Vocabulary Level FUnit 5 Part B

Unit 5-B

precept soporificsalutary straitlacedscathing transientscourge unwieldysepulchral vapid

Precept-

a rule of conduct or action

Many religions follow the precept that it is important to treat others as you,yourself, would like to be treated

Salutary-beneficial,helpful:healthful,whole

some

The cute puppy had a salutary effect on her health.

Fruits and vegetables have a salutary effect on health, too.

Scathing- bitterly severe, withering:causing

great harm

Sometimes a carefully reasoned discussion does more to change peoples minds than a scathing attack.

Scourge-to whip,punish severely; source

of severe criticism

Jonathan Swift used wit to scourge the British government got its cruel treatment of Ireland.

Scourging is an old punishment we no longer use.

Sepulchral-funereal,typical of the tomb

My sister announced in a severe and sepulchral tone of voice that we were out of cookies.

A hearse definitely looks sepulchral.

Soporific-tending to cause sleep,relating to

sleepiness or lethargy

He claimed that the musical, despite its energy,was soporific and that he had slept through the entire second act.

Straitlaced-extremely strict in regard to moral standards and conduct

Travelers may find people overseas straitlaced in some ways but surprisingly free in others.

Many believe those in religion are straitlaced, but that is not always true.

Transient-lasting only a short time

His bad mood was transient, and by the time he’d finished his breakfast, he was smiling.

The beauty of nature is often transient.

Unwieldy-not easily carried,handled,or

managed because of size

Taking the supplies up the mountain clearly proved to be an unwieldy process.

Vapid-dull uninteresting,tiresome

While critics called the movie vapid I thought the performers were very compelling.