acquire (v) to gain ownership of something; to get by one’s own efforts or actions

[uh-kwahyuhr]

Clue: acquire = get

Most tourists acquire souvenirs from the places they visit.

Ex: acquire knowledge; acquire skills; acquire possessions;

acquire wealth

antagonize (v) to make an enemy of; to stir up anger or dislike

[an-tag-uh-nahyz]

Clue: antagonize = irritate + anger

You will antagonize your classmates if you make derogatory comments about them.

Ex: antagonize smaller siblings; antagonize an opponent

competent (adj) having the ability to do what is needed

[kom-pi-tuhnt]

Clue: competent = able

The mechanic is competent to work on the car’s brakes.

Ex: competent student; competent doctor; competent repairman

comprise (v) 1. to form; to make up

2. to consist of or include

[kuhm-prahyz]

Clue: comprise = made + consist

A baseball team comprises nine players.

Ex: six states comprise New England; a class comprised of 25 students

correspond (v) 1. to match to be equal to

2. to exchange letters with another person

[kawr-uh-spond, kor-]

Clue: correspond = equal to

The two handwriting samples correspond in every way.

Ex: correspond the numbers; correspond through email

dilapidated (adj) in poor condition from neglect or age

[dih-lap-i-dey-tid]

Clue: dilapidated = out dated

The shed was so dilapidated that it wasn’t worth repairing.

Ex: dilapidated mansion; dilapidated interior; dilapidated conditions

illustrious (adj) very famous; outstanding

[ih-luhs-tree-uhs]

Clue: illustrious = best + well known

On 27 November 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his last will and testament, giving the largest share of his fortune to an illustrious series of prizes known as the Nobel Prizes.

Ex: illustrious writer; illustrious leader

incident (n) something that happens in real life or in a story ; an event, often of little importance

[in-si-duhnt]

Clue: incident = event

My car was struck from behind, but I thought no more about the incident until my neck began to hurt.

Ex: report the incident; describe the incident; unexpected incident

inherit (v) 1. to receive something from someone after that person’s death. 2. to receive, as part of one’s physical or mental make-up, from one’s parents

[in-her-it]

Clue: inherit = eye color + hair color

I inherited this house from my grandparents.

Ex: inherited a fortune; inherited antique furniture; inherit parents’ genes

latitude (n) 1. the distance north or south of the equator; measured in degrees 2. a region as marked by its distance from the equator

3. freedom from strict rules

[lat-i-tood, -tyood]

Clue: latitude = north + south

Students in high school are allowed some latitude in choosing their courses.

Ex: degrees of latitude; parents gave child some latitude

loath (adj) unwilling; reluctant; adverse

[lohth, lohth]

Clue: loath = don’t like

I was loath to put my trust in such a devious person.

Ex: loath eating liver and onions; loath doing chores; loath sharing the computer

maintain (v) 1. to declare something to be true 2. to continue in the same way or condition 3. to keep in good condition

[meyn-teyn]

Clue: maintain = to keep up well

The state of Alabama maintains the state highways.

Ex: maintain a healthy weight; maintain the home; maintain her grades

renovate (v) to make like new again

(n) the act of renovating; the thing renovated

[ren-uh-veyt]

Clue: renovate = make like new

A group of concerned parents was responsible for the renovation of the dilapidated playground.

Ex: renovate the old house; renovate the basement

reprimand (v) to scold in a harsh for formal manner

(n) a strong scolding from someone in authority

[n. rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd; v. rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd, rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd]

Clue: reprimand = ream out

The manager reprimanded his employee for being late to work.

Ex: reprimand the students; reprimand the toddler; reprimand the workers

supervise (v) to direct or manage activities

(n) the act of managing or directing

[soo-per-vahyz]

Clue: supervise = watch over

Mrs. Wilson will supervise the students in detention this week.

Ex: supervise classes; supervise workers; supervise employees