Vocabulary Words

English 8BFebruary 3, 2009

Youjin (Jenny) Jang

Wordlist #1 - 2nd Semester

Adversity

(n.) difficulties, misfortune

Harry Potter faces many adversities throughout the seven years of his school life in Hogwarts, but in the end he successfully defeats the evil Voldemort.

Congenial(adj.) pleasant and agreeable (because of similar personalities or interests)

After a month of regular examination, the psychologist told Tom’s parents that all Tom needs in order to get over the depression is a congenial friend he can relate to.

Brawny

(adj.) strong and muscular

Our physical education instructor is extremely brawny; his arms are so bumpy that they look like small hills.

Decorum

(n.) dignified state regarding behavior, speech, dress, etc.

The chair of the committee asked for decorum when the members started laughing at one of the member’s speech.

Docile

(adj.) obedient; open to control or instruction

Training Pooh into a domesticated horse was an easy task because he was very docile.

Quell

(v.) to put an end to (often involves force)

In order to quell the mass demonstration that was blocking city traffic, the local police was sent out with water tanks and shields.

Reprieve

(v.) to postpone or cancel punishment or sentence of a condemned prisoner

The judge reprieved Joanne’s death sentence when her attorney brought in evidence that clearly vindicated the blame upon her.

Slanderous(adj.) making false statements (orally) that damage a person’s reputation

The candidate won much respect and support because he always resolved matters calmly and efficiently; even the most slanderous individuals fail to attack his reputation.

Transpire

(v.) to happen

I did not know for sure what had transpired in the office this morning, but I figured that I should eschew bringing up conflicting discussions today.

Vigilant

(adj.) extremely watchful

The vigilant police spotted a burglar before he had the chance to invade any houses.

Ardent(adj.) enthusiastic, passionate

Being an ardent football fan, I spent nearly an hour explaining rules and tricks to my dad, who had only a rudimentary knowledge on the subject.

Somber

(adj.) gloomy, dark

Melissa is stunningly beautiful and intelligent, but the somber atmosphere that surrounds her keeps away men from approaching her.

Ambition(n.) a strong will to do something or reach a certain goal (which often requires strong determination and effort)

Blinded by his ambition to become the king of Scotland, Macbeth transformed from an honest, respected man to a ruthless, lunatic criminal.

Eminent(adj.) famous and respected in a particular field (of knowledge, sports, etc.)

I realized Georgina’s pretentious interest in wine when she did not recognize the name Robert Parker Jr., who is an eminent wine critic with high influences internationally.

Intoxicating(adj.) alcoholic drink or drug that can cause someone to lose control of their behavior/inhibition

After taking in the intoxicating drink, Miranda lost her consciousness completely and fell into a state of drowsiness.

Commendation(n.) praise, compliment

Everyone was surprised to find out that the artwork, which had received high commendation from critics around the world, was drawn by a kindergartner.

Intone

(v.) to recite with appropriate rises and falls in the voice

Maria intoned the poem in such a melancholy manner that it brought tears to many women in the room.

Impression(n.) idea, feeling, or opinion about something, (usually unconscious thought w/little info. about the subject)

The first impression I received from the woman’s aura was that she was very warm and inviting.

Obligation

(n.) duty, commitment

James’ brother is leaving to serve in the army for two years in order to fulfill his obligation to the country.

Succumbing(v.) giving in to an overwhelming power or desire (sometimes an illness)

Crying painfully, the woman had to watch her brother slowly succumb to the unknown illness.

Confininglimiting and restricting someone (of space, time, quantity, etc.)

The ill-tempered parents confined their child in the small attic of their house just because he accidentally spilled his water while eating dinner.

Agog(adj.) very eager/excited to hear or see something

My sister was agog to meet Mr. Hampshire, because he was known to be an all-rounded person, with intelligence, agreeable manners, and handsome features.

Gesticulated(v.) making dramatic gestures for emphasis of emotion (as a form of expression)

The driver gesticulated aggressively at the car in front of him, which had suddenly stopped in the middle of the one-way road.