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Pilgrims and Puritans

Important words to know

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a pilgrim

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Definition: (noun) A pilgrim is one of the people who left England to come to the United States in the 17th century.

A pilgrim is ALSO someone who travels to a holy place.

In other words, a pilgrim is someone who travels.

a pilgrim

Example: The Pilgrims sailed from England on the Mayflower to the New World.

synonym:

a traveler

your turn - One thing I know about the Pilgrims is ______________.

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freedom

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Definition: (noun) Freedom is the right to do what you want, to express your own opinions, and to make your own decisions.

In other words, freedom is being able to do what you want.

freedom

Example: The Pilgrims left England because they wanted freedom to worship in their own church.

At school I have the freedom to make my own lunch choice when I buy lunch.

synonyms:

independence

choice

your turn - A freedom I have at school is ____________.

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a colony

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Definition: (noun) A colony is a settlement that is separated from, but ruled by another nation.

In other words, a colony is a place where people live that is far from their home nation.

a colony

Example: When the Pilgrims came to Massachusetts they formed a colony and they created their own government.

synonyms:

community

settlement

your turn - In a colony there are/is ____________.

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to settle

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Definition: (verb) To settle is to move to a place and to make it your home. It can ALSO mean to fix a problem, or to make permanent.

In other words, to settle means to move and to stay somewhere to make it your home.

to settle

Example: The Pilgrims planned to settle in North Virginia, but they landed in Massachusetts. They thought Plymouth was a great place to settle.

Many families in Lexington moved from different countries to settle here.

synonyms:

to move somewhere new

to relocate

your turn - I know someone who settled in a new place, ____settled in a new place.

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a settlement

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Definition: (noun) a settlement is a small village or an agreement

In other words, a settlement is a small community where people live together.

a settlement

Example: Plimoth Plantation was a settlement. Massachusetts Bay Colony was another settlement.

synonyms:

town

community

colony

your turn - One example of a settlement is ___________.

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a compact

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Definition: (noun) A compact is a contract between two parties.

In other words, a compact is a promise that you have to keep.

a compact

Example: The Mayflower Compact was a promise the Pilgrims made to work together and make a new government. This was special because it was the first time people agreed to make their own government in this country.

synonyms:

treaty

contract

promise

your turn - Another example of a compact is _______________.

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to make a living

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Definition: (verb) to work enough to support yourself.

In other words, to be able to get food and shelter or to make money in order to stay alive.

to make a living

Example: The Pilgrims made a living in the new colony by farming, hunting and gathering. A doctor makes a living by taking care of patients.

synonyms:

to work

to earn money

your turn - ______________ makes a living by ___________.

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way

of

life

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way of life

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way of life

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Definition: Way of life is the typical way in which a community lives, eats, and works.

In other words, way of life is your traditions or habits.

way of life

Example: When they came to Massachusetts, the Pilgrim’s way of life changed because they now had to survive using their natural resources. This new way of life was different from their way of life in England.

synonyms:

traditions habits

lifestyle

your turn - My way of life is healthy because I ____________.

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to give thanks

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Definition: (verb) To give thanks means to show someone you are grateful.

In other words, to give thanks means to say thank you.

to give thanks

Example: The Pilgrims gave thanks to God because they survived many difficulties during their first year in the New World.

synonym:

thank you

your turn - I give thanks when _____________________

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to govern

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Definition: (verb) To govern means to manage how a society operates.

In other words… to govern means to make the rules.

to govern

Example: The Pilgrims had to govern, or make the rules, themselves when they came to the New World.

synonyms:

to control

to rule

your turn - My house is governed by _______. My school is governed by ______.

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a government

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Definition: (noun) a government is a person or a group of people who rule over a group of people.

In other words, governments are the people who make the rules for a community.

a government

Example: In the Mayflower Compact (or agreement) the Pilgrims decided to form a new government and to obey the laws of this new government.

The president of the United States is the leader of our government.

A congressperson, a mayor, and a governor are members of a government.

synonyms:

administration

a congress

council

your turn - __________ is a member of a government.