Unit 3 Vocabulary

Animated(adjective)

Definition:

Full of life; alive.

Synonyms: energetic, lively

Antonyms: dull, lifeless

The storyteller was very animated, taking on the voices of various characters and making sound effects.

Brood(noun, verb)

Definitions:

Noun: a family of young animals, especially birdsVerb: to think over in a worried manner

Synonyms: (verb) worry, agonize, ponder

In the documentary My Life as a Turkey, a brood of poults imprint on a human as their parent.

I brooded over whether I should tell my parents about my failing grade in math, or just let them find out on my report card.

Drone(noun, verb)

Definition:Noun: (1) a buzzing sound;

(2) a remote-controlled device

(3) a male bee

Verb: (1) to speak in a dull tone

(2) to make a buzzing sound

Military drones perform surveillance and bombing missions.

Our teacher droned on and on interminably, putting us to sleep.

Goad(noun, verb)

Definitions:Verb: to drive or urge on;

Noun: the object used to drive or urge on.

Synonyms: prod, spur on, incite

Antonyms: curb, restrain

Elephant trainers goad elephants to perform byusing large, leather-covered goads.

Indulge(verb)

Definition: to give in to desire or a wish

Synonyms: coddle, pamper

Antonyms: deny, refuse

After a stressful day, I indulged myself by soaking in the hot tub.

Literate(adjective)

Definition: able to read or write; showing an excellence in knowledge or background

Synonyms: educated, trained

Antonyms: ignorant, uneducated

Although I speak Russian fluently, I’m not literate in that language.

Loom(verb, noun)

Definitions:

Verb: to come into view in exaggerated form

Noun: a machine for weaving

Ms. Hart has a tendency to loom over my shoulder whileI’m writing—it frightens me!

Miscellaneous(adjective)

Definition: mixed, different kinds

Synonyms: varied, assorted, mixed

Antonyms: identical, uniform, homogenous

Our family’s junk drawer has miscellaneous items rangingfrom nails to dog collars.

Oration(noun)

Definition: a formal public speech

Synonyms: address, speech

President Barack Obama recently gave an oration aboutthe status of the American economy.

Peevish(adjective)

Definition: to be in an irritable mood

Synonyms: crabby, cross, testy, stubborn

Antonyms: agreeable, pleasant

.

I became peevish as I waited for my friend, who is always late, to arrive. Were we going to miss the movie?

Singe(verb, noun)

Definitions:

Verb: to burn slightly

Noun: a slight burn

Synonyms: scorch, char

I ended up singeing my shirt when I was ironing it.

Unique(adjective)

Definition: one of a kind; found only in a specific situation

Synonyms: distinctive, singular

Julie has a unique way of writing poetry that I’ve never seen before.

Upright(adjective)

Definitions:

1. Vertical or straight in position;

2. Good or honest

Synonyms: perpendicular; virtuous

Antonyms: horizontal; dishonest, sneaky

Let’s stand this grandfather clock upright.An upright person will always be honest and fair.

Verify(verb)

Definition: to establish the truth or accuracy of

Synonyms: validate, confirm

Antonyms: disprove, refute

Journalists should always verify facts before writing news stories.

Yearn(verb)

Definition: to have a strong and sincere desire

Synonyms: crave, want

I am yearning to become a foster “mom” for rescued dogs.