paradigm

• Def: an example serving as a model; pattern

The committee’s mission was to establish paradigms of good writing that could be shared with students as examples to be modeled.

munificent

• Def: extremely liberal in giving; very generous

Munificent contributions from some corporations make it possible for excellent programs to appear on public television.

inure

• Def: to accustom to hardship, difficulty, pain, etc.; toughen or harden; habituate

After basic training, recruits are inured to long hours and inclement weather—the harsh demands of army life.

impecunious

• Def: having little or no money; penniless; poor

While it is common for novice writers and actors to live impecunious lives, none appreciate it very much.

fulsome• Def: excessively or insincerely lavish

The professional golfer was embarrassed to read the newspaper’s fulsome praise for his achievements on the tour.

discursive• Def: passing aimlessly from one subject to

another; digressive; rambling

Miss Wilson’s presentation was discursive, yet highly interesting, and we enjoyed her digressions into humor.

deference• Def: respectful submission or yielding to the

judgment, opinion, will, etc., of another

I wish you would show deference to older people and to those in positions of authority.

commensurate• Def: proportionate; adequate

The big hen gave Marvin a rapid peck commensurate with the size of its large beak at the instant Marvin reached under her to take the egg.

cajole• Def: to persuade by flattery or promises;

wheedle; coax

I practiced first in front of my mirror and then went downstairs to cajole my parents into letting me have a Halloween party.

aplomb• Def: imperturbable self-possession, poise, or

assurance

Jenny’s aplomb as she sang and danced in our school musical was envied by the rest of us in the cast.