wordly wise lesson 6-12 Flashcards
ameliorate
To make better; to become better; to improve.
Example:The snowplows were put to work to ameliorate the dangerous driving conditions that resulted from the storm.
baleful
Expressing hatred or evil; harmful, ominous.
Example:Roger gave me a baleful look when I accused him of lying.
berate
To criticize vigorously; to scold vehemently.
Example:Ms. Alanso told the older students not to berate the younger ones when they made mistakes.
circumvent
To avoid through craftiness.
Example:She boasted that she was able to circumvent the tax laws by using every loophole she could find.
compunction
A feeling of uneasiness or anxiety caused by guilt.
Example:Robin Hood had no compunction about stealing from the rich to give to the poor.
condone
To overlook or accept without punishment; to pardon or excuse.
Example:Mr. Hagopian said that he could not condone keeping a library book for the whole school year, because that made it unavailable to other students.
diminutive
Very small; tiny.
Example:On the dollhouse kitchen table there was a diminutive bowl of fruit.
euphemism
A polite term used to avoid directly naming something considered offensive or unpleasant.
Example:“Pass away” is a euphemism for “die.”
expendable
Able to be used up and then discarded or replaced.
Example:Paper, envelopes, and pencils are expendable office items.
heresy
heretical
The expression of shocking or unacceptable views.
Example:In the 1800s, the belief that women should vote was considered heresy by some.
Example:He held the heretical belief that only the rich should be allowed to have children.
infirmity
infirm
Physical or mental weakness or defect.
Example:Brittle bones is a common infirmity of the elderly.
Weak or feeble.
Example:Since my grandmother began lifting weights, she feels much less infirm.
profane
To treat with scorn or irreverence.(Lack of respect)
Example:andals profaned the memorial by throwing eggs at it.
Disrespectful of sacred things.
Example:Dancing was considered profane by the Puritans.
Not connected with religion; worldly.
Example:The poems deal poignantly with love in both its sacred and profane aspects.
recompense
To pay or compensate.
Example:The insurance company recompensed us for the damage to the roof caused by the storm.
Payment; compensation.
Example:Although Alessandro received no recompense as a volunteer at the radio station, he gained
valuable experience.
repast
Food and drink; a meal.
Example:His usual midday repast was a sandwich and a glass of milk.
servitude
A lack of freedom; forced labor.
Example: