Vocabulary

​For each entry, you must put the word and its definition (its main one at least—feel free to copy and paste from an online dictionary) and then must use the word in a sentence. An added pronunciation is often helpful. You are more than welcome to pull the word and its sentence directly from something you have read; the sentence does not have to be original. If, however, you choose to use someone else’s words, please use quotation marks and give the author and title. Also be sure to put your name at the end of your entry for credit; if you don’t, I won’t know who posted what. GREEN = Week 1 BLUE = Week 2 PURPLE = Week 3 GOLD = Week 4 RED = Week 5 GRAY = Week 6 FUCHSIA = Week 7 BROWN = Week 8 TEAL = Week 9

ABDICATE- to renounce or relinquish a throne, right, power, claim, responsibility, or the like, esp. in a formal manner. EX- The aging founder of the firm decided to abdicate. //Bridget Larson 11/4/09//

ABERRATION-a deviation from the proper or expected course; a departure from the typical or normal EX- She had, in a rare ABERRATION of judgment, decided to spend the night at a party instead of studying. //Sara Gensterblum// 11/04/09

ABEYANCE-temporary inactivity, cessation, or suspension; the condition of being temporarily set aside EX- They held the plan in ABEYANCE until the right opportunity came up. //Sara Gensterblum// 10/20/09

ABHOR-to regard with extreme repugnance or aversion; detest utterly; loathe; abominate EX- I ABHOR math class; it's completely pointless. //Kayla Montney// 10/13/09

ADDUCE: to bring forward in argument or as evidence; cite as pertinent or conclusive EX- As the argument increased, the girl adduced the large brown stain on the corner of her shirt, proving that the young boy had indeed spilled his chocolate milk her. //Jenny Campfield// 10/5/09 AFFINITY- a natural liking for or attraction to a person, thing, idea, etc EX- Her AFFINITY for chocolate makes her easy to please. //Kayla Montney// 9/22/09

AMELIORATE- to make better or more tolerable The woman wanted to ameliorate the situation and finally decided to remove her screaming child from the banquet hall. Bridget Larson 9/22/09

ANATHEMA- a person or thing detested or loathed; a curse9 EX- The discussion of politics is ANATHEMA in her household. //Sara Gensterblum// 9/11/09

ANIMOSITY- a feeling of strong dislike, ill will, or enmity; active hatred EX - The ex-convict still held ANIMOSITY towards the police officer who arrested him. //Mike DeCou// 10/7/09

ASININE - utterly stupid or silly; of or like an ass; foolish EX - Although he was rather inteligent, the college student often made ASININE comments that made him seem dumb. //Mike DeCou// 9/30/09

ASKEW - 1.) to one side; out of line; in a crooked position; awry 2.) with disapproval, scorn, contempt EX - 1.) The college student hung a poster ASKEW in his room so that it was slightly sideways. 2.) The daughter looked ASKEW at her parents who didn't allow her to see her boyfriend. //Mike DeCou// 10/14/09

ASSEVERATE: To af firm or declare positively or earnestly EX- Castro's been known to snow people, but he didn't snow me, Mr. Weicker asseverated. //-- "Fading Fidel and his gulled groupies", Washington Times, July 6, 2001// Alaina Dague 11/11/09

ASSUAGE-to make milder or less severe; relieve; ease; mitigate EX- In an attempt to ASSUAGE his guilt, he gave back everything he stole. //Kayla Montney// 10/31/09

ASTUTE- Adj; A keen penetration or discernment; sagacious; Clever, ingenious, etc. EX- The professor made an astute analysis of his findings. Bridget Larson 11-10-09 ATTENUATE-to lessen the intensity; Assauge, weaken, dilute EX Viruses are often attenuated prior to their use in vaccines. Calvin Yahn 11/4/09

Audacious - intrepidly daring; recklessly bold. EX- The man audaciously entered the lions pen. Mitch Perry 10/6/09

AUSTERE (adj.) - very bare, bleak, simple EX- The writer needed to add some flare to her austere writing. Weston A. Bryan 9/29/09 BANALITY- devoid of freshness or originality; trite EX- The banality of the comedian was so great that his audience left before he had finished his show. //Jenny Campfield// 9/28/09 BENEVOLENT - characterized by or expressing goodwill or kindly feelings EX- The benevolent king decided to forgive the peasant his debts. //Elizabeth Knape 9/14/09//

BERATE - To rebuke or scold angrily and at length EX - The angry wife BERATED her husband for going to the bar with his friends. //Mike DeCou// 11/18/09

Bombastic - high-flown; inflated; makes a great and immediate impression. EX- The new Yankee Stadium sure is bombastic. Mitch Perry 10/6/09

BOURGEOIS- //adj. disapproving.// too interested in having a lot of possessions and a high position in society EX- The woman was bourgeois when visiting the third-world country and packed only her only her finest clothes and jewelry to take with her. //Bridget Larson// 9/15/09

BREVITY - shortness of time or duration; briefness; the quality of expressing much in few words EX - The busy college students appreciated the BREVITY of their professor's lecture. //Mike DeCou// 11/4/09

BURGEON - To grow or develop quickly; flourish EX - Surprisingly, their new ornamental tree burgeoned and produced beautiful flowers that very year. //Alaina Dague// 10-7-09

CACOPHONY - harsh discordance of sound; dissonance. EX - The beginning symphony's warm-up session created quite the CACOPHONY. //Kate Hemmingson 11/18/09// CALLOUS-1) made hard, hardened. 2) insensitive; indifferent; unsympathetic EX-They have a callous attitude toward the sufferings of others. Weston A. Bryan 11/17/2009

CANDOR - the state or quality of being frank, open, and sincere in speech or in expression EX- She was surprised at his candor as he discussed his athlete's foot. //Jenny Campfield// 9/21/09

CAPRICIOUS- subject to, led by, or indicative of caprice or whim; erratic EX- He's such a CAPRICIOUS boss I never know how he'll react. //Kelsey Thelen// 10/27/09

CATHARTHIS- a purifying or figurative cleansing of the emotions, especially pity and fear; a release of emotional tension that restores or refreshes the spirit EX- Writing acted as a CATHARTHIS for all her painful feelings. //Sara Gensterblum// 10/28/09

CAUSTIC - biting, mordant, bitter, scathing, acid. EX- Jane's caustic remark left Jimmy feeling like she wasn't really over their breakup. //Elizabeth Knape// 10/27/09

CHARY - Wary; cautious. EX - Many politicians are chary of creating a socialist government and argue against a national health care system. //Alaina Dague// 9/10/09 CHASTISE- to discipline; to criticize severely EX- The cruel teacher decided to CHASTISE the class clown by hitting him on the bottom with a ruler. //Kelsey Thelen// 10/13/09

CHRONIC - persistently or constantly recurring EX - Due to his CHRONIC illness, Tom missed large chunks of the school year. Lauren Burton 9/29/09

CONSTERNATION (n.) - a state of paralyzing fear or dismay. EX - His consternation quickly grew as he realized the real extent of the problem. //Joshua Pugh// 10/14/09

CONTUMACIOUS - stubbornly disobedient or rebellious EX - The small child contumaciously opposed his stern mother on all counts. //Joshua Pugh// 10/7/09

CONUNDRUM - A paradoxical, insoluble, or difficult problem; a dilemma. EX- The problem of what to wear to Saturday's dance was a serious conundrum. //Elizabeth Knape// 9/28/09

CONFLATE- To bring together, to meld. EX- At the party, the girl's goal was to CONFLATE her family and her in-laws. //Kat Nic// 10/28/09

CONVIVIAL - 1. Fond of feasting, drinking, and good company; sociable 2. Merry; festive EX - As Christmas music began to play, a convivial mood overtook the party. ??? Who are you???

COY-adj. 1) artfully or affectedly shy or reserved; slyly hesitant; coquettish. 2) showing reluctance, esp. when insincere or affected, to reveal one's plans or opinions, make a commitment, or take a stand. EX-The mayor was coy about his future political aspirations. Weston A. Bryan 9/22/09

DEBACLE- a complete collapse or failure. EX- The game ended in a debacle for the Piston's opponent. Mitch Perry 11/4/09

DEFENESTRATE- to throw something or someone out of a window EX- Uncle Phil defenestrated Jazz a few times in the Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Calvin J. Yahn 10/14/09

DELUGE - anything that overwhelms like a flood; a great flood of water; inundation; flood EX - When the government took away the scholarships from college students, it unleashed a DELUGE of protests. //Mike DeCou// 10/28/09

DEPREDATION- a damage or loss; decay EX- The depredations were felt more acutely by those who were in the city of the siege. Calvin Yahn 9/29/09

DESOLATE - made unfit for habitation; useless; forlorn; forsaken. EX - A quick survey of the DESOLATE streets suggested that the town was vacated long ago. // Robert Brindley // 9/23/09

DIDACTIC-intended for instruction; instructive. EX-The Bible is a didactic collection of writings. Weston A. Bryan 10/03/09

DILATORY- tending to delay or procrastinate; slow; tardy EX- The DILATORY employee left his boss with no choice but to fire him. // Kayla Montney // 11/10/09 DUBIOUS - fraught with uncertainty or doubt. EX - Technically it was a compliment, but it was certainly a dubious one. Joshua Pugh 11/3/09

DUDGEON - a feeling of offense or resentment; anger EX - The harsh words between the squabbling sibblings left both parties in high dudgeon. // Elizabeth Knape // 9/23/09

EBULLIENCE - the quality of lively or enthusiastic expression of thoughts and feelings. EX - His ebullience was overwhelming, similar to that of a young student escaping school for the summer. // Joshua Pugh 9/23/09 //

​EFFERVESCENT- vivacious; gay; lively; sparkling EX- The young woman was completely EFFERVESCENT at the party, smiling at everyone and oozing charm wherever she went. //Kelsey Thelen 11/17/09//

ELICIT - to draw out or evoke in reaction to your own actions EX - "Gossip ELICITS gossip"(54). __The Happiness Hypothesis__ by Jonathan Haidt. - Lauren Burton 10/13/09

ENIGMA- A puzzling or inexplicable occurrence or situation. EX- The disappearance of the dog is an enigma that has left many puzzled. Mitch Perry 10/28/09

EPHEMERAL - lasting a very short time. EX - She exprienced an ephemeral spark of inspiration, but was unable to transcribe it to paper. //Robert Brindley 10/7/09//

EPIPHANY- A sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience. EX - The boy, after seeing a few examples of basic addition, experienced an EPIPHANY. Mitch Perry 9/22/09

ERGO - therefore, consequently EX: Armani isn't interested in fashion that moves on (**ergo** he isn't interested in fashion). //-- Sinead Lynch, "The waist land", Times (London), October 9, 2000 Alaina Dague 10/28/09 //

Esurient-hungry; greedy. EX-"Esurient for an even larger share of the local real estate market, the developer made an aggressive bid for the apartment complex. " (interestingblog.com) //Alycia Minshall// 10/5/09

EXIGUOUS - extremely scanty, meager EX - The family's exiguous financial circumstances left them temporarily without food or electricity. Alaina Dague 10/20/09

Exculpate-To clear from alleged fault or guilt; to prove to be guiltless; to relieve of blame; to acquit. EX-"Each member is determined to **exculpate** himself, to lay the blame elsewhere" (Joseph Wood Krutch, "How Will Posterity Rank O'Neill?", New York Times, October 21, 1956). //Alycia Minshall// 10/12/09

EXPLICIT - Very clear and detailed EX- For his own safety, the new factory worker was given very EXPLICIT instructions on his first day. //Lauren Burton 10/20/09

EXTORTION- the crime of obtaining money or some other thing of value by the abuse of one's office or authority EX- Through the cleaver use of extortion, the cashier was able to steal over $300 from the grocery store where he worked. // Jenny Campfield //11/2/09//

FACETIOUS - not meant to be taken seriously or literally EX - It's difficult to take you seriously when you're always so FACETIOUS. //Kayla Montney// 9/15/09

FARRAGO - an assortment; a medley EX- She spoke with such a farrago of impressive words, it was hard to understand what she was saying. //Elizabeth Knape// 10/7/09

FASTIDIOUS - very concerned with accuracy and details EX - He is a very FASTIDIOUS person who had to go over his assignments again and again. Lauren Burton 10/6/09

Flourish- To be successful; prosper. EX- With the stock market bound to rise, future investors will flourish. Mitch Perry 10/13/09

FLYTING- (v), a dispute or exchange of personal abuse. EX- In the first flyting in Shakespeare's //Much Ado About Nothing//, Beatrice wittily responds to Benedick's line "What, my dear Lady Disdain! are you yet living?" with "Is it possible Disdain should die while she hath such meet / food to feed it as Signior Benedick?" --Found in the Miriam-Webster Dictionary //Kat Nic// 11/17/09

FOOFARAW (n)-1. Excessive or flashy ornamentation; 2. A fuss over a matter of little importance The girls made a big FOOFARAW over the new vampire novel, but I paid them little mind. //Kat Nic// 10/7/09

FORFEND-To prohibit or forbid; to ward off, prevent, or avert; to defend, to protect, to preserve. EX- "If one of us is missing, heaven FORFEND, then the king's forces are diminished." --Leon Wieseltier, Kaddish // Kat Nic // 11/11/09

FORTUITOUS- Adj. Happening or produced by chance; accidental. EX- It was a fortuitous encounter. //Bridget Larson 11-17-09//

FURTIVE -- surreptitiously or by stealth; secret EX - She took a FURTIVE step closer, peering curiously around the corner from the shadows. //Kate Hemmingson 9/29/09

HARRIED -- harassed, annoyed, or proved a nuisance to by or as if by repeated attacks EX- The young girl HARRIED her brother by poking him over and over despite his repeated requests that she quit. // Jenny Campfield // 11/10/09 //

GAUCHERIE- a socially awkard or tasteless act EX- The guest was guilty of GAUCHERIE when he continued to pretend he was on a rollercoaster during the wedding toasts. // Kat Nic // 9/30/09

GAUDY- brilliantly or excessively showy. EX- The lawn ornaments on the jones' lawn were rather gaudy. Mitch Perry 10/21/09

GREGARIOUS-fond of the company of others; sociable EX- Corey, being gregarious, was always the center of attention at parties. Weston A. Bryan 10/20/09

GUTTURAL- of or relating to the throat; having a harsh, grating quality as certain sounds produced by the back of the mouth EX- The pain was so intense he began producing deep guttural sounds that could be understood by no one. Jenny Campfield 10/21/09

FUGACIOUS-lasting but a short time; fleeting EX-"As the rain conspires with the wind to strip the **fugacious** glory of the cherry blossoms, it brings a spring delicacy to our dining table." -- Sarah Mori, "A spring delicacy", Malaysian Star. Alycia Minshall 10/19/09. GROTESQUE - odd or unnatural in shape, appearance, or character; fantastically ugly or absurd; bizarre. EX - The man was considered a monster because of his GROTESQUE appearance and was exiled from his town. Weston A. Bryan 9/13/09

HEINOUS- hateful; odious; abominable; totally reprehensible EX- The HEINOUS crime committed by the rapist was met with a life sentence. Kelsey Thelen 11/4/09

HUBRIS- Overwhelming pride and arrogance; haughty EX-the Hubris of Arachne caused Athena to turn her into a spider. Calvin Yahn 9/21/09

IGNOBLE- of low character, aims, etc.; mean; base EX- The suspect was accused of having IGNOBLE intentions toward the victim. //Kayla Montney// 11/17/09

IMBROGLIO- a misunderstanding, disagreement, etc., of a complicated or bitter nature, as between persons or nations. EX- The political imbroglio also appears to endanger the latest International Monetary Fund loan package for Russia, which is considered critical to avoid a default this year on the country's $17 billion in foreign debt. //Bridget Larson// 10/20/09

IMPECCABLE-Having no flaws; perfect. EX-Her timing was IMPECCABLE as she slid into her seat a second before the teacher began to take role. //Kat Nic// 9/21/09

IMPUTE- to attribute or ascribe EX- He moved with a gracefulness often IMPUTED to dancers. //Sara Gensterblum// 9/23/09

INSATIABLE (pronounced in-sey-sha-ble)- incapable of being satisfied or appeased EX- That businessman has an INSATIABLE desire for wealth. //Kelsey Thelen// 9/22/09

INTRINSIC-belonging to a thing by its very nature. EX-These tasks were repetitive, lengthy, and lacking any intrinsic interest. Weston A. Bryan 10/06/09

INUNDATE - to overwhelm; to flood; cover or overspread with water; deluge EX - The doctor's office was INUNDATED with requests to test people for swine flu. //Mike DeCou// 10/26/09

INVEIGH- to protest strongly or attack vehemently with words; rail (usually followed by against). EX- The senator inveighed against the new FDA regulations, claiming they allow loopholes for manufacturers. Bridget Larson 10/27/09

JUXTAPOSITION-an act or instance of placing close together or side by side, esp. for comparison or contrast. EX-The JUXTAPOSITION of the antics and 1920's setting in //An Absolute Turkey// makes for a very interesting show. //Kat Nic// 9/11/09 LACHRYMOSE- suggestive of or tending to cause tears EX- After viewing the lachrymose picture of a starving young child, he was persuaded to donate money to charity. //Jenny Campfield 11/18/09//

LACONIC- using very few words EX- His LACONIC replies failed to spark a true conversation. //Lauren Burton 11/4/09// LISTLESS-having or showing little or no interest in anything; languid; spiritless; indifferent EX- Lately I've been feeling LISTLESS; I don't really seem to care about anything. //Kayla Montney// 10/06/09

LITERATI-Persons of scholarly or literary attainments; intellectuals. The LITERATI of Alma College spent nearly all their time with their nose buried in their books, occasionally exchanging obscure Shakespeare references. //Kat Nic//, 10/12/09

LOQUACIOUS - 1. Very talkative. 2. Full of excessive talk, wordy. EX - The meeting went on for hours, accommodating**loquacious** bores who were each allowed their say. //-- Andrew Sullivan, "Gay Life, Gay Death", The New Republic, December 17, 1990// //Alaina Dague 11/17/09//

LUGUBRIOUS-mournful, dismal, or gloomy, esp. in an affected, exaggerated, or unrelieved manner. EX-The widow was very lugubrious at her dead husband's funeral. Weston A. Bryan 10/13/2009

LUSTROUS - having luster; shining; luminous. EX - The polished silver gave off a LUSTROUS gleam once it had been cleaned properly. //Kate Hemmingson 10/28/09//

MALEFICENT -- doing evil or harm; harmfully malicious. EX - The ebony-clad man's lips slowly spread into a cruel, MALEFICENT smile. //Kate Hemmingson// 9/10/09

METICULOUS-taking or showing extreme care about minute details; precise; thorough. EX-She is meticulous about her work; everything needs to be perfect. Weston A. Bryan 10/28/09

MITIGATE -- to lessen in force or intensity, as wrath, grief, harshness, or pain; moderate. EX - The doctor quickly applied a numbing agent to MITIGATE the patient's suffering. //Kate Hemmingson 9/22/09

MOROSE-gloomily or sullenly ill-humored, as a person or mood. It is not fair to call him a morose person just because he was depressed when you met him. Weston A. Bryan 11/11/09 //

NARCISSISTIC -- inordinate fascination with oneself; excessive self-love. EX - The young, handsome noble was known to be more than a little NARCISSISTIC, thinking himself the most beautiful man in existence. //Kate Hemmingson 11/05/09//

NEFARIOUS- Adj. Extremely wicked or villainous; iniquitous. EX- The character played by Tom Cruise in that old movie was nefarious. //Bridget Larson 10/6/09//

OBLITERATE- to remove all signs of; destroy EX- The huge fire in the science lab obliterated the entire north wing of the science building within the first half hour after it had erupted. //Bridget Larson// 9/28/09

OBSTINATE- not easily controlled or overcome. EX- The lady felt as if she was fighting a losing battle as the obstinate weeds were seen throughout the garden. Mitch Perry 11/18/09

OMNIPOTENT -- having very great or unlimited authority or power. EX - The selfish king considered himself OMNIPOTENT, especially when compared to to the masses. //Kate Hemmingson 10/23/09//

OPULENCE- 1. Wealth, riches, or affluence EX- The millionaire flaunted his OPULENCE by driving to work in his Ferrari every day. 2. abundance, as in resources or goods; plenty EX- There was a sizable crop this year, and I have never seen such OPULENCE on that farm before. //Kelsey Thelen// 9/29/09

OSTENTATIOUS-characterized by or given to pretentious or conspicuous show in an attempt to impress others EX- Her OSTENTATIOUS behavior made it impossible for anyone else to get attention. //Kayla Montney// 10/20/09

OVOVIVAPARITY- A condition where embryos develop in an egg which is in the mother's body Ex-Some fish and reptiles develop through OVOVIVAPARITY which is pretty unique. Calvin Yahn 10/28/09

PARADIGM- one that serves as a pattern or model; a set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes a way of viewing reality, especially in an intellectual discipline EX- That company serves as a PARADIGM for all the small high-tech firms that have become common in the last several years. // Sara Gensterblum // 11/10/09

PARAMOUR-A lover, especially one in an adulterous relationship EX- When his wife discovered his PARAMOUR, their marriage slowly fell apart. //Kayla Montney// 10/26/09

PARITY-equality in amount, status, or value; functional equivalence in the weaponry or military strength of adversaries EX-"A problem that has troubled the U.S.-Soviet relationship from the beginning has been the issue of PARITY" (Charles William Maynes). //Sara Gensterblum// 10/14/09

PARLANCE-A particular manner of speaking; speech; idiom EX- A lawyer must be well versed in legal PARLANCE to make a strong case. //Sara Gensterblum// 9/29/09

PEDANTIC- Overly concerned with minute details or formalisms, esp. in teaching. EX- The exusting professor was extremley pedantic in her lesson on European history. //Elizabeth Knape// 11/4/09

PERFUNCTORY- lacking interest, care, or enthusiasm EX- In his lectures, he reveals himself to be merely a PERFUNCTORY speaker. //Kelsey Thelen// 9/15/09

PERTURBATION- a disturbance of motion, course, arrangement, or a state of equilibrium EX- The introduction of a new predator in the area caused PERTURBATION of the gene frequencies within the population. //Sara Gensterblum// 10/06/09

PESEVERATE-to repeat something persistently or redundantly. EX- " To ensure the accuracy of their data, the research scientists necessarily **perseverate**, repeating each experiments many times and comparing the results of the trials" (Ask.com) //Alycia Minshal//l. 11/17/09.

PLETHORA -overabundance; excess EX - While choosing the college to attend, I was subject to a PLETHORA of advice that I didn't want or need. //Elizabeth Knape// 10/13/09

PREDILECTION - a tendency to think favorably of something in particular; partiality; preference EX - The musician showed a PREDILECTION towards classical composers.

PRESUME--to take for granted; to take upon oneself without permission. EX - One should not PRESUME to understand a topic based solely off what they see on television. //Robert Brindley// 9/16/09

PREVARICATE- to speak falsely or misleadingly; to deliberately misstate or create an incorrect impression; lie EX- When his mother asks him about his homework, John tends to prevaricate rather than admit that he was playing video games. //Jenny Campfield// 10/26/09

PULCHRITUDE - physical beauty EX - The contestant's PULCHRITUDE alone easily won her the title of Miss America. //Elizabeth Knape// 11/18/09

PUNCTILIOUS- Strictly attentive to the details of form in action or conduct; precise; exact in the smallest particulars. EX- The convert who is more punctilious in his new faith than the lifelong communicant is a familiar figure in Catholic lore. //Patrick Allit, Catholic Converts) Alycia Minshall. 10/27/09.//

PUNGENT- Sharply affecting the organs of taste or smell, as if by a penetrating power. EX- The students were met with a rather PUNGENT smell as they entered the class. Mitch Perry 9/14/09

QUIXOTIC- foolishly impractical especially in the pursuit of ideals; marked by rash lofty romantic ideas or extravagantly chivalrous action. EX- Most importantly is the love the author has for his characters and their sometimes quixotic attempts at self-definition. //Bridget Larson 10/13/09//

RECIPROCATE — to return, respond to, or experience the same as another EX - The students chose to RECIPROCATE the respect their teacher showed them. //Lauren Burton// 9/10/09

RECTIFY - to set right; to remedy EX- In regards to his wife, Kobe Bryant tried to RECTIFY the rape allegations by buying her jewelry. //Kelsey Thelen// 10/5/09

RESILIENT - able to spring back to normality after being manipulated Ex - Her body was RESILIENT to the illness being spread around. //Lauren Burton 10/1/09//

ROBUST – strong and healthy; hardy; vigorous EX - In order to do well in this vocabulary section of the course, students will want to choose ROBUST words. //Prof. Wendt// 9/1/09

SARDONIC - Scornful, mocking; disdainfully humorous EX - In a truly sardonic tone, the speaker complimented Jeff Foxworthy for his contributions to society. //Alaina Dague 9/22/09//

SAVAGE- To brutally and viciously attack something EX-A squirrel was savaging a fruitbat within the last week or so and managed to kill it. // Calvin Yahn 9/23/09 //

SCHISM-division or disunion, esp. with mutually opposed parties. EX-The schism in Christianity brought birthed two other groups--the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church. //Alycia Minshall// 9/22/09

SIMULACRUM- an image or representation; a superficial semblance or trace of something EX- After several changes were made by the editor, the final piece seemed a mere SIMULACRUM of Jack’s original essay. //Sara Gensterblum// 11/17/09

Sinuous -having many curves, bends, or turns; winding. EX-Many of the roads in this town are narrow sinuous steets. //Alycia Minshall// 9/28/09

SLAKE - To satisfy, to quench, or to extinguish. EX - After the intense workout, the athlete drank Gatorade to slake his thirst. // Elizabeth Knape // 11/11/09 SLUICE- To rinse or wash freely with a stream of water EX - Water SLUICED across the counter and to the floor from the broken faucet. Lauren Burton 11/17/09

Solipsism- A belief that only the observer exists EX- The SOLIPSISM of the murderer "Justin Dream" caused him to not care about receiving his death sentence. STRIVE — to try persistently to achieve a goal EX - The mountain climber would always STRIVE for the highest peak. //Lauren Burton 9/17/09//

SUBTLE -- fine or delicate in meaning or intent; difficult to perceive or understand. EX - His SUBTLE smirk, all but indistinguishable, was the only indication he gave toward his less-than-desirable intentions. //Kate Hemmingson 10/14/09// SOPORIFIC-causing sleep; something that causes sleep. EX-His voice droned on, it was hypnotic, soporific--like a walking dream. // Alycia Minshall // 11/9/09.

SUBVERSIVE- designed to overthrow, rebellious, destructive EX- The young boy decided it was proper to act SUBVERSIVE after his father had been murdered by rebel forces. Jenny Campfield 9/14/09

 SUPEREROGATORY-Going beyond the requirements of duty; greater than required or needed; superfluous. EX-Kaitlyn performed a SUPEREROGATORY action when she left home and moved to Haiti in order to help starving orphans. //Kat Nic// 11/4/09

SUPERFLUOUS – more than what is necessary; extra; needless; excessive EX - The college student found certain english assignments somewhat SUPERFLOUS. //Mike DeCou// 9/9/09

TENACIOUS-holding fast, highly retentive EX-The hipster had such a tenacious grip on his Animal Collective CD, it could not be pried away. //Alycia Minshal//l 9/10/09

TENEBROUS - Dark; gloomy EX - The tragic death cast a tenebrous mood over the village. //Alaina Dague// 11/4/09

TEPID - lukewarm EX - He despised, among other things, most of his students, and tepid coffee. //Joshua Pugh// 10/26/09

TIRADE - a prolonged outburst of bitter, outspoken denunciation EX - The school principal went on a TIRADE against underage drinking. //Kayla Montney// 9/28/09 TREMULOUS - quivering as if from weakness or fear EX-The old woman spoke slowly, her voice tremulous as she explained in a measured fashion. //Joshua Pugh// 9/16/09

Truculent- Fierce; savage; ferocious; barbarous. EX-" Bitter and **truculent** when excited, I spoke as I felt, without reserve or softening."--Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre. //Alycia Minshall//. 11/2/09 .

UBIQUITOUS - being or seeming to be everywhere at the same time EX - Food and water resources can seem ubiquitous until there is a sudden shortage. //Joshua Pugh// 9/30/09

UNEQUIVOCAL - leaving no doubt; clear EX - She clarified her meaning with an unequivocal example - pass the test or else! Alaina Dague 9/30/09

UNPRETENTIOUS - lacking pretense or affectation EX - Her personality was sometimes banal, lacking in any truly distinguishing qualities but wholly unpretentious. //Joshua Pugh// 10/21/09

USURP – to seize and hold (a position, office, power, etc.) by force or without legal right; assume; take over EX - The evil lord tried the USURP the throne by poisoning the king. //Mike DeCou// 9/22/09

VACUOUS - lack of intelligence or brain activity, mindless EX - The freshmen on campus were often viewed at VACUOUS by the upperclassmen. // Lauren Burton // 11/9/09

VAGABOND- wandering from place to place without any settled home; leading an unsettled or carefree life EX- The poor man lived like a vagabond, leaving his home and family to wander the barren countryside. //Jenny Campfield// 10/13/09

VALIANT - brave; exhibiting valor. EX - The VALIANT knight crept forward into the dragon's den. //Robert Brindley// 10/14/09

VERNACULAR - a characteristic language of a particular group EX - He wrote in the vernacular to reach a larger audience. //Joshua Pugh// 11/18/09

VICISSITUDES-Changes that happen over a period of time EX-Gollum talked of vicissitudes in his time riddle which Bilbo only got by an accident. Calvin Yahn 9/10/09

VIGNETTE - sketch; a brief literary description EX - Although asked to write a short story, the young girl only provided her teacher with an unrelated series of vignettes. // Joshua Pugh // 11/11/09

VIVACIOUS -- lively; animated. EX - The wild dancing that accompanied the upbeat music was VIVACIOUS indeed. //Kate Hemmingson 10/7/09

VOTIVE-- Given; Dedicated; Offered Ex-The votives of Zach were not very worthy as they were mere peasants and the Dark Lord wished to feed on more// //Calvin Yahn 10/07/09//

WAGGISH - playful or mischievous humor Ex - The boy's WAGGISH comment earned him a light smack upside the head. //Lauren Burton 10/27/09//