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64 Cards in this Set
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Bulwark (noun)
(BULL wurk) Link: Bull work Link Sentence: Bulls work building a bulwark. Ex: Quebec City is the only city in North America with a bulwark built entirely around it. |
A defensive wall; something serving as a principle defense
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Augment (verb)
(awg MENT) Link: Cement Link Sentence: How not to augment a driveway with cement. Ex: The king attempted to augment his army by going into villages and drafting men into service. |
To make or become greater
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Incongruous (adjective)
(in KAHN grew us) Link: In congress Link Sentence: The new Alaskan senator's presence in congress was incongruous. Ex: Ed appeared incongruous wearing his tuxedo on an old-fashioned hayride. |
Not appropriate, unsuited to the surroundings; not fitting in
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Gossamer (noun, adjective)
(GOSS uh mer) Link: Customer Link Sentence: The spider's gossamer captured many unhappy customers. Ex: The bride wore a white silk dress. A gossamer of fine Italian lace gently touched her face. |
Delicate floating cobwebs; a sheer gauzy fabric; something delicate, light, flimsy
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Succinct [Terse] (adjective)
(sek SINGKT) Link: Sink Link Sentence: Virginia was succinct when Ernie forgot to fix the sink. Ex: When Joe was called upon, he succinctly paraphrased what the teacher had just explained. |
Brief and to the point; concise and terse
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Tantalize (verb)
(TAN tal ize) Link: Santa's lies Link Sentence: Santa's lies tantalize. Ex: The tantalizing aroma of the bread made us all very hungry. |
To excite by exposing something desirable while keeping it out of reach
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Languid (adjective)
(LANG gwid) Link: Squid Link Sentence: A languid squid. Ex: After his bout with the flu, Joe was languid and unable to workout for over a week. |
Lacking energy; weak; showing little interest in anything
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Benighted (adjective)
(be NI tid) Link: Knight Link Sentence: A benighted knight. Ex: Many benighted people became enlightened during the Renaissance. |
Being in a state of intellectual darkness; ignorant; unenlightened
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Exalt (verb)
(ig ZAWLT) Link: Salt Link Sentence: Everyone exalted by the press for saving the child from a burning building. |
To raise high; glorify
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Dire (adjective)
(DYE ur) Link: Fire Link Sentence: A dire fire. Ex: The hurricane struck the Florida Keys with dire results; all the buildings were flattened. |
Disastrous; desperate
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Kindle (verb)
(KIN dl) Link: Candle Link Sentence: Patrick found a unique way to kindle candles. Ex: Because Christine once had feelings for him, Joe thought sending flowers might again kindle her affections. |
To cause to burn or ignite; to arouse or inspire
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Myriad (noun)
(MIR ee ud) Link: Mirror add Link Sentence: Many mirrors add a myriad of reflections. Ex: George was a hypochondriac, weighted down by myriad concerns about his health. |
An extremely large number
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Rhetoric (noun)
(RET or ik) Link: Rent-a-wreck Link Sentence: A salesman's rent-a-wreck rhetoric. Ex: A person's use of rhetoric can indicate much about that person's character. |
The art or study of using language effectively and persuasively; over-elaborate language
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Latent (adjective)
(LAYT nt) Link: Lay tent Link Sentence: Never lay your tent on a latent volcano. Ex: Trent had a latent talent as a singer which he didn't discover until he was in his 30's. |
Laying hidden or undeveloped; potential
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Trenchant, Incisive, Caustic (adjective)
(TREN chunt) Link: Trench ant Link Sentence: A trenchant mouth is a characteristic of the famous Madagascar trench ant. Ex: Julia had a trenchant tongue and was always putting her friends down behind their backs. |
Cutting, having a sharp point
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Jaunt (noun)
(jawnt) Link: Haunt Link Sentence: A jaunt haunt. Ex: After not taking a family vacation for two years, a jaunt to the beach was a pleasant surprise. |
A short pleasure trip
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Vertigo (noun)
(vur tuh GO) Link: Where to go Link Sentence: When test pilot Bob developed a bad case of vertigo, he didn't know where to go. Ex: Charles was acrophobic and even suffered from vertigo while standing on a stool, replacing the lights in the kitchen. |
The sensation of dizziness
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Impede (verb)
(im PEED) Link: Speed Link Sentence: The job of highway patrolmen is to impede speeding motorists. Ex: He was my only uncle, but he always told me no matter what, not to let anyone impede my ambition to go to medical school. |
To obstruct or interfere with; to delay
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Countenance (noun)
(KOWNT uh nanz) Link: Count the nuts Link Sentence: By their facial countenance alone it was easy to count the nuts. Ex: The submarine commander's countenance belied his true feelings of anxiety and fear. |
A person's face, especially the expression
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Scrutinize (verb)
(SKROOT uh nyze) Link: Screw eyes Link Sentence: U.S. Customs officials have screw eyes when they scrutinize baggage. Ex: Newspaper proof readers scrutinize an entire newspaper each day. |
To look very carefully; to examine
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Specter (noun)
(SPEK ter) Link: Spectacles Link Sentence: A specter with spectacles. Ex: The specter of Christmas Future is the most terrifying to Ebenezer Scrooge in Dickens' A Christmas Carole. |
A ghost or phantom
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Wax, Waxen (verb)
(waks) Ex: Discord waxed at an alarming rate. |
To increase in extent, quantity, intensity, power, etc.
(of the moon) to increase in the extent of its illuminated portion before the full moon to grow or become |
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Wane (verb)
(wain) Link: Rain Link Sentence: Snowmen wane in the rain. Ex: A waning interest by theater-goers prompted the theater to shut down. |
To decrease gradually
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Copious (adjective)
(koh pee uhs) Link: Cops Link Sentence: Copious cops devour donuts, waiting for some excitement. Ex: As you read Cold Mountain, you must make copious annotations. |
Large in quantity or number, abundant; plentiful
Having or yielding an abundant supply Exhibiting abundance or fullness, as of thoughts or words |
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Perspicacious (adjective)
Link: Perspiration Link Sentence: Annotating the novel, Perry's perspiration increased while concentrating on perspicacious reading. Ex: If one examines political cartoons perspicaciously, the artist's message is quite clear. |
Having or showing penetrating mental discernment; clear sighted
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Marauder (noun)
(muh RAWD er) Link: Ma Raider Link Sentence: The fiercest marauders are ma raiders. Ex: During the Civil War, marauding bands of Confederate guerrillas raided Union supply lines in the Midwest. |
Raider, intruder
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Cower (verb)
(KOW ur) Link: Cow Link Sentence: Bessie, the cowering cow, never could stand the sight of her own milk. Ex: When Sheriff Wild Bill Hickok entered the Last Chance Saloon, the villains cowered in fear. |
Cringe from fear; to shrink away
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Aloof (adjective)
(uh LOOF) Link: Roof Link Sentence: Snowball, the cat, was so aloof when guests came she hid on the roof. Ex: At the wedding reception, the bride's relatives were very aloof, hardly speaking to the groom's guests and family. |
Distant, reserved in manner; uninvolved
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Forbearance (noun)
(for BAYR ans) Link: Four Parents Link Sentence: Four parents exhibiting forbearance. Ex: Teachers must forbear when they deal with unruly students. |
Patience
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Lament (verb)
(la MINT) Link: Cement Link Sentence: We lament that Joe got buried in cement. Ex: The song, "Cowboy's Lament," is a ballad about the lonely life of those who drive cattle for a living. |
To express sorrow or regret; to mourn; song of sorrow (noun)
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Cacophony (noun)
(kuh KAPH uh nee) Link: Cough Link Sentence: A cacophony of coughing. Ex: A cacophony isn't noise alone, it is disturbing noise such as when people shout all at once. |
Harsh sounds
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Quietude (noun)
(kwi i TUDE) Link: Quiet Dude Link Sentence: Dad was a quiet dude who sought quietude. Ex: Gene and Chris chose their property for the air of quietude and peace that pervaded the area. |
Calm; tranquil; peaceful
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Connoisseur (noun)
(kahn uh sur) Link: King of Sewer Link Sentence: The king of sewer is a connoisseur of garbage. Ex: My uncle is a connoisseur of fine wines. |
An expert; particularly in matters of art and taste
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Evoke (verb)
(EE voke) Link: Coke Link Sentence: Sometimes a song, a picture, even a coke, can evoke the most poignant of youthful memories. Ex: A clap of thunder and a flash of lightning over the old castle evoked dark spirits for the villagers who remember the night of the headless ghosts. |
To summon forth, call to mind, awaken, produce, suggest
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Cupidity (noun)
(kyoo PID ih tee) Link: Cupid Link Sentence: Cupid with cupidity. Ex: The thief's cupidity was exceeded only by his ignorance. |
Excessive greed, especially for money
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Ubiquitous (adjective)
(yoo BIK woh tus) Link: Big As Us Link Sentence: When you're as big as us you feel ubiquitous. Ex: Computers were once rare, but today are more ubiquitous than typewriters. |
The quality of being everywhere (or seeming to) at the same time.
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Adroit/Deft (adjective)
(ah DROIT) Link: Detroit Link Sentence: The auto workers of Detroit are adroit at manufacturing automobiles. Ex: Many fourth graders are more adroit on the computer than their parents. |
Skillful
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Fetter (verb)
(FET ur) Link: Feather Link Sentence: A fettered feather. Ex: The prisoners were fettered by shackles around the ankle. |
To restrain; to hamper
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Exonerate (verb)
(ig ZON er ate) Link: His honor was late. Link Sentence: His honor was too late to exonerate the innocent prisoner. Ex: When he was released from jail, he finally felt exonerated for his crime. |
To free from accusation or blame; to free from a responsibility or task
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Mores (noun)
(MAWR ayz) Link: More A's Link Sentence: Our educational mores have it that the more A's a student makes, the better their education. Ex: According to Chines mores, it is considered polite to belch at the table as a gesture of appreciation. |
Cultural standards; moral attitudes
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Doldrums (noun)
(DOHL drums) Link: Doll Drums Link Sentence: All covered with dust, the doll drums were in the doldrums. Ex: Ever since Jackie's dog died, the little fellow has not touched his toys, moping around day after day in the doldrums. |
A period or condition of depression or inactivity
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Throng (noun)
(throng) Link: Song Link Sentence: The throng broke into song. Ex: When the Pope visited the United States, an admiring throng gathered at every major city. |
A large group of people gathered closely together
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Emulate (verb)
(IM u late) Link: Imitate Link Sentence: Jimmy emulates his dad by imitating him. Ex: Most people emulate those they most admire. |
To attempt to equal or surpass; especially through imitation
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Incite (verb)
(en SIGHT) Link: Fight Link Sentence: The pitcher's bean ball incited the batter to fight. Ex: Waving a stick at Jerry's dog only incites him and increases the chance he will bite you. |
To arouse to action
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Palpable (adjective)
(PAL puh bul) Link: Pal the Bull Link Sentence: Our pal, the bull, is palpable. Ex: The answer is as palpable as the nose on your face. |
Capable of being touched or felt
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Austere (adjective)
(aw STEER) Link: Steer Link Sentence: An austere steer is no fun at a party. Ex: The austerity of life in the village was understandable. Many were jobless and evidence of poverty was everywhere. |
Stern, as in manner; without excess, unadorned, severely simple, and plain
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Gregarious (adjective)
(gruh GAIR ee us) Link: Greg Hilarious Link Sentence: Gregarious Greg was hilarious. Ex: Paige was so gregarious she hated to be alone. |
Working and enjoying the company of others; sociable
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Pious (adjective)
(PI us) Link: Pie Link Sentence: A pious pie. Ex: Elizabeth piously said her prayers every night before bed. |
Devout or virtuous; holy
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Philanthropy (noun)
(fi LAN thruh pee) Link: Phil Anthropy Link Sentence: Phil Anthropy was a philanthropist. Ex: In the movie, Good Sam, Gary Cooper's character was philanthropic, giving to anyone in need and keeping little for his own family. |
Love of mankind; especially through charitable gifts and deeds
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Ethereal (adjective)
(i THEER ee ul) Link: Cereal Link Sentence: Ethereal cereal. Ex: An ethereal mist covered the hill in the morning. |
Very light; airy; delicate; heavenly
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Espouse (verb)
(eh SPOWZ) Link: Spouse Link Sentence: Harold's spouse espoused a large family. Ex: I espouse the idea that we eat dessert before dinner. |
To adopt; to support
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Misanthropy (noun)
(MIS an thruh pee) Link: Miss Anthropy Link Sentence: Miss Anthropy was a misanthropic person. Ex: A more misanthropic person you never did see. He hates everyone. |
Hatred of mankind
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Culpable (adjective)
(kuhl puh buhl) Origin: from culpa "crime, fault, blame." late 13 century. coupable, from O. Fr. Related forms: culpability, culpableness, culpably, non culpability, unculpable Link: Culprit Link Sentence: The culprit is culpable for the crime. Ex: Orleanna--in the Poisonwood Bible--must deal with her feelings of guilt, facing how she is partly culpable for what befalls her family. |
Worthy of blame
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Intrepid (adjective)
(in TREP id) Link: Trip Ed Link Sentence: Everyone considered David intrepid after he tripped Ed, the bully, in the cafeteria. Ex: The bullfighter was intrepid as he stood in the arena before the fierce bull. |
Fearless; bold
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Catharsis (noun)
(kuh THAR sis) Link: Cats And Horses Link Sentence: Cat and horse catharsis. Ex: After Jeremy returned to the French World War II battlefield he had known fifty years before, he said he found the experience cathartic. |
An emotional or psychological cleansing that bring relief or renewal
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Portend (verb)
(por TEND) Link: Poor End Link Sentence: His teacher portended that Billy would come to a poor end. Ex: In ancient times a comet in the sky was considered a portentous event. |
To warn of as an omen; forecast
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Abate (verb)
(ah BAIT) Link: Bait Link Sentence: Abated bait. Ex: Marta's defeat in the tennis tournament did not abate her zeal for the game. |
To reduce
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Fraught (adjective)
(fraught) Link: Caught Link Sentence: Eric caught a boatload in a lake fraught with fish. Ex: The freighter was fraught with cargo. |
*Teeming with; *laden; full; involving; accompanied with
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Surreptitious (adjective)
(sur ep TISH us) Link: Suspicious Link Sentence: To escape from the circus, an elephant has to be surreptitious without being suspicious. Ex: Helen surreptitiously crept around the car, hoping to get the cat out from under it. |
Done or acting in a secret, sly manner
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Bolster (verb)
(BOHL ster) Link: Holster Link Sentence: Members bolstered each other by wearing their holsters. Ex: The coach saw it was time to bolster his team, so he gave them a pep talk. |
To support, as in a group; to give a boost; (noun) a large pillow
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Erudite (adjective)
(ER yoo dyte) Link: Airtight Link Sentence: Knowing that his case was airtight, the defense attorney became confident and erudite. Ex: The extent of Dr. Smith's library is an indication of his erudition. |
Deeply learned; scholarly
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Bevy (noun)
(bev EE) Link: Heavy Link Sentence: A bevy of heavies. Ex: Bud's hunting dogs scared a bevy of quail. |
A group of animals; an assemblage
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Enmity (noun)
(EN mi tee) Link: In my tea Link Sentence: Sir Howard, I have great enmity for your dog's tongue in my tea. Ex: Th enmity between the teams was apparent to the spectators. |
Hostility; deep-seated hatred
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Arduous (adjective)
(AHR joo us) Link: Hard on us Link Sentence: The arduous snow-covered trail is hard on us. Ex: The assignment given the recruits was arduous, twenty miles with full packs in the hot sun. |
Hard, difficult, tiresome
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