Vocabulary - Definitions Flashcards
reprimand
to scold or correct
Ex. Olivia was severely reprimanded by mom and dad for her inappropriate behavior.
competent
capable of doing something in a satisfactory or effective way
Ex. Mommy is competent at cooking but does not like to do it
precede
To go before, as in place, order, rank, importance or time
Ex. In our family, a prayer precedes Thanksgiving dinner.
confide
To tell someone secrets or discuss private feelings with them
Ex. Drew confides his secrets to no one!
conspicuous
Very noticeable or easy to see especially because of being unusual or different
Ex. Dad felt very conspicuous being the only man there.
contaminate
to soil, stain or infect by contact
Ex. The Titanic’s oil contaminated the ocean, making the fish sick.
corroboration
Evidence or information that supports what someone has said
Ex. The police lab provided corroboration to the detective so he could arrest the murderer.
evade
to get away
avoid meeting directly
Ex. Michael Trevor and Frank evaded the police after shooting several people avoiding arrest.
Fatigue
A feeling of being extremely tired either physically or mentally
Ex. After six hockey games in a row Drew was very fatigued.
Initiate
Begin/to start
To introduce someone to a skill, subject or activity and teach them about it
Ex. Nick was initiated into a world of robbery and violence when he played GTA5.
Lament
To mourn aloud/wail
To regret a lot
Ex. People lament the loss of close family members in the earthquake disaster.
Tattered
Wearing ragged clothing
Ex. The homeless man was wearing a tattered and torn coat.
Sincere
Talking and acting in a way that shows you really mean what you say and do.
Ex. Bob gave a sincere apology.
Scrutinize
To examine something very carefully
Ex. The police officer scrutinized the crime scene for clues.
Versatile
Able to be used in many different ways
Having a wide range of different skills and abilities
Ex. This is such a versatile jacket it can be born in summer spring and fall!
Vigilant
Watching a person or situation carefully so that you will notice any problems or signs of danger immediately
Ex. The guards were vigilant in watching the crowd for any signs of unruly behavior which could lead to a riot breaking out.
Woeful
Feeling very sad
Ex. The dog gave a long woeful howl because he missed his owner.
Platoon
A group of soldiers that includes two or more squads usually led by one Lieutenant.
A group of people who are doing something together.
Ex. We will need a platoon of people to help clean the Barbie room.
Famished
Really really hungry.
Ex. I’m so famished. I could eat the whole refrigerator.
Destitute
Extremely poor.
Without something that is needed or wanted.
Ex. Many families were left destitute by hurricane Katrina.
Sterilize
To clean something by destroying germs or bacteria.
Ex. You need to sterilize the thermometer so you don’t pass on germs.
Scour
To rub hard especially with rough material for cleansing.
To dig through or hunt.
Ex. We scoured through the trash trying to find the missing puzzle piece.
Applicant
Someone who applies for something.
Ex. Dad interviewed 30 applicants for the job at New England Casket Company.
Prejudice
A feeling of like or dislike for someone or something when it is not reasonable.
An unfair disliking of a person or group because of race, color ok skin, sex or religion.
Ex. He has a prejudice against fast food restaurants and will not eat at them.
Unbiased
Fair. Equal. Unprejudiced.
Ex. Give me an unbiased opinion on my poem.
Acknowledge
To take notice of.
To recognize as real.
To make known.
Ex. They acknowledged that the decision was a mistake.
She acknowledged his greeting with a smile.
Please acknowledge receipt of this letter.
Adhesive
Sticky clingy.
Designed to stick to something.
Ex. Cover your cut with an adhesive bandage.
Ail
To cause pain or trouble for someone.
To suffer bad health.
Ex. This medicine is good for what ails you.
Aimless
Having no goal, purpose or direction.
Ex. Without a destination, we walked aimlessly on the road for hours.
Alter
To change something.
Ex. This one small event altered the course of history.
Approximate
Almost correct or exact.
Close in value or amount but not exactly.
Ex. This is the approximate location of the old ancient city.
Assert
To say something in a strong and definite way.
Declare. Guarantee.
Ex. He asserted that the car would go 100 mph in 60 seconds.
Assured
Very confident.
Sure that something is certain or true.
Ex. Once the vet came, we were assured that our dog would be fine.
Astonish
Amaze. Surprise. To cause a feeling of great wonder or surprise
Ex. The beaches beauty never fails to astonish me.
Audible
Heard or able to be heard.
Ex. Her voice was barely audible over the noise.
Authentic
Real, genuine, true, accurate.
Not copied or false.
Ex. The building is an authentic reproduction of the colonial farmhouse.
Barrage
A heavy and continuous firing of weapons during a battle.
A great amount of something that comes quickly and continuously
The enemy laid down a barrage of machine gun fire.
He unleashed a barrage of insults.
Barren
Not producing good or useful things ideas etc.
Having very few plants; not suitable for plants.
Not exciting or interesting.
Not able to produce children or offspring
Few creatures can thrive on these barren mountaintops.
Barren woman cannot have children.
