STAAR 3 VOCAB

Question 1

obstructionist

Answer 1

a person who deliberately delays or prevents progress.

Question 2

impediment

Answer 2

1. a hindrance or obstruction in doing something.
2. a hindrance or obstruction in doing something.

Question 3

arbitrator

Answer 3

an independent person or body officially appointed to settle a dispute.

Question 4

vigilant

Answer 4

keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties.

Question 5

portly

Answer 5

having a stout body; somewhat fat (used especially of a man).

Question 6

infernal

Answer 6

relating to or characteristic of hell or the underworld.

Question 7

dormant

Answer 7

(of an animal) having normal physical functions suspended or slowed down for a period of time; in or as if in a deep sleep.

Question 8

orthodox

Answer 8

following or conforming to the traditional or generally accepted rules or beliefs of a religion, philosophy, or practice.

Question 9

stoic

Answer 9

a person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining.

Question 10

utilitarian

Answer 10

designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive.

Question 11

commiserate

Answer 11

express or feel sympathy or pity; sympathize.

Question 12

gesticulate

Answer 12

use gestures, especially dramatic ones, instead of speaking or to emphasize one’s words.

Question 13

quantitating

Answer 13

determine the quantity or extent of (something in numerical terms); quantify.

Question 14

transmute

Answer 14

change in form, nature, or substance.

Question 15

beguile

Answer 15

1. charm or enchant (someone), often in a deceptive way.
   “he beguiled the voters with his good looks”
2. literary
   help (time) pass pleasantly.
   “to beguile some of the time they went to the cinema”

Question 16

transact

Answer 16

conduct or carry out (business).
“traders transact business in the public exchange”

Question 17

reiterate

Answer 17

say something again or a number of times, typically for emphasis or clarity.
“she reiterated that the government would remain steadfast in its support”

Question 18

concourse

Answer 18

a large open area inside or in front of a public building.
“a station concourse”

Question 19

delineation

Answer 19

the action of describing or portraying something precisely.
“the artist’s exquisite delineation of costume and jewellery”

Question 20

aspersion

Answer 20

an attack on the reputation or integrity of someone or something.
“I don’t think anyone is casting aspersions on you”

Question 21

proliferation

Answer 21

rapid increase in the number or amount of something.
“a continuing threat of nuclear proliferation”

Question 22

spurious

Answer 22

not being what it purports to be; false or fake.
“separating authentic and spurious claims”

Question 23

while

Answer 23

pass time in a leisurely manner.
“a diversion to while away the long afternoons”

Question 24

acquiesce

Answer 24

accept something reluctantly but without protest.
“Sara acquiesced in his decision”

Question 25

synchronous

Answer 25

existing or occurring at the same time.

Question 26

cacophony

Answer 26

a harsh discordant mixture of sounds.
“a cacophony of deafening alarm bells”