1
English 21
9.20.10
Vocabulary Set #2 from Without a Net . . . Chapters 5-9
Definitions and some examples obtained from www.merriam-webster.com
Abate (verb)
to put an end to
Ex.
We waited for the wind to abate.
Interest in the actor’s home abated as his movies waned in popularity.
Aversion (noun)
a strong desire to avoid or turn away from something
Ex.
I have this ingrained aversion to the sight of blood.
Audacity (noun)
intrepid boldness; bold or arrogant disregard of normal restraints
Ex.
He had the audacity to suggest that it was all my fault.
Contemplate (verb)
to view or consider with continued attention; to meditate on <contemplate the vastness of the
universe>
Ex.
He contemplated the meaning of the poem for a long time.
I'd like some time to just sit and contemplate.
Dire (adjective)
dismal, oppressive <dire days>; desperately urgent <dire need> ; extreme <dire poverty>
Ex.
They live in dire poverty.
Eloquent (adjective)
marked by forceful and fluent expression; vividly or movingly expressive
<an eloquent preacher>
Ex.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was an eloquent writer and speaker.
Embolden(ed) (verb)
to instill with boldness or courage
Ex.
She was emboldened by her new freedom.
Endeavor (noun)
a project; a project or undertaking that is especially difficult, complicated, or risky
Ex. She is involved in several artistic endeavors.
Flaunt (verb)
to display ostentatiously or impudently; to parade <flaunting his superiority>
Ex.
She liked to flaunt her wealth by wearing furs and jewelry.
Foliage (noun)
a cluster of leaves, flowers, and branches
Ex.
I enjoy the colors of fall foliage.
2
Impromptu (adjective)
made, done, or formed on or as if on the spur of the moment; improvised; done without previous
preparation
Ex.
Two of my friends came by unexpectedly, and we had an impromptu little party in my
kitchen.
Inflate (verb)
to puff up; to swell with gas or air <inflate one's ego>
Ex.
We used a pump to inflate the raft.
She refuses to inflate her supervisor’s ego.
Perpetual (adjective)
occurring continually : indefinitely long-continued <perpetual problems>
Ex.
He seems to have a perpetual grin on his face.
The region is in a state of perpetual war.
Proprietor (noun)
a person who has the legal right or exclusive title to something : owner
Ex.
She is the proprietor of the store.
Quaint (adjective)
marked by beauty or elegance;
Ex.
The fishing village was very quaint.
Relinquish (verb)
give up <relinquish a title>; release <slowly relinquished his grip on the bar>; to give over
possession or control of : yield <few leaders willingly relinquish power>
Ex.
I will not relinquish my rights.
Tedious (adjective)
tiresome because of length or dullness : boring <a tedious public ceremony>
Ex.
The work is tedious, but it needs to get done.
Tenuous (adjective)
having little substance or strength; flimsy, weak <tenuous influences> ; shaky <tenuous
reasons> <on grounds that were tenuous>
Ex.
He has a tenuous grasp on reality.
Vehement(ly) (adjective)
marked by forceful energy; powerful; intensely emotional; impassioned <vehement patriotism>;
deeply felt <a vehement suspicion>
Ex.
He issued a vehement denial of the accusation.
Vigilant (adjective)
alertly watchful especially to avoid danger
Ex.
They were vigilant about protecting their children.