Name __________________Teacher ________________Date
___________________
Sophomore Vocabulary Lesson #1
Note carefully the spelling, pronunciation and definition of
each of the following words. Write the word in the space below each
boldfaced entry.
1. amorphous -(adj.) shapeless; having no definite form. Lennie
Small wore an amorphous wide-brimmed hat.
2. contemptuous -(adj.) showing scorn or lack of respect
forSeniors sometimes display contemptuous attitudes toward
sophomores.
3. ingenuous -(adj.) innocent, simple, frank, sincere showing
child-like simplicityHer ingenuous response showed her
innocence.
4. apprehensive -(adj.) fearful or anxious, especially about the
futureThe senior was apprehensive about acceptance to college when
she received lower scores than she had expected on her S.A.T.
exam.
5. complacent -(adj.) self-satisfied (pleased with one
self)Instead of being complacent when he made the cross-country
team, Pete set even high goals for himself.
Word Roots: speccircum verport vid
SPEC=look INSPECT IN (into) + SPECT = to look into carefully
SPECIOUS (Looking) good on first sight, but actually not so
Write three other words that use the root SPEC, to look:
(sample) inspect(which means) to look into
_________________________(which means)
_______________________
_________________________(which means)
_______________________
_________________________(which means)
_______________________
CIRCUM = around
CIRCUMVENTCIRCUM (around) + VEN (to come) = to come around; to
get around by maneuvering.
CIRCUMSCRIBECIRCUM (around) + SCRIBE (to write) = to write a
line around bounds, that is to limit or confine.
Now write three words which use the root CIRCUM meaning
around.
_________________________(which means)
_______________________
_________________________(which means)
_______________________
_________________________(which means)
_______________________
VER = true
VERIFIABLEVER (true) + ABLE (able to) = capable of being proven
trueVERACITYVER (true) + ITY (quality or state) = truthfulness
Now write three words which use the root VER meaning true.
_________________________(which
means)________________________
_________________________ (which
means)________________________
_________________________ (which
means)________________________
PORT= to carry AIRPORT AIR + PORT (to carry) = a place from
which aircraft operate that usually has paved runways and
maintenance facilities and often serves as a terminal
Write three other words that use the root PORT, to look:
(sample) portal(which means) door or entrance
_________________________(which means)
_______________________
_________________________(which means)
_______________________
_________________________(which means)
_______________________
VID= to see PROVIDENT PRO (before) + VID (to see) = making
provisions for the future Write three other words that use the root
VID, to see:
(sample) evident(which means) can easily be seen
_________________________(which means)
_______________________
_________________________(which means)
_______________________
_________________________(which means)
_______________________
Exercise A: Use the words in the block to fill in the sentences
that
follow:amorphouscontemptuousspeciousingenuouscomplacentapprehensiveveracityprovidentcircumscribeportal
1. Always a __________________ person, he took care of his
familys needs each month before he splurged on entertainment.
2. The main ___________________ to the estate is an elaborate
wrought iron gate on the side facing the road
3. The invisible fencing __________________the area of the yard
where the dog could run.
4. The amoeba is a/an ______________________creature.
5. The troubled student isolated himself from his peers and was
_____________toward others who were assigned to work with him.
6. The ____________________six-year-old asked her grandfather to
fly her to the moon.
7. Since he carried a 63 average, Bill was
_________________about passing his English final exam.
8. Great nations can be defeated if they are
________________about their achievements and defense.
9. George Washington was known for his _________________when he
said he cut down the cherry tree.
10. Adolf Hitler was such a master of _______________________
argument that he easily duped his followers.
Exercise B: Write the vocabulary word that is defined in the
following:
1. showing scorn or lack of respect =
_______________________________
2. anger aroused by something unjust =
_____________________________
3. self-pleased =
_______________________________________________
4. fearful about the future =
______________________________________
5. simple and innocent =
________________________________________
EXERCISE C:Matching
1. ingenuous_____A. shapeless2. portal _____B. satisfied with
self3. amorphous_____C. an entrance4. complacent _____D. fearful of
the future5. apprehensive _____E. truthfulness6.
contemptuous_____F. frugal, economical, showing foresight7.
specious _____G. showing lack of respect for8. veracity_____H.
looking good at first but not really so9. circumscribe_____I. nave;
simple; sincere10. provident_____J. to limit the range of
Sophomore Vocabulary Lesson #2
Note carefully the spelling of each word. Write the word
underneath the boldfaced entry.
1. brazen-(adj.) made of brass; sounding harsh or loud like
struck brass; impudent or defiant; (verb) to face with defiance or
impudenceAndy was punished by his parents for his brazen behavior
in taking the car without permission.
2. philanthropist -(noun) one who loves people, particularly one
who gives money to benefit humanityA community philanthropist
donated money for the building of a teen center.
3. approbation -(noun) approval; commendationThe artist was
greeted by smiles of approbation when she presented her
painting.
4. capricious-(adj.) subject to whims or passing fancies;
unpredictableYou wouldnt want to ask advice of a capricious
person.
5. perfidious-(adj.) disloyal; faithless; treacherousBenedict
Arnold revealed perfidious actions against the American
colonists.
Word Roots: sed crypt cent anti anthro
STUDY THE USE OF THE FOLLOWING WORD PART: SED = To sit
SEDENTARYSED (to sit) + ARY (of or relating to) = of or relating
to sitting
Now write three other words which use the root SED meaning to
sit.
___________________________ which means
____________________________
___________________________ which means
____________________________
___________________________ which means
____________________________
STUDY THE USE OF THE FOLLOWING WORD PART: CRYPT = hidden
CRYPTOGRAPHYCRYPT (hidden) + GRAPH (to write) = to write in
code
CRYPTICCRYPT (hidden) + IC (having the character of) =
hidden
Now write three other words which use the root CRYPT meaning
hidden.
___________________________ which means
____________________________
___________________________ which means
____________________________
___________________________ which means
____________________________
STUDY THE USE OF THE FOLLOWING WORD PART: CENT = hundred
CENTIMETERCENT (hundred) + METER (measure) = a unit of length
equal to 1/100 of a meter.
CENTENNIALCENT (hundred) + = relating to the 100th year
Now write three other words which use the root CENT meaning
hundred.
___________________________ which means
____________________________
___________________________ which means
____________________________
___________________________ which means
____________________________STUDY THE USE OF THE FOLLOWING WORD
PART: ANTHRO= man
ANTHROPOLOGYANTHRO (man) + OLOGY (the study of) = the science of
human beings
PHILANTHROPISTone who loves people
Now write one other word which uses the root ANTHRO meaning
man.
___________________________ which means
____________________________
STUDY THE USE OF THE FOLLOWING WORD PART: ANTI = against
ANTIPATHYANTI (against) + PATHY (feeling) = opposition of
feeling; dislike.
ANTIFREEZEa substance which slows down the process of
freezing
Now write three other words which use the root ANTI meaning
against.
___________________________ which means
____________________________
___________________________ which means
____________________________
___________________________ which means
____________________________
PART 2 Use the words in the block to fill in the sentences that
follow:
brazenperfidiousphilanthropistcapriciousapprobationcrypticcentennialsedentaryantipathyamorphous
1. Because she had such a _____________________ job, she gained
weight over a three month period.
2. Former President George Bush announced his
____________________ for broccoli which decreased sales of the
vegetable.
3. The real meaning in his writings was sometimes
_______________.
4. The ________________ child changed her mind five times about
how she wanted to celebrate her birthday.
5. ______________________ remarks to a judge can cause an
attorney to be held in contempt of court.
6. Liquids are _____________ substances, as they do not have a
definite shape.
7. The __________________________ of the United States occurred
in 1876.
8. When we decided to get married, we told my parents hoping to
receive their __________________.
9. By blabbing the confidences I shared with him, he revealed
himself as a _______________ individual.
10. By donating money to ease the famine, Karen revealed herself
as a ____________.
PART 3 MATCHING by letter, match the vocabulary word with the
most appropriate definition given on the right.
1. sedentary _____A. dislike or opposition in feeling2.
centennial_____B. defiant3. cryptic_____C. lover of people4.
amorphous_____D. shapeless5. brazen_____E. not migratory6.
philanthropist _____F. approval7. approbation _____G.
unpredictable8. capricious______H. disloyal, faithless9.
perfidious_____I. mystifying10. antipathy_____J. one hundredth
anniversary
Sophomore Vocabulary Lesson #3
Note carefully the spelling, pronunciation and definition of
each of the following words. Write the word in the space below each
boldfaced entry.
1. anachronism (n) something out of its proper historical
timeShowing a word processor in a play set in Puritan New England
would be an anachronism.
2. benign(adj) having a kind or friendly dispositionThe family
was relieved to hear that the grandfathers tumor was benign and not
malignant.
3. anonymity(n) the state of being unknownThe anonymity of the
student who threw paint at the wall made it impossible to
discipline him.
4. demure(adj) characterized by shyness and modesty;
reservedWhen Susan came to dinner at her boyfriends home the first
time, he was surprised at how demure she became.
5. squalor(n) the quality or state of being filthy or degraded
from neglect or povertyThe squalor of the apartment in the tenement
building depressed anyone who entered.
ROOTS AND PREFIXES: pan sylva dict ex gress
PAN = allPANTHEONPAN (all) + THE (god) = a temple of all the
gods
PANACEAa solution for all ills
Write three words which use the root PAN, meaning all:
____________________________ (which means)
____________________
____________________________ (which means)
________________________________________________ (which means)
____________________
SYLVA = forestSYLVAN = one who frequents groves or woods
Write one other word that uses the root SYLVAN, meaning
forest:
__________________________ (which means)
____________________
DICT = say and declarePREDICTIONPRE (before) + DICT (say and
declare) = a prophecy
Write three words which use the root DICT, meaning say and
declare:
____________________________ (which means)
____________________
____________________________ (which means)
____________________
____________________________ (which means)
____________________
EX = out and fromEXCLUDEEX (out and from) + CLUD (to shut) = to
shut out
EXHUMETo remove from a grave
Write three words which use the root EX, meaning all:
____________________________ (which means)
____________________
____________________________ (which means)
____________________
____________________________ (which means)
____________________
GRESS = step, degree, and walkPROGRESSPRO (forward and forth) +
GRESS (step, degree, and walk ) = To go forward; advance
INGRESSThe act of entering; entrance; the power or liberty of
entrance or access
Write three words which use the root GRESS, meaning all:
____________________________ (which means)
____________________
____________________________ (which means)
____________________
____________________________ (which means)
____________________
FOR EACH OF THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES, FILL IN THE BLANK WITH THE
APPROPRIATE WORD FROM THE LIST BELOW.
anachronismdemurepanaceasqualorbenignsylvananonymityexhumeingressperfidy
1. The _________________ of White Brook into the canal occurs
somewhere near the Linden Street Bridge.
2. Janets grandmother greeted her with a
____________________smile as she ran in the kitchen carrying a
basket of garden vegetables.
3. John wants to hike through the Adirondacks this summer to
enjoy the ____________________ beauty even though Lyme disease is a
threat.
4. The _______________________ of the poem was easy to forget,
and the fact that no one had heard of wind surfers in the 1800s
didnt seem important.
5. Although it didnt really seem likely, the politicians
continued to make the new tax seem like a ___________________; the
economy could be improved, poverty would disappear and peoples
confidence in the future would be restored.
6. The whole town was shocked at the ___________________ of the
mayor who had seemed so honest but had stolen from the building
fund.
7. Even though she lived in ________________ with a family that
had no money, the young girl always searched for beauty in the
world.
8. The authors desire for __________________ caused him to
publish secretly and with a false name.
9. The applicant for cheerleader seemed so _________________ it
was hard to believe she would be comfortable jumping and yelling in
front of a stadium of fans.
10. The court ordered authorities to ___________________ Jessie
James body so his alleged posterity can see if they have James
DNA.
MATCHINGChoose the word from this unit which is most nearly the
same as the groups of words below.
1. error in chronology, out of place in time
____________________
2. supposed remedy for all ills____________________
3. to remove from a grave ____________________
4. good-natured; favorable____________________
5. forest like____________________
6. betrayal of trust____________________
7. entrance____________________
8. sedate, reserved____________________
9. filth and misery____________________
10. lacking identity____________________
Sophomore Vocabulary Lesson #4
Note carefully the spelling, pronunciation and definition of the
following words.
1. hypocrisy -n. the practice of stating a belief or feeling
that one does not hold or possess; falsenessThe teenager saw
hypocrisy in the lecture when he was told not to smoke by an adult
who was holding a cigarette.
2. pretense -n. a false appearance intended to deceive an
excusesomething imagined or pretendeda false or studied show; an
affectationThe pretense he used to walk by his girlfriends locker
was to tell the teacher he forgot his book upstairs.
3. protracted - adj. v.drawn out or lengthened by timein math,
to draw to scale by means of a scale and protractorThe protracted
explanation could have been simplified.
4. respite -n. a short interval or rest or relief (pronounced
res spit)After a ten-minute respite, the platoon leader ordered the
soldiers to climb a mountain.
5. indignation -n. anger aroused by something unjust, unworthy,
or meanSally was filled with indignation when she was falsely
accused of cheating.
Word Roots: tortfer tele flu log
TORT = to twistGive another example first:DISTORTDIS (away) +
TORT (twist) = to twist awayTORTUOUSTORT (twist) + OUS (away) =
full of twisting
Write three other words that use the root TORT, to twist:
___________________________ (which means)
_____________________
___________________________ (which means)
_____________________
___________________________ (which means)
_____________________
FER= to carry, to bearGive another example first:CONIFERCON
(cone) + fer (to bear) = a cone bearing evergreen
treeODORIFEROUSODOR (smell) + fer (to carry) = odoriferous
Write three other words that use the root FER. meaning to
carry:
___________________________ (which means)
_____________________
___________________________ (which means)
_____________________
___________________________ (which means)
_____________________
TELE = farGive another example first:TELESCOPETELE (far) + SCOP
(to look) = an instrument for looking farTELEPATHYTELE (far) + PATH
(feeling) = far feeling; the supposed communication between two
people who are far apart by other than normal sensory means
Write three other words that use TELE, meaning far:
___________________________ (which means)
_____________________
___________________________ (which means)
_____________________
___________________________ (which means)
_____________________
FLU = to flowGive another example first:CONFLUENCECON (together)
+ FLU (to flow) = flowing togetherMELLIFLUOUSMELL (honey) + FLU
(flow) = flowing with honey and sweetness as a mellifluous
voice
Write three other words that use FLU, meaning to flow:
___________________________ (which means)
_____________________
___________________________ (which means)
_____________________
___________________________ (which means)
_____________________
LOG = wordGive another example first:APOLOGYAPO (away and from)
+ LOGY (word) = an attempt to make amendsLOGICScience that deals
with speech and reason
Write three other words that use the root LOG, meaning word:
___________________________ (which means)
_____________________
___________________________ (which means)
_____________________
___________________________ (which means)
_____________________
Exercise A: Use the words in the block to fill in the sentences
below:
hypocrisytelepathypretensetortuousprotractedodoriferousrespitemellifluousindignationsqualor
1. The baby was calmed by her mothers _________________
voice.
2. The fortune teller seemed to be using _______________ because
she knew my ideas.
3. Some people think cooked cabbage is
_______________________.
4. She was guilty of _________________ when she told her
daughter to be on time, but rarely was on time to meetings
herself.
5. The explanation was so _________________ that I forgot the
original question.
6. He made a ____________________ of paying attention in class,
but his mind wasnt focused on the class activity.
7. His ____________________ route to success involved moves from
Texas to Maine to Alabama and finally to New York.
8. When the clerk refused to wait on me, I was filled with
_______________ because I had been in line before others.
9. Study your vocabulary words and then take a ______________
beforestudying again.
10. His family was destitute and living in a state of
_________________.
Exercise B: Write the vocabulary word that is defined in the
following:
1. winding or twisting =
______________________________________
2. giving off an odor =
_______________________________________
3. long and drawn out =
______________________________________
4. sweet sounding =
_________________________________________
5. a short interval of rest =
____________________________________
6. the quality or state of being fithy or degraded from poverty
or neglect = ___________________
7. communication other than through senses =
____________________
8. false; saying one thing, but doing another =
____________________
9. a false appearance or excuse =
_______________________________
10. anger aroused by something unjust =
__________________________
SOPHOMORE VOCABULARY LESSON #5
Note carefully the spelling, pronunciation and definition of
each of the following words. Write the word under the boldfaced
entry.
1. venerable -(adj.) deserving to be regarded with reverence;
impressive by reasons of age, character, and/or attainmentsThe
venerable sequoias stood 300 feet above the floor of the
forest.
2. acrimonious -(adj.) caustic, biting, or rancorous in feeling,
language or manner; bitterKathys jealousy because I was going out
with her former boyfriend came out in the acrimonious words she
spoke to me as I left the party.
3. impudent -(adj.) lacking modesty; marked by contemptuous
boldness; insolentSam was sent to the principals office for his
impudent behavior.
4. oblique -(adj.) inclined; not straightforward; devious,
underhanded (n.) something that is oblique;(adv.) at a 45 degree
angleCharles took over the company by oblique means.
5. prerogative -(n.) a special right, power, or privilege; a
distinctive excellenceMrs. Coles prerogative to choose the
scholarship winner came because she donated the scholarship
money.
WORD ROOTS ambi cred acro neo sequ
1.STUDY THE USE OF THE FOLLOWING WORD PART: AMBI-around,
both.
AMBIGUOUSAMBI around + AGERE to drive = to drive around in
anuncertain manner because there were few roads in earlydays;
uncertain
AMBIDEXTROUSAMBI both + DEXTR right hand = both right hands;
able to use both hands with equal ease-35-Now write three other
words that use the root AMBI meaning around or both
______________________________ (which means)
__________________
______________________________ (which means)
__________________
______________________________ (which means)
__________________
2.STUDY THE USE OF THE FOLLOWING WORD PART: CRED to
believe.CREDENCECRED to believe + ENCE action or process = the
action or process of belief
CREDULOUSCRED to believe = too easily believed
Now write three other words that use the root CRED meaning to
believe.
_____________________________ (which means)
___________________
_____________________________ (which means)
___________________
_____________________________ (which means)
___________________
3.STUDY THE USE OF THE FOLLOWING WORD PART: ACRO topmost,
high.
ACROBATACRO topmost, high + BAT to walk = lit. walking on
tiptoes; a performer on a tightrope
ACROPHOBIAACRO topmost, high + PHOB fear = fear of high
places
Now write three other words that use the root ACRO meaning
topmost or high.
______________________________ (which means)
________________________
______________________________ (which means)
________________________
______________________________ (which means)
________________________
4. STUDY THE USE OF THE FOLLOWING WORD PART: NEO new.
NEONATALNEO new + NATAL associated with ones birth = of or
affecting the newborn
NEOPHYTENeo new + PHYT plant = something newly planted, a
beginner
Now write three other words that use the root NEO meaning
new.
_____________________________ (which means)
_________________________
_____________________________ (which means)
_________________________
_____________________________ (which means)
_________________________
5. STUDY THE USE OF THE FOLLOWING WORD PART: SEQU to follow.
SEQUENCESEQU to follow + ENCE action or process = the process of
following
OBSEQUIOUSOB to + SEQU to follow = much too willing to follow or
obey; submissive
Now write three other words that use the root SEQU meaning to
follow.
____________________________ (which means)
__________________________
____________________________ (which means)
__________________________
____________________________ (which means)
__________________________
PART 2 COMPLETING THE SENTENCE
From the words in this unit, choose the one that best completes
each of the following sentences. Write the word in the space
provided.
VenerableambidextrousAcrimoniouscredulousImpudentneophyteObliqueacrophobiaPrerogativeobsequious
1. From the candidates point of view, the protestors were just a
bunch of______________________ kids interrupting his speech.
2. Deciding when to end the meeting was Eds
________________________ because he was the chairman.
3. Unfortunately, in many divorce cases, the parties involved
reveal _______________ feelings toward each other in their
courtroom remarks and behavior.
4. At first Patti seemed left handed, but then her teacher
realized she was ___________________________.
5. Advocates of the womens suffrage movement felt women were too
________________________ in their relationships with men.
6. You could tell Jan was a ______________________ equestrian
because of the timid way she approached the horse.
7. Anyone with _____________________ wouldnt want to wash the
windowson the Empire State Building.
8. Sally was such a _____________________ child that after she
saw Mary Poppins she jumped off the shed roof thinking she could
fly.
9. We always asked advice of my grandfather because we viewed
him as the most _______________________ personage within our
family.
10. The Senator was forced to resign because of the
____________________ actions of individuals within his reelection
campaign.
PART 3 MATCHING By letter, match the vocabulary word with the
most appropriate definition given on the left.
_______ 1. inclined; devious, underhandedA. acrophobia_______ 2.
a beginnerB. prerogative_______ 3. lacking modestyC.
venerable_______ 4. caustic in feeling or actionsD.
credulous_______ 5. overly submissiveE. neophyte_______ 6.
impressive in characterF. acrimonious_______7. a fear of heightsG.
impudent_______8. a right or powerH. obsequious_______9. manually
skillfulI. oblique______ 10. gullibleJ. ambidextrous
SOPHOMORE VOCABULARY LESSON #6
Note carefully the spelling, pronunciation and definition of
each of the following words. Write the word under the boldfaced
entry.
1. nonchalant(adj.) confident and unconcernedThe teachers
nonchalant attitude toward discipline in the classroom made the
students feel that he didnt care how they behaved.
2. elucidate -(verb) to explain, clarifyNo matter how hard news
reporters try to elucidatethe Bosnia situation, it still remains
unclear to most readers.
3. reticent(adj.) not inclined to speak; restrained in
expressionMelissa was reticent about calling her boyfriend after he
had driven 200 miles to see her in a play and she hadforgotten to
reserve the tickets.
4. myopic -(adj.) nearsighted; deficient of foresight or
discernmentPeople who are myopic can see distinctly at short
distances only.
5. succinct -(adj.) terse, curt, conciseI could tell my mom was
in a hurry because she spoke to me in such a succinct way.
ROOTS AND PREFIXES mal gnos duc eu hyper
1. MAL = bad
MALEVOLENT MAL (bad) + VOL (to wish) = wishing evil towards
people
MALEFACTORMAL (bad) + FAC (to do) = an evildoer
Now write three other words that use the root MAL, meaning
bad:
______________________________ (which means)
________________________
______________________________ (which means)
________________________
______________________________ (which means)
________________________
2. GNOS = to know
DIAGNOSISDIA (through) + GNOS (to know) = to know through
identification of adisease.
PROGNOSTICATEPRO (before) + GNOS (to know) = to know
beforehand
Now write three other words that use the root GNOS, meaning to
know:
____________________________ (which means)
__________________________
____________________________ (which means)
__________________________
____________________________ (which means)
__________________________
3. DUC = to lead
DEDUCEDe (down) + DUCE (to lead) = to lead down from, to
conclude
AQUEDUCTAGUA (water) + DUC (to lead) = a pipe to lead water from
a distant source
Now write three other words which use the root DUC, meaning to
lead:
__________________________ (which means)
____________________________
__________________________ (which means)
____________________________
__________________________ (which means)
____________________________4. EU = good, well
EULOGYEU (good) + LOG (speech) = a good speech given in praise
of someonewho has recently died
EUPHONIOUSEU (good) + PHON (sound) = a good or pleasant
sound
Now write three other words which use the root EU, meaning good
or well:
_____________________________ (which means)
_________________________
_____________________________ (which means)
_________________________
_____________________________ (which means)
_________________________
5. HYPER = over, above, excessive
HYPERACTIVEHYPER (over, above, excessive) + ACTIVE (movement) =
more active than is usual or desired
HYPERBOLEA figure of speech; exaggeration
Now write three other words that use the root HYPER, meaning
over, above, excessive:
______________________________ (which means)
________________________
______________________________ (which means)
________________________
______________________________ (which means)
________________________
FOR EACH OF THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES, FILL IN THE BLANK WITH THE
APPROPRIATE WORD FROM THE LIST BELOW.
myopicmalefactorsuccinctprognosticateelucidateaqueductnonchalanteuphoniousreticenthyperbole
1. The first project the new farmer wanted to address was to
build an______________________ because water from the river
absolutely needed to be near his crops.
2. There was enough food to feed an army is a common example of
___________.
3. The English teacher was delighted by the
______________________ sounds created by the language of
Shakespeares sonnets.
4. Scott won so often at tennis he became
_______________________ about the game and didnt get as much joy
from competition.
5. It seems that a mother is often able to
_______________________ her son or daughters likelihood of joining
in dangerous and risky pastimes.
6. English teachers often ______________________ passages from
poetry.
7. Each afternoon someone picked daffodils from Mrs. Hendersons
flower garden so she decided to hide behind a bush and discover out
the identity of the _______________________.
8. A chance at love made the middle aged woman so
______________________ that she failed to realize shes met a con
artist.
9. His employees understood the ___________________ memos he
wrote and appreciated his lack of verbosity.
10. The poet was ____________________ about reading his recently
published love poems to the boisterous and inattentive
audience.CHOOSE THE WORD FROM THIS UNIT WHICH IS MOST NEARLY THE
SAME AS THE FOLLOWING WORDS OR EXPRESSIONS.
1. cool, composed, unruffled_______________________
2. reserved, shy_______________________
3. harmonious, pleasant sounding_______________________
4. to predict, to prophesy_______________________
5. literary term for exaggeration_______________________
6. an artificial channel, or bridge-like
structure_______________________
7. a criminal, evil-doer_______________________
8. to provide clarification, explain_______________________
9. deficient of discernment_________________________
10. terse, concise_________________________
Sophomore Vocabulary Lesson #7
Note carefully the spelling, pronunciation and definition of
each of the following words. Write the word in the space below each
boldfaced entry.
1. aberration -(noun) something atypical; a departure from the
normal or expected courseDyeing hair green or blue is an aberration
for most people
2. guile -(noun) treacherous cunning; skillful deceitThe
shoplifter used guile to steal three tapes
3. tenacious(adj.) holding persistently to something;
adhesiveThe tenacious pit bull refused to let go of the ripped
shirt.
4. integrity -(noun) adherence to strict moral or ethical
codeMartha showed integrity by refusing to tell Mollys secrets to
anyone else
5. sullen -(adj.) resentfully silentAfter the reprimand from his
parent, Tom was sullen for three days.
Word Roots:pathhumposterrvac
1. PATH = feeling, sufferingPSYCHOPATHPSYCHO (mind) + PATH
(suffering) = mentally disturbedANTIPATHYANTI (against) + PATH
(feeling) means a feeling against someone orsomething; a strong
dislike
Write three other words with the root PATH meaning feeling,
suffering
_______________________________ (which means)
_______________________
_______________________________ (which means)
_______________________
_______________________________ (which means)
_______________________
2. HUM= groundHUMBLE = close to the groundEXHUMEEX (out) + HUM
(ground) = to take out of the ground; to remove from thegrave
Write three other words that use HUM meaning ground:
_____________________________ (which means)
_________________________
_____________________________ (which means)
_________________________
_____________________________ (which means)
_________________________
3. POST = afterPOSTLUDEPOST (after) + LUD (to play) = a piece of
music played after a church servicePOSTERITYPOST (after) ERITY =
future generations, those who come after
Write three other words that use POST, meaning after:
_____________________________ (which means)
________________________
______________________________ (which means)
________________________
______________________________ (which means)
________________________
4. VAC = emptyVACATION = empty of work; a holidayVACUITYVAC =
empty (being) = total lack of ideas, emptiness of mind
Write three other words that use VAC, meaning empty:
_________________________________ (which means
_____________________
_________________________________ (which
means)_____________________
_________________________________ (which means)
_____________________
Exercise A: Use the words in the box to fill in the sentences
that follow:
aberrationantipathyguileexhumetenaciousposterityintegrityvacuitysullenelucidate
1. When Jennifer asked her boss for more details, he failed to
_____________ further.
2. When Susan accidentally broke the vase she was forced to sit
on a chair for thirty minutes, but she looked
_________________rather than repentant.
3. The court ordered authorities to ___________________ Jessie
James body so his alleged posterity can see if they have James
DNA.
4. John showed his ____________________ by refusing to cheat on
the test.
5. My grandmother was ____________________ in her belief that
all grandchildren must visit her each summer.
6. Bonnie displayed ______________________ in asking for the car
keys before her sleepy father was fully awake.
7. Nathaniel Rochester left land as well as his name to his
_____________________.
8. Former President George Bush announced his
_____________________ for broccoli which decreased sales of the
vegetable.
9. Clarences mind suffered from _____________________ when he
could not recall the two countries that border the United
States.
10. Pierced body parts seems an ______________________ to many
Americans.Exercise B: Write the vocabulary word for each of the
following definitions:
skillful deceit =
____________________________________________________a departure
from the normal or expected course =
__________________________descendants or offspring =
____________________________________________to remove from a grave
= _____________________________________________to explain, clarify
= __________________________________________________upholding moral
beliefs or ideals is showing =
_____________________________dislike/opposition in feelings =
_________________________________________emptiness =
________________________________________________________holding
persistently to something =
______________________________________resentfully silent =
___________________________________________________
Exercise C: Matchingvacuity______1. silent and
resentfultenacious_____2. emptinessantipathy_____3. a strict moral
belief; honestyintegrity_____4. a departure from what is
normalexhume_____5. a dislike foraberration______6. treacherous
cunningguile_____7. future generationselucidate_____8. holding on
persistentlyposterity_____9. To explain, clarify sullen_____ 10.
dig up from a grave
SOPHOMORE VOCABULARY LESSON #8Note carefully the spelling,
pronunciation and definition of each of the following words. Write
the word under the boldfaced entry.
1. acquiesce - (verb) to accept without protest; to agree or
submitWhen I wouldnt acquiesce to my bosss demand to wear a
hairnet, I was fired.
2. assiduous -(adj.) persistent, attentive, diligentHe was such
an assiduous worker his boss gave him a raise.
3. disparage -(verb) to belittle; to speak slightingly of; to
undervalueMy opponent tried to disparage me so hed win the
election.
4. diminutive(adj.) smaller than average or usualMolly looks
exactly like her mother and when they entered the room together one
seemed to simply be a diminutive form of the other.
5. formidable -(adj.) strong, forceful, powerful; causing
apprehensionor aweJason was frightened by the size of his
formidable op-ponent on the football field.
PART 1 WORD ROOTS sat culp semi carn mis
STUDY THE USE OF THE FOLLOWING WORD PART: SAT-enough
SATISFYSAT enough + FAC to do = to do enough; to fill a need or
desire
INSATIABLEIN not + SAT enough = not ever getting enough
Now write three other words that use the root SAT meaning
enough.
____________________________ (which means)
__________________________
____________________________ (which means)
__________________________
____________________________ (which means)
__________________________
STUDY THE USE OF THE FOLLOWING WORD PART: CULP-blame.
EXCULPATEEX out + CULP blame = lit. to take the blame out; to
free from blame
CULPABLECULP blame + ABLE worthy or capable of = worthy of
blame
Now write three other words that use the root CULP meaning
blame.
____________________________ (which
means)__________________________
____________________________ (which means)
__________________________
____________________________ (which means)
__________________________
STUDY THE USE OF THE FOLLOWING WORD PART: SEMI-half
SEMIFINALSEMI half + final = halfway to the final
SEMICIRCLESEMI half + circle = a half a circle
Now write three other words that use the root SEMI meaning
half.
____________________________ (which means)
_________________________
____________________________ (which means)
_________________________
____________________________ (which means)
__________________________
STUDY THE USE OF THE FOLLOWING WORD PART: CARN-flesh.
CARNIVOROUSCARN flesh + VOR to eat flesh eating
INCARNATEIN in + CARN flesh + ATE function = functioning in the
flesh
Now write three other words that use the root CARN meaning
flesh.
________________________________ (which means)
______________________
________________________________ (which means)
______________________
________________________________ (which means)
______________________
STUDY THE USE OF THE FOLLOWING WORD PART: MIS-wrong, bad,
hate
MISADVENTUREMIS (wrong, bad, hate) + ADVENTURE (the encountering
of risks) = an accident; misfortune
MISTAKEMIS (wrong, bad, hate) + TAKE = to make a wrong judgment
by ability or choice
Now write three other words that use the root MIS meaning wrong,
bad, hate.
____________________________ (which means)
__________________________
____________________________ (which means)
__________________________
____________________________ (which means)
__________________________
PART 2 COMPLETING THE SENTENCE
From the words for this unit, choose the one that best completes
each of the following sentences. Write the word in the space
provided.
acquiesceculpableassiduousincarnatedisparagesemicirclediminutiveinsatiableformidableintegrity
1. After dinner, Jane had an __________________ desire for ice
cream.
2. Sam was not ______________________ for the damage to the car,
but his father blamed him anyway.
3. Flowers were arranged in a _______________________ around the
north side of the fountain.
4. Because of the vicious nature of his crimes, some people felt
Charles Manson was the devil ________________________.
5. The ticket person at the movie wouldnt ____________________
to our claim that my brother was over 13 years old.
6. One trait of a good student is an ____________________ effort
to complete homework on time.
7. The problem on the final exam was ____________________ for
Lisa and she despaired of not being able to solve it in the three
hours allowed.
8. The ____________________ serving of expensive dessert was so
tiny it looked lost on the plate.
9. The scandal rocked Congress, and the _____________________of
many senators was in question.
10. Though Jack picked on his brother, David, he wouldnt allow
anyone else to ______________________ David.
PART 3 MATCHING By letter, match the vocabulary word with the
most appropriate definition given on the right.
1. acquiesce_____A. to belittle
2. assiduous_____B. adherence to strict moral or ethical
code
3. disparage_____C. deserving blame or censure
4. diminutive_____D. persistent; attentive
5. formidable_____E. invested with bodily form
6. culpable_____F. a half a circle
7. incarnate_____G. to accept without protest
8. semicircle_____H. incapable of being satisfied
9. insatiable_____I. causing fear or apprehension,
intimidating
10. integrity_____J. tiny; minute
SOPHOMORE VOCABULARY LESSON #9
Write the word below the boldfaced entry.
1. innocuous -(adj.) harmless, inoffensiveSuzanne was surprised
by her mothers fury of whatSuzanne had thought was an altogether
innocuousremark about her familys choice of vacation spots.
2. contentious(adj.) quarrelsome; controversialThe contentious
citizen wrote the store three letters about theuse of mannequins in
the windows.
3. covet(verb) 1. to wish for longingly or to feel desire for
something belonging to anotherHe coveted the position of catcher on
the team.
4. exodus(noun) 1. a departure of a large group of people 2. the
departure of the Israelites from EgyptAre you familiar with the
story of the exodus when Moses was given the Ten commandments?
5. parsimonious(adj.) stingy; frugalThe parsimonious couple
never tips the paper carrier orthe pizza deliverer.
ROOTS AND PREFIXES com clar magn the/theo omni
1.COM = together, with
COMMODIOUSCOM (with) + MOD (measure) = with plenty of room,
spacious
COMMISERATECOM (with) + MISER (wretched, pitiable) = lit. to
feel wretched withsomeone, to sympathize
Now write three other words that use the root COM, meaning
together or with:________________________________ (which means)
______________________
________________________________ (which means)
______________________
________________________________ (which means)
______________________
2. CLAR = clear
CLAIRVOYANCECLAR (clear) + VID (to see) = the supposed power to
see clearly which are not in sight
CLARIONCLAR clear = a clear and shrill sound
Now write three other words that use the root CLAR, meaning
clear:
_______________________________ (which means)
_______________________
_______________________________ (which means)
_______________________
_______________________________ (which means)
_______________________
3. MAGN = great
MAGNATEMAGN (great) = an influential or great person, especially
in business
MAGNANIMOUSMAGN (great) = ANIM (spirit) = great in spirit,
generous
Now write three other words which use the root MAGN meaning
great:
_______________________________ (which means)
_______________________
_______________________________ (which means)
_______________________
_______________________________ (which means)
_______________________4. THE, THEO = god
THEOCRACYTHEO (god) + CRAC (to rule) = government ruling with
supposed divine authority
APOTHEOSISAPO (from) + THEO (god) = making a god from a person
or thing
Now write three other words which use the root THE, THEO meaning
god:
_____________________________ (which means)
_________________________
_____________________________ (which means)
_________________________
_____________________________ (which means)
_________________________
5.OMNI = all
OMNIBUSOMNI (all) + BUS = a conveyance for all; providing
transportation for many
OMNIPOTENTOMNI (all) + POTENT (having or wielding force,
authority, or influence) = all powerful
Now write three other words that use the root OMNI, meaning
all:
________________________________ (which means)
______________________
________________________________ (which means)
______________________
________________________________ (which means)
______________________
FOR EACH OF THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES, FILL IN THE BLANK WITH THE
APPROPRIATE WORD FROM THE LIST BELOW.
innocuouscommiseratecontentiousclarioncovetmagnanimousexodusapotheosisparsimoniousdisparage
1. The _______________________ of the emperor of Japan had far
reaching affects on the countrys foreign policy.
2. The school board organized a presentation to thank the
_________________donor who had provided the funds for a new
library.
3. The ______________________ call of a trumpet announces the
arrival of the guest of honor.
4. After the funeral was over and all the out of town family had
gone home, Bill walked through the empty house wishing for someone
to __________________with.
5. Ralph is so ________________________ that he still has the
first dollar he ever earned.
6. The Bible teaches us not to ____________________ another
persons possessions.
7. Paul is so _______________________ that his response to Have
a nice day was, What is your definition of a nice day?
8. Mary tried to ___________________her co-worker because she
was jealous of her promotion.
9. After the swarm of bees flew into the classroom, a/an
________________________ of the teacher and all the students
occurred.
10. The cute little red frog in the jungle looked
________________________ but our Costa Rican guide warned that his
touch was deadly.Exercise B: Write the vocabulary word from the
list beside the correct definition below.
1. insignificant, impotent, insipid, harmless =
__________________________
2. to desire someone elses property =
________________________________
3. quarrelsome =
_________________________________________________
4. a departure by a group =
_________________________________________
5. stingy; frugal =
________________________________________________
6. to belittle; to speak slightingly of; to undervalue =
_____________________
7. clear, shrill =
_________________________________________________
8. empathize with, pity =
___________________________________________
9. rising above pettiness, nobel, generous =
____________________________
10. deification, ideal example =
______________________________________
SOPHOMORE VOCABULARY LESSON #10
Write the word below the boldfaced entry.
1. resilient -(adj.) springing back; rebounding; buoyant; not
readily discouragedAfter Johns loss in the first heat, he was
resilient enough to win the second.
2. sundry -(adj.) miscellaneous; several; variousSundry sizes of
shirts hung on the bargain rack in the basement of the store.
3. tacit -(adj.) unspoken, silent; implied, inferredThe girls
parents gave their tacit approval of her choice to become a police
officer.
4. ephemeral -(adj.) lasting only one day or a very short time;
transitoryA mayflys life is ephemeral.
5. zenith -(n.) the point in the sky directly above an observer
or place on earth; the highest point My dad reached the zenith of
his career by the time he was 45.Roots & Prefixes: cur ortho
clam sag un
1. CUR = to runRECURRE (again) + CUR (run) = to run again; to
happen againCURSORY = running over rapidly (without attention to
details)
Write three other words that use CUR, meaning to run:
______________________________ (which means)
________________________
______________________________ (which means)
_______________________
______________________________ (which means)
________________________2. ORTHO = straightORTHODONTISTORTHO
(straight) + ODENT (tooth) = dentist who straightens
teethORTHODOXORTHO (straight) + DOX (opinion) = having straight
opinions;conforming to accepted opinions or beliefs, especially in
religion
Write three words that use ORTHO, meaning straight:
______________________________ (which means)
________________________
______________________________ (which means)
________________________
______________________________ (which means)
________________________
3. CLAM = to cry outPROCLAMATIONPRO (before) + CLAM (to cry out)
= an official public announcementCLAMOR= a loud outcry or shouting;
any loud and sustained noise
Write three other words that use CLAM, meaning to cry out:
_______________________________ (which means)
_______________________
_______________________________ (which means)
_______________________
_______________________________ (which means)
_______________________
4. LUC = lightELUCIDATEE (out) + LUC (light) = to make clear by
explanationTRANSLUCENTTRANS (through) + LUC (light) = allow some
light to pass through
Write three other words that use LUC, meaning light:
_______________________________ (which means)
_______________________
_______________________________ (which means)
_______________________
_______________________________ (which means)
_______________________
5. UN = NOTUNABLEUN (not) + ABLE (having sufficient power,
resources, and skill to accomplish something) = not having the
skill to do somethingUNABRIDGED= not shortened
Write three other words that use UN, meaning not:
_______________________________ (which means)
_______________________
_______________________________ (which means)
_______________________
_______________________________ (which means)
_______________________
FOR EACH OF THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES, FILL IN THE BLANK WITH THE
APPROPRIATE WORD FROM THE LIST BELOW.
resilientcursorysundryorthodoxtacitclamorephemeralelucidatezenithtranslucent
1. English teachers often ______________________ passages from
poetry.
2. ______________________ spices were added to the soup to bring
about such a unique flavor.
3. For Kristen, the ______________________ of her educational
experience came in her graduation from college.
4. The wings of the moth were __________________ and looked
almost invisible in the porch light.5. After his fathers death,
Mikes ________________________ goal was to follow in his fathers
professional footsteps.
6. Though he failed the first quarter, Alex was
____________________ enough to finish with a B average.
7. Shakespeare writes sonnets about the ____________________
nature of beauty.
8. A ___________________ reading of the income tax forms is not
enough to allow most people to understand the directions.
9. Their __________________ beliefs about politics are the
opposite of mine.
10. My hearing has been affected by standing too near the bell
in the hall and hearing its _________________________.
Matching: write the number of the definition which best fits the
word on the left
1. several; various___A. clamor2. the highest point___B.
orthodox3. transitory___C. resilient4. unspoken or implied___D.
sundry5. rebounding___E. elucidate6. to provide clarification,
explain___F. cursory7. clear, transparent, easily understood___G.
translucent8. customary and traditional___H. tacit9. a loud
protest; noise___I. ephemeral10. done with little attention to
detail___J. zenith
47