1). anomaly (n.) a deviation from what is normal or expected

Oliver’s appearance and behavior was an anomaly when compared to the appearance and behavior of other chimps.

2). apathy (n.) lack of feeling, emotion, or interest

Falling asleep like this in school displays the students complete apathy for his education.

3). appall (v.) to fill with intense horror, fear, or dismay

Young , innocent Toby was appalled when he found out the secret ingredient for Mrs. Lovett’s famous meat pies.

4). apprehend (v.) to arrest or take into custody

Authorities were able to apprehend the fleeing fugitive when he stuck his head up from the sewer and said, “Yum.”

5). arbitrary (adj.) subject to or determined by one’s judgment; random

It is not the best idea to look for buried treasure in an arbitrary place; having a map would be much better .

Spelling words:

1. misspell2. unnecessary3. disappoint

4. illegible5.

immortality

1). arbitrate (v.) to act as an impartial judge in a dispute; to settle

Judge Judy would have to arbitrate the ridiculous argument between the two neighbors.

2). array (n.) An impressive display or range of a particular type of thing

Leonard had a wide array of items in his Star Wars collection displayed in his parents’ basement.

3). articulate (v.) to pronounce distinctly; to express well in words

Despite his inability to articulate words in the English language, the Swedish Chef became a celebrity TV chef.

4). askew (adj.) out of line or position

Mrs. Singer would tell us that we were unkempt and askew when our shirts were not tucked in properly.

5). assimilate (v.) to adapt fully or to make like

Moses decided that even though he did not know what the shirt meant, that he should assimilate to what everyone else wore.

Spelling words:

1. newsstand2.

accidentally3. coolly4. finally

5. occasionally

1). astute (adj.) keen of mind and judgment, especially in practical matters; cunning

It did not take an astute observation to figure out who was going to win the match .

2). asylum (N.) any place offering protection or security

The man attempted to seek asylum from the bull who was chasing him.

3). atone (v.) to make up for or repent

In an attempt to atone for his continued stupidity, Homer brought Marge a bouquet of flowers.

4). atrocity (N.) a savagely cruel, brutal, or inhuman deed; a monstrosity

The atrocities that were committed at Penn State caused the school to come together.

5). atrophy (N.) a failure to develop normally; a progressive wasting away or decline

An atrophy began to develop in the physical activity andsocial skills in children once video games and the internet replaced going outside to play.

Spelling words:

1. really2. ghost3. knife4. knowledge5. psychology

1). attrition (N.) a gradual wearing down or weakening of resistance resulting from constant pressure or harassment

Monopoly turns into a game of attrition; whoever does not quit wins.

2). augment (V.) to make greater; to become greater

When the baby supply store wanted to augment their business they hired someone to hand out flyers.

3). augur (V.) to predict or foretell through signs; to point to or be an omen of

The elementary school students tried to augur their futures by using a very sophisticated device.

4). austere (adj.) rigidly severe; severely simple or bare

Dorm rooms are very austere, they come with minimal furniture.

5). authentic (adj.) genuine; trustworthy

One look at the fake ID and the bouncer would know that it was not authentic.

Spelling words:

1. listen2. muscles3. solemn4. vague5. whole

1). avarice (N.) an excessive desire to acquire and possess wealth; a combination of greed and stinginess

Scrooge would lose the love of his life due to

his avarice.

2). avid (adj.) extremely eager, anxious, or enthusiastic

It is always simply to locate the avid, die-hard fans at sporting events.

3). Badger (v.)to pester or to nag

Vincent lost his temper when his child continued to badger him about wanting spaghetti.

4). baffle (v.) to puzzle completely

Complex math equations baffled the student to the point where he lay in the fetal position crying.

5). banal (adj.) made stale by constant use or repetition

Fashion designers try so desperately to not be banal that they create confusing and odd clothes.

Spelling words:

1. accommodate2. committee3. embarrassed4. occurrence5. villain

1). belligerent (adj.) warlike or hostile in nature

Comic conventions can become very belligerent when Star Wars fans run across Star Trek fans.

2). benign (adj.) gentle and kindly

Our pit bull is very benign when it comes to being around the baby; we have nothing to worry about.

3). bicker (V.) to engage in petty quarreling

The kids could not stop bickering over the board game, and it soon turned physical.

4). bizarre (adj.) weird or fantastic

Seeing the bizarre car left me scratching my head and having a plethora of questions.

5). bland (adj.) lacking interest or liveliness; flat

Looking back on your life and realizing that it was bland may cause you to wish that you did more with it.

Spelling words:

1. already2. analyze3. advertise4. surprise5. beginning