E
JERICHO
HIGH
SCHOOL
Name __________________________________
Date ________
MS. FISCHER &
MS. ARNESEN
VOCABULARY
GROUP #5
New Words from Opposites in the Context
When we meet a new word, it is rarely by itself. Most of the time it is used with other words.
These other words are it context.
The context often can help you get the meaning of a word you do not know. For example, if bagatelle is
unfamiliar to you, you should be able to get its meaning from the following context:
A forged signature is no mere bagatelle. It is a serious matter.
Obviously, two ideas are being CONTRASTED in the above context: (1) a bagatelle and (2) a serious
matter.
Since the two are OPPOSITES, if we know one, we can tell the meaning of the other.
A bagatelle is the OPPOSITE of a serious matter: bagatelle means a “trifling matter,” or “trifle.”
WORD
Bagatelle n.
Exacerbate v.
MEANING
Trifle; something of little value
of importance
Make more severe or violent;
aggravate
EXAMPLE OF USE
I did not know the pin’s value when I gave it away,
thinking it was just a bagatelle.
If I had brought up our old disagreement, it would
have exacerbated our present quarrel, so I did not
mention it.
Please, no more delays or postponements! Our
forbearance is nearly at an end.
A long distance telephone conversation with a
garrulous person is bound to be very expensive.
Is the matter of such moment that it needs instant
attention, or can it be put off until tomorrow?
Luis ordered a second dessert; ha has a penchant
for sweets.
Forbearance n.
Self-control; patience
Garrulous adj.
Moment n.
Talking too much about
unimportant things; talkative
Importance; consequence
Penchant n.
Strong leaning; fondness; liking
Reconcile v.
1. Make friendly again
2. Settle; adjust
1. The two are such bitter foes that it is unwise to
try to reconcile them.
2. It is unlikely that their dispute will ever be
reconciled.
Refractory adj.
Hard to control; resisting
authority; unruly; obstinate
In interviewing the parents of the refractory child,
we learned that shTe defied them, too.
Slatternly adj.
Dirty; untidy; slovenly
Transitory adj.
Lasting a short time only;
temporary; short-lived
Forgivable; pardonable;
excusable
Truthfulness; honesty
The tables had not been cleared, and the place
looked so slatternly that we decided to go to
another restaurant.
Her stocks went up, but her delight was transitory
because they fell sharply the following week.
An occasional lateness is a venial fault; it is not a
crime.
A person convicted of perjury in the past does not
have a reputation for veracity.
Venial adj.
Veracity n.