10 Honors English/Kephart
Unit 1: Can progress be made without conflict?
Name: ________________________________________________________ Period: _________
A Separate Peace Chapter 7-13
Vocabulary Words
For word pronunciation go to: http://www.merriam-webster.com/
1. differentiate (pg. 93)
part of speech: verb
definition(s): to understand or point out the difference in
synonyms: distinguish, discern, discriminate, separate, tell apart
antonyms: confuse, mistake, mix up, mingle, lump together
sample sentence: It was hard at first to differentiate between the two styles of music.
2. provocative (pg. 102)
part of speech: adjective
definition(s): serving or likely to arouse a strong reaction
synonyms: stimulating, edgy, exciting, instigating, arousing
antonyms: dull, insipid, bland, unstimulating
sample sentence: The provocative editorial in Sunday’s newspaper sparked a heated
debate.
3. ambiguous (pg. 104)
part of speech: adjective
definition(s): doubtful or uncertain especially from obscurity or indistinctness; capable of
being understood in two or more possible senses or ways
synonyms: cryptic, ambivalent, mysterious, vague, enigmatic
antonyms: accessible, clear, obvious
sample sentence: We were confused by the ambiguous wording of the message.
4. reticent (pg. 110)
part of speech: adjective
definition(s): tending not to talk or give out information; quiet in tone or appearance
synonyms: closemouthed, reserved, taciturn, reluctant
antonyms: communicative, open, chatty, talkative, unreserved
sample sentence: The panel decided to investigate the company, which has always been
reticent about its internal operations.
5. aphorism (pg. 113)
part of speech: noun
definition(s): a short statement of a general truth or idea
synonyms: adage, proverb, motto, expression
sample sentence: When decorating, remember the familiar aphorism, “less is more.”
6. poignant (pg. 113)
part of speech: adjective
definition(s): painfully affecting the feelings; deeply affecting
synonyms: affecting, impactful, touching, impressive, emotional
antonyms: unaffecting, unemotional, unimpressive, detached, deadpan
sample sentence: They read aloud the poignant letters written by the victims’ children.
7. browbeat (pg. 131)
part of speech: verb
definition(s): to intimidate or make fearful by or as if by threats
synonyms: bully, bulldoze, strong-arm, intimidate, tyrannize
antonyms: comfort, cheer, encourage
sample sentence: They would often browbeat the younger child until he cried.
8. benevolent (pg. 132)
part of speech: adjective
definition(s): having a desire to do good
synonyms: kindhearted, charitable, compassionate, good-natured, altruistic
antonyms: callous, cold, cruel, hard-hearted, sadistic
sample sentence: He belonged to several benevolent societies and charitable
organizations.
9. accolade (pg. 133)
part of speech: noun
definition(s): a formal expression of praise; public acknowledgement or admiration for an
achievement
synonyms: praise, commendation, acclaim, credit, honor
antonyms: condemnation, reprimand
sample sentence: Due to their exceptional bravery, the firefighters received accolades
from both local and national officials.
10. cache (pg. 133)
part of speech: noun
definition(s): a collection of things kept available for future use or need; a supply stored
up and often hidden away
synonyms: deposit, hoard, reserve, stash, stockpile
sample sentence: The squirrel kept a cache of nuts in the hollow of the tree.
11. fortitude (pg. 159)
part of speech: noun
definition(s): the strength of mind that enables a person to endure pain or hardship
synonyms: backbone, guts, constancy, fiber, grit
antonyms: spinelessness
sample sentence: It was only with the greatest fortitude that the Pilgrims were able to
survive their first winter.
12. incredulous (pg. 163)
part of speech: adjective
definition(s): feeling or showing an inability to believe something
synonyms: disbelieving, skeptical, unconvinced, suspicious
antonyms: gullible, trusting, unquestioning
sample sentence: Sarah was incredulous about the psychic’s claims.
13. torpid (pg. 166)
part of speech: adjective
definition(s): inactive, sluggish, dull
synonyms: sluggish, lethargic, otiose, languid
antonyms: energetic, dynamic, vigorous
sample sentence: The team felt torpid after the long and grueling workout.
14. incarnate (pg. 168)
part of speech: adjective
definition(s): given bodily or actual form
synonyms: in human form, in the flesh, embodied, personified
sample sentence: The general’s enemies labeled him “evil incarnate.”
15. exalt (pg. 179)
part of speech: verb
definition(s): to raise in rank, power, or character; to praise highly
synonyms: promote, aggrandize, praise, worship, revere
antonyms: abase, degrade, demean
sample sentence: Popular support and media hype have exalted Super Bowl Sunday to
the level of a national holiday.
16. innate (pg. 185)
part of speech: adjective
definition(s): existing in or belonging to an individual from birth; inherent
synonyms: built-in, inherent, inborn, instinctive, intrinsic
antonyms: adventitious, extraneous, extrinsic
sample sentence: He possessed an innate athletic ability that allowed him to excel
at any sport.
17. impervious (pg. 186)
part of speech: adjective
definition(s): not letting something enter or pass through; not disturbed or upset
synonyms: impenetrable, impassable, unaffected by, immune to, indifferent to
antonyms: permeable, penetrable
sample sentence: Due to her soaring record sales, the singer was impervious to criticism.
18. precarious (pg. 189)
part of speech: adjective
definition(s): depending on unknown conditions or chance events; dangerously lacking in
security or steadiness
synonyms: uncertain, insecure, unpredictable, risky, unsteady
antonyms: certain, definite, firm, stable, safe
sample sentence: He earned a precarious livelihood by gambling.
19. allude (pg. 192)
part of speech: verb
definition(s): to convey an idea indirectly
synonyms: imply, indicate, infer, insinuate, suggest
antonyms: spell out, explain
sample sentence: Mrs. Simons alluded to some health problems, without being specific.
20. bellicose (pg. 196)
part of speech: adjective
definition(s): demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight
synonyms: aggressive, argumentative, hostile, assaultive, truculent
antonyms: nonaggressive, peaceful, affable
sample sentence: Hockey critics often comment on the bellicose nature of the sport.