Weekly Vocabulary March 17-21

M S . M AC E M O R E

WEEKLY VOCABULARY MARCH 17-21

AVERSIONDefinition: A strong feeling of dislike, opposition, repugnance, or antipathy.

Example: I have a strong aversion to snakes and spiders.

This word is usually followed by the word ‘to.’

Part of Speech: Noun

Synonyms: distaste, abhorrence, disgustAntonyms: predilection, attraction

Connection: What do you have an aversion to?

DECORUM

Definition: dignified propriety of behavior, speech, dress, etc. Similar to respect.

Example: He demonstrated decorum when he waited until his turn to speak.

Part of Speech: Noun

Synonyms: politeness, manners, dignity

Antonyms: disrespect, rudeness

Connection: Does everyone define decorum the same way? What is an example of this?

EXHILARATION

Definition: a state of being enlivened, invigorated, or stimulated.

Example: When the roller coaster took its first plunge, she felt immediate exhilaration.

Part of Speech: Noun

Synonyms: animation, elation, thrill

Antonyms: depression

Connection: What makes you feel exhilaration?

IMPORTUNE

Definition: to beg urgently or persistently

Example: She importuned her kidnapper to allow her to call home, but he refused.

Part of Speech: Verb

Synonyms: beg, plead, beseech, implore, solicit

Antonyms: dissuade, leave alone, give help

Connection: Have you ever been in a situation in which you importuned for something?

NONCONFORMISTPart of Speech: Noun

Synonyms: oddball, offbeat, original

Antonyms: normal, typical, obedient

Definition: a person who refuses to conform, as to established customs, attitudes, or ideas.

Example: Lady Gaga is a great example of a nonconformist; she dresses extremely uniquely and doesn’t care what anyone thinks.

Connection: Is it always good to be a nonconformist? Why or why not?

OCCULT

Definition: beyond the range of ordinary understanding or knowledge; mysterious

Example: Though we know a lot about nature, it is still an extremely occult thing; there are mysteries that we can never understand.

Part of Speech: Adjective

Synonyms: concealed, veiled, hidden

Antonyms: bare, exposed, obvious, uncovered

Connection: What things are occult to you?

ABJECT

Definition: hopeless, miserable, humiliating, or wretched

Example: She was homeless, out of work, and hungry. To say the least, her situation was abject.

Part of Speech: AdjectiveSynonyms: wretched, degraded, dejected, dishonorableAntonyms: commendable, excellent, noble, worthy

Connection: What conditions make up an abject situation, in your opinion?

CONGENIAL

Definition: agreeable, suitable, or pleasing in nature

Example: With her pleasant smile, kind words, and positive outlook, Amber was a very congenial person to be around.

Part of Speech: AdjectiveSynonyms: favorable, pleasantAntonyms: disagreeable, harsh, hateful

Connection: In your opinion, what are some things that make a person congenial?

DELIBERATELY

Definition: in a careful, studied, or intentional manner

Example: Though she was told not to go to the party, she deliberately disobeyed her parents.

Part of Speech: AdverbSynonyms: knowingly, purposefully, willfullyAntonyms: unintentionally, unknowingly

Connection: What are some things you might do deliberately?

IMPETUOUSDefinition: Of, pertaining to, or characterized by sudden or rash action, emotion, etc.; impulsive

Example: Josie showed her impetuous nature when she packed her bags and headed for the beach at midnight on Friday night.

Part of Speech: Adjective

Synonyms: impulsive, abrupt, spontaneous

Antonyms: calm, cautious, sensible

Connection: Would you consider yourself to be more of an impetuous person or a cautious one?

MISGIVING

Definition: a feeling of doubt, mistrust, or apprehension

Example: Because she had never met John before, Daisy had several misgivings about his character.

Part of Speech: Noun

Synonyms: anxiety, foreboding, suspicion

Antonyms: certainty, faith, trust

Connection: Why did we feel misgiving toward Abigail Williams?

PERTURBATION

Definition: mental disquiet, disturbance, or agitation

Example: She couldn’t help her perturbation when the neighbors refused to keep their voices down while arguing.

Part of Speech: Noun

Synonyms: anxiety, confusion

Antonyms: calmness, peace, quiet

Connection: What are some times in your life that you’ve experienced perturbation?

PERVADE

Definition: to be spread throughout all parts of.

Example: The weather was so beautiful Saturday that spring pervaded the air.

Part of Speech: VerbSynonym: infuse, permeate, fillAntonym: deplete, take out, drain

Connection: What are some other things that can “pervade”?

TRANSGRESS

Definition: to violate a law, moral code, command, etc.

Example: It is hard to live a moral life, but very easy to transgress.

Part of Speech: Verb

Synonym: trespass, violate, disobey

Antonym: behave, obey

Connection: What transgressions have you committed in your life?