antics

Unit 2

ridiculous/unpredictable behavior (noun)

The antics of the chimpanzees amused the crowd.

avowed

Unit 2

declared openly without shame (adj)

The governor was an avowed supporter of the plan.

banter

Unit 2

to exchange playful remarks; playful teasing (verb)

Casual bantering helps pass the time in the car.

bountiful

Unit 2

generous, plentiful (adj)

On Thanksgiving, people celebrate the bountiful gifts of nature.

congested

Unit 2

overcrowded; occupied to excess (adj)

What a change from the congested streets of the city to the open spaces of the country.

detriment

Unit 2

harm or loss; injury; damage (noun)

Your inability to get along with others will be a detriment in your career.

durable

Unit 2

sturdy; lasting a long time (adj)

Denim is a durable kind of fabric.

enterprising

Unit 2

energetic; willing to start something new (adj)

An enterprising young person may turn a hobby into a way to pay for college.

frugal

Unit 2

economical, avoiding waste; poor; scant (adj)

At home, we usually prepare frugal but nourishing meals.

gingerly

Unit 2

with extreme care of caution (adj)

Pedestrians made their way gingerly along the slippery streets.

glut

Unit 2

an oversupply; to provide more than is needed (verb)

When there is a glut of gasoline, prices my drop.

incognito

Unit 2

in a disguised state; under an assumed name/identity (adj)

The film star traveled incognito to avoid the attention of her fans.

invalidate

Unit 2

to make valueless; annul; discredit (verb)

Lawyers will try to invalidate the contract.

legendary

Unit 2

described in well-known stories (adj)

Ajax was one of the legendary Greek heroes.

maim

Unit 2

to cripple, disable; injure (verb)

Each year, falls cripple thousands of people.

minimize

Unit 2

to make as small as possible (verb)

You should wear your seatbelt to minimize the risk of injury in an accident.

oblique

Unit 2

slanting/sloping; not straightforward (adj)

Instead of walking straight from the farmhouse to the road, we set off in an oblique direction across the field.

veer

Unit 2

to change direction suddenly; swerve (verb)

The huge storm finally veered out to sea.

venerate

Unit 2

to regard with reverence; to look up to with respect (verb)

In some religions, it is customary for people to venerate saints.

wanton

Unit 2

reckless; loose in morals (adj) spoiled, pampered (noun)

The gas chambers at Auschwitz are a testimony to the wanton cruelty of the Nazi.