Term
|
Definition
Definition
to bring a feeling into existence.
Sample sentence
When the principle announced that students could no longer wear sneakers to school, it engendered anger in the students
Word families
engenders, engendered, engendering |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Definition
to ease someone's anger
Sample sentence
After dropping her cell phone in the muddy puddle, I tried to pacify my friend by offering her a big, warm hug.
Word families
pacified, pacifying, pacifies, pacifist, pacifier |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Definition
enthusiastic support
Sample sentence
Being an ardent Bills fan, Mark painted his face half red and half blue to show his love for the team.
Word families
ardently |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Definition
to make something bad even worse
Sample sentence
The singer's terrible voice was exacerbated by the awful pianist who didn't know how to accompany her.
Word families
exacerbates, exacerbating, exacerbated, exacerbating |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Definition
good judgement; shrewd
Sample sentence
Samuel Westing Jr. III had always been a sagacious business man known for his shrewd negotiating style.
Word families
sagaciously |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Definition
the disintegration or decomposition of something
Sample sentence
The Alka-seltzer tablet's dissolution was instant once it fell into the glass of water and virtually disappeared.
Word families
dissolutions
|
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Definition
the spreading of a disease or idea from one person to another through close contact
Sample sentence
Once the idea of storming the Bastille took hold, it spread like a contagion among the people.
Word families
contagions |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Definition
a fatal epidemic disease, especially the bubonic plague
Sample sentence
The Ebola virus is a horrific pestilence that was just as easily spread as the bubonic plague.
Word families
pestilences |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Definition
to make continual twisting movements of the body.
Sample sentence
The majestic lion writhed in pain, its body twisting in strange patterns, after being shot with a tranquilizer gun at close range.
Word families
writhes, writhing, writhed |
|
|
Term
|
Definition
Definition
of crucial importance in relation to the success of something else.
Sample sentence
Graduating from high school was a huge achievement in Hank's life and a pivotal moment in the life of his mother as well.
Word families
pivot, pivoting, pivots, pivoted |
|
|
