much oil went into your food?(pg.488)McWhorter
Context clues:
Synonyms: keep track of
Antonyms: forget, lose sight of
Definition: to determine the exact dimensions, capacity, quantity, or force of; measure
Original sentence: Fashion designers often take measurements to gauge how much material they will need for their particular piece.
Source sentence: The workers stand loosely grouped and at ease, but my uncle looks as harried and tense as a police officer trying to unsnarl a New York City traffic jam.(pg.417)McWhorter
Context clues:
Synonyms: uptight, nervous
Antonyms: calm, relaxed
Definition: to harass, annoy, or prove a nuisance to by or as if by repeated attacks, worry
Original sentence: The woman was harried by the repeated attacks from her discriminatory co-workers.
Ominous
Source sentence: Such an unnecessary loss has ominous implications for the spiritual, economic, social, and political health of society.(pg. 423)McWhorter
Context clues:
Ominous sounds like omen which is something bad or harmful
the suffix "ous" refers to a state, condition, or quality
Definition: portending evil or harm, foreboding, threatening, inauspicious
Original sentence: Halloween is the only holiday that always seems to have an ominous connotation.
Gauge
Source sentence: So how do you gauge how much oil went into your food?(pg.488)McWhorter
Context clues:
Synonyms: keep track of
Antonyms: forget, lose sight of
Definition: to determine the exact dimensions, capacity, quantity, or force of; measure
Original sentence: Fashion designers often take measurements to gauge how much material they will need for their particular piece.
Friday, January 30, 2009
vocabulary wk 3
Incredulity
Sentence: Their incredulity persists even now that I am a senior resident, working in one of the worlds busiest hospital emergency rooms. (pg. 106) McWhorter
Context Clues: in-not, cred-belief
"when is the doctor going to see me"
"inability of patients and others to believe"
Synonyms: disbelief
Antonyms: approval
Definition: inability or unwillingness to believe
Original sentence: The incredulity of people when I tell them my age is astonishing.
Obsolete
Sentence: The microwave oven is becoming obsolete; the newer microwave convention oven offers the user more cooking options. (pg. 84) McWhorter
Context Clues: the new microwave convention oven offers the user more cooking options.
Synonyms: out-dated, old
Antonyms: new, advanced
Defintion: no longer in general use
Original sentence: Radios now seem obsolete due to the invention of ipods and mp3 players.
Laxity
Sentence: He would not tolerate laxity. (pg. 25) Tim o'Brien
Context Clues: He would show strength and not tolerate laxity.
Synonyms: lazy, drowsiness
Antonyms: energized
Definition: looseness, careless
Original Sentence: The students laxity toward homework frustrated the teacher.
Sentence: Their incredulity persists even now that I am a senior resident, working in one of the worlds busiest hospital emergency rooms. (pg. 106) McWhorter
Context Clues: in-not, cred-belief
"when is the doctor going to see me"
"inability of patients and others to believe"
Synonyms: disbelief
Antonyms: approval
Definition: inability or unwillingness to believe
Original sentence: The incredulity of people when I tell them my age is astonishing.
Obsolete
Sentence: The microwave oven is becoming obsolete; the newer microwave convention oven offers the user more cooking options. (pg. 84) McWhorter
Context Clues: the new microwave convention oven offers the user more cooking options.
Synonyms: out-dated, old
Antonyms: new, advanced
Defintion: no longer in general use
Original sentence: Radios now seem obsolete due to the invention of ipods and mp3 players.
Laxity
Sentence: He would not tolerate laxity. (pg. 25) Tim o'Brien
Context Clues: He would show strength and not tolerate laxity.
Synonyms: lazy, drowsiness
Antonyms: energized
Definition: looseness, careless
Original Sentence: The students laxity toward homework frustrated the teacher.
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