Name: _____________________________________
Date: _____________________ Period: ___________
VOCABULARY PACKET: Book A, #11 (KEY)
Definitions: Note carefully the spelling, pronunciation, part(s) of speech, and definition(s) of each of the following words. Study the synonyms
and antonyms. Then write the word in the blank space(s) in the illustrative sentence(s) following.
1. agenda (ә jen’ dә): (n.) the program for a meeting; a list, outline, or plan of things to be considered or done
The agenda for today’s assembly includes a plan for recycling in the classroom.
Synonyms: schedule, docket
2. amiable(ā’ mē ә bәl): (adj.) friendly, good-natured
Marty, whose sense of humor and good spirits never fail, is an amiable companion.
Synonyms: pleasant, agreeable
Antonyms: (adj.) unfriendly, ill-humored, gruff, hostile
3. befuddle(bi fәd’ әl): (v.) to confuse, make stupid
A difficult scientific experiment with many steps is likely to befuddle most beginners.
Synonyms: bewilder, boggle, stupefy Antonyms: enlighten, set straight
4. blight (blīt): (n.) a disease that causes plants to wither and die; a condition of disease or ruin; (v.) to destroy, ruin
Dutch elm disease was a blight that forever changed the look of my neighborhood.
Though she received several letters of rejection, she determined not to let them blight her hopes of going to
college.
Synonyms: (n.) eyesore; (v.) spoil, nip Antonyms: (v.) foster, promote, nourish, encourage
5. boisterous (boi’ strәs): (adj.) rough and noisy in a cheerful way; high-spirited
The boisterous schoolchildren made it clear to their teacher how much they enjoyed the class trip.
Synonyms: loud, unruly, disorderly
Antonyms: quiet, calm, peaceful, well-behaved, sedate
6. clarity (klar’ ә tē): (n.) clearness, accuracy
The vet explained with great clarity how best to housebreak our new puppy.
Synonyms: lucidity, precision
Antonyms: confusion, murkiness, ambiguity
7. compliant (kәm plī’ әnt): (adj.) willing to do what someone else wants; obedient
A compliant child is easy to discipline, even when in an unfamiliar environment.
Synonyms: meek, docile, submissive
Antonyms: disobedient, obstinate, rebellious, perverse
8. conserve (kәn sәrv’): (v) to preserve; to keep from being damaged, lost, or wasted; to save
Responsible citizens try to conserve our precious natural resources.
Synonyms: guard, care for
Antonyms: waste, squander, dissipate
9. debut (dā’ byü): (n.) a first public appearance; a formal entrance into society; (v.) to make a first appearance
The talented flute player in the marching band finally made her debut as a soloist today.
Many theatres will debut the film tonight.
Synonyms: (n.) coming-out
Antonyms: (n.) retirement, departure
10. gory (gôr’ ē): (adj.) marked by bloodshed, slaughter, or violence
The Civil War battle of Antietam is, to this day, the most gory one-day fight in our history.
Synonyms: bloody, gruesome
Antonyms: bloodless
COMPLETING THE SENTENCE: From the words for this unit, choose the one that best completes each of the following sentences. Write the
word in the space provided using the proper tense.
11. Because our energy resources are limited, the American people must try to do everything possible to conserve
fuel.
12. Each of the items on the agenda for our meeting today will probably require a good deal of discussion.
13. Ms. Filmer explained with such clarity how to go about changing a tire that I felt that even someone as clumsy as I
could do it.
14. I was not prepared for the gory sight that met my eyes at the scene of that horrible accident.
15. The high point of the social season was the formal debut of young ladies at the annual Society Ball.
16. Because of her outgoing and amiable personality, she is liked by everyone.
17. How can a mind befuddled by alcohol make the type of snap decisions needed to drive safely in heavy traffic?
18. You certainly have a right to cheer for your team, but try not to become too boisterous and unruly.
19. We cannot allow the lives of millions of people to be blighted by poverty.
20. Because you are working with older and more experienced people, you should be compliant with their requests
and advice.
SYNONYMS: Choose the word from this unit that is the same or most nearly the same in meaning as the boldface word or expression in the given
phrase. Write the word on the line provided.
21. an eyesore hidden behind thick shrubs
blight
22. when he saw the gruesome spectacle
gory
23. known for being a docile pet
compliant
24. directions written with precision
clarity
25. publishes the schedule a week in advance
agenda
26. for her coming-out party at the country club
debut
ANTONYMS: Choose the word from this unit that is most nearly the opposite in meaning to the boldface word or expression in the given phrase.
Write the word on the line provided.
27. a sedate group of bikers
boisterous
28. to squander our limited food supplies
conserve
29. enlighten us with new passwords and commands
befuddle
30. socializing with our gruff neighbors
amiable