Rdg 900 Vocabulary

Front 1

allusion

Back 1

noun
an indirect reference

Hint 1

Ray didn't have the courage to come right out and ask Lucy to marry him. Instead, he made only an sallusion to marriage by asking, "Wouldnt' it be easier if we had to fill out just one ta return.

Front 2

altruistic

Back 2

adjective
unselfishily concerned for the welfare of others: unselfish

Hint 2

"I'm not often altruistic," Brett admitted. "I usually put my own welfare first."

Front 3

appease

Back 3

Verb
to calm, especially by giving in to the demands of

Hint 3

Roger was furious when he saw me out with another guy, but I quickly appeased him by explaining that the "date" was my cousin.

Front 4

arbitrary

Back 4

adjective
determined by personal judgement, not rule or reason; based on impulse

Hint 4

Parents should not enforce rules according to their moods. Such arbitrary discipline only confuses children.

Front 5

assail

Back 5

verb
to attach physically or verbally

Hint 5

The storm assailed us with hail and heavy rain.

Front 6

banal

Back 6

adjective
lacking originality; overused; commonplace

Hint 6

The film, with its overused expressions and unimaginative plot, was the most banal I had ever seen.

Front 7

euphemism

Back 7

noun
a mild or vague term used as a substitute for one considered offensive or unpleasant

Hint 7

Common euphemisms include "final resting place (for grave), "intoxicated" (for drunk), and "powder room" for (toilet).

Front 8

mercenary

Back 8

adjective
motivated only by financial gain; greedy

Hint 8

Ed is totally mercenary. His philosophy is, "Pay me enough, and I'll do anything."

Front 9

syndrome

Back 9

noun
a group of symptoms typical of a particular disease or condition.

Hint 9

Jet lag is a syndrome resulting from flying long distances; it often includes exhaustion, headache, and loss of appetite.

Front 10

taint

Back 10

verb
to stain the honor of someone or something

Hint 10

The government scandal tainted the reputations of everyone involved.