VOCAB UNIT #3 4th Block Collaborative

Abominate

(v.) To have an intense dislike or hatred forSyn. Loathe, Abhor, Despise, DetestAnt. Relish, Savor, EsteemDominic abominated the girl after she turned him down.Sign: Push

Acculturation

(n.) the modification of the social patterns, traits, or structures of one group or society by contact with those of another; the resultant blend

Syn: adaptationThe criminal law was an integral part of his experience

and the process of his acculturation into British society.Sign: Circle of Life

Adventitious

(adj.) resulting from chance rather than from an inherent cause or character; accidental, not essential; (medicine) acquired, not congenital

Syn: extrinsic, incidental, fortuitousAnt: essential, intrinsic, inherent, congenitalA system for checking for adventitious presence had also

not yet been developed.Sign: I’m Sorry Hands

Ascribe

(v.) to assign or refer to (as a cause or source), attributeSyn: impute, credit, attributeWhile you can sometimes ascribe these symptoms to

allergies, I’m pretty sure you have a full-fledged cold.Sign: Giving Commands

Circuitous (adj)

Definition: Roundabout, not directSynonyms: indirect, meandering, windingAntonyms: straight, direct, as the crow fliesExample: Rivers are often uneven, untidy and take

circuitous coursesSign: snake motion with arms

Commiserate (v)

Definition: to sympathize with, have pity or sorrow for, shares a feeling of distress.

Synonyms: feel sorry for, empathize.Antonyms: feel no sympathy for.Example: I hate it when rich people

pretend they commiserate with the poor.Sign: crying motion with hands.

Enjoin (v)

Definition: to direct or order; to prescribe a course of action in an authoritative way; to prohibit.

Synonyms: bid, charge, adjure.

Antonyms: allow, permit.

Example: He never formally forbade fasting, but neither did he ever enjoin it.

Sign: pointing

Expedite (v)

Definition: to make easy, cause to progress faster.Synonyms: accelerate, facilitate, speed upAntonyms: hinder, hamper, impede, obstruct.Example: To further expedite the approval process,

you can apply online.Sign: pretend using phone.

EXPIATE (V.)

•To make amends, make up for; to avert ~ Synonyms: redeem, make amends for, make reparation

-Jackson swept the floors of

John's Pizza for free to expiate

his breaking the oven.

[Sign: Sweeping]

FERMENT

• (n.) a state of great excitement, agitation, or turbulence; (v.) to be in or work into such a state; to produce alcohol by chemical action

~Synonyms: commotion, turmoil, unrest

~Antonyms: peace and quiet, tranquility, placidity

Just squeeze the juice out

of the fruit and leave to

ferment naturally.

[Sign: Jazz hands]

INADVERTENT (ADJ.)

• Resulting from or marked by lack of attention; unintentional, accidental ~Synonym: accidental

~Antonyms: deliberate, intentional Compared to all the bystanders

who just stood by doing nothing,

Don became an inadvertent hero

by running up to the wrecked car

and pulling out the frightened toddler.

[Sign: pointing and questioning]

NOMINAL (ADJ)

• Existing in name only, not real; too small to be considered or taken seriously

~Synonym: titular, inconsequential

~Antonyms: actual, exorbitant

Most of our services are provided

free or at nominal charge.

[Sign: small gap in fingers]

noncommittal

Definition: (adj.)Not decisive or definite; unwilling to take a clear postiton

Her tone was noncommittal, and her face gave nothing away.

Synonyms: cagey, uninformative, playing it safe, playing it close to the vest

Antonyms: positive, definite, committed

Hand Motion: shrug shoulders

peculate

(v.) to steal something that has been given into one’s trust; to take improperly for one’s own use

The people accused them of having peculated the public money.

Synonyms: defraud, misappropriate

Hand motion: act like you’re putting money in your pockets

proclivity

Definition: (n.) a natural or habitual inclination or tendency (especially of human character or behavior)

A proclivity for hard work.

Synonyms: penchant, propensity

Antonyms: inability, incapacity

Hand motion: Lift weights

Sangfroid

Definition: (n.) composure or coolness, especially in trying circumstances

They committed the robbery with complete sangfroid.

synonyms: poise, self-assurance, equanimity

antonyms: excitability, hysteria, flappability

Hand motion: cross arms like you aren’t worried

(Adj) - Resistant to lawful authority; having the purpose of overthrowing an established governmentSynonyms - mutinous, rebellious, subversive, treacherousAntonyms - supportive, faithful, allegiant, obedient

Neo in The Matrix was a crucial memberof a seditious organization that fought forthe sake of mankind.

Seditious

Tenuous

(Adj) - Thin, slender, not dense; lacking clarity or sharpness; of slight importance; lacking a sound basis, poorly supported

Synonyms - flimsy, insubstantial, vague, hazyAntonyms - strong, solid, substantial, valid

The child’s arguments were tenuousat best while he tried to explain that hedidn’t want to eat his vegetables.

Vitriolic

(Adj) - Bitter, sarcastic; highly caustic or biting (like a strong acid)Synonyms - withering, acerbic, mordant, spitefulAntonyms - bland, saccharine, honeyed, sugary, kind

After eating too much sour candy,each piece I put in my mouth began tofeel very vitriolic.

Wheedle

(Verb) - To use coaxing or flattery to gain some desired endSynonyms - inveigle, soft-soap, sweet-talk, enticeAntonyms - coerce, browbeat, intimidate, strong-arm

Because the grand opening ofRetroland was soon, Jimmy tried towheedle his mom into letting him go.