Wordly Wise
Lesson 9
Name________
accumulate
(v.) to increase in number or amount
An inch of snow accumulated over
night.
aggravate
1. (v.) to make worse
The athlete aggravated an old knee injury
during the game.
2. to anger or annoy
The loud music coming from next-door
aggravated my parents.
3. a source of annoyance (the reason you are
annoyed)
Deer and rabbits are a constant aggravation
for gardeners.
conserve
1. (v.) to save by using carefully
Driving slow conserves gasoline.
2. (n.) conservation- the saving or protection
of something through careful use
A plan for the conservation of water was
discussed at the meeting.
contaminate
1. (v.) to harm by contact with something
undesirable (unwanted)
Chemical spills contaminate the water and
hurt the animals.
diminish
1. (v.) to make or become smaller/less; to
reduce
Turning off the sink will diminish the
amount of water you use in a day.
drastic
(adj.) severe; extreme
Severe crimes receive drastic punishment.
The winner on the “Biggest Loser” lost a
drastic amount of weight.
extravagant
(adj.) spending, costing, or use more than is
required
Buying breakfast for the whole class
every day is an extravagant thing to do.
(n.) 1. extravagance- being wasteful or
spending more than is necessary
The extravagance of their wedding is going to
leave the couple in debt.
2. A thing that costs more than one can
afford
I know the shoes were an extravagance,
but I couldn’t resist buying them.
frugal
(adj.) careful in spending or using something
The bill for the dinner shocked my frugal dad.
impurity
(n.) something that is harmful or dirty
Filtering removes the impurities from
water.
the prefix -im means NOT
The water filter is cleaning the tap
water by removing all of the impurities
and making it safe to drink.
peril
(n.) danger; something that is dangerous
The sailor understood the peril with sailing
the Atlantic Ocean alone.
1. imperil- to place in danger
A crazy driver imperils everyone in the car.
perpetual
(adj.) lasting forever or feeling like something is
going to last a long time; continuous
Caves are frightening and can feel like
perpetual darkness.
resource
1. (n.) A supply that can be used when there is
a need
Coal, and aluminum are natural resources.
2. skill in dealing with difficult situations
Mrs. Thompson is a great resource if you
need help choosing a book.
3. resourceful - able to deal with difficult
problems
substitute
1. (v.) To replace one thing or person with
another
Cooks sometimes substitute lemon for
vinegar in salad dressing.
2. something or someone that replaces
another
When a teacher is absent there is a
substitute.
sustain
1. (v.) to keep up; to support
Their belief that rescue was coming
sustained them.
2. To suffer; to undergo
The family sustained serious injuries after
the car accident.
vital
1. (adj.) necessary for continued life
Water is vital for humans to live.
2. full of lively spirit
His vital personality helped him to survive years
of being in prison.
3. Of great importance
It is vital that you turn your paper in on time.