Word of the Day
Building a great vocabulary is a life’s journey, so take it one day at a time. >>
Persistent
Definition: continuing firmly in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition; continuing to exist or endure over a long period
The root per means “through.” So you follow through with things, even when the going gets tough.
Word of the Day
What similar words do you know that might help you remember this word?
We hope that you will be PERSISTENT in your efforts during test prep to improve your skills! >>
permanent
perpetual
or maybe… perspire
Meticulous
Definition: showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise; marked by extreme or excessive care about details.
It comes from the Latin word meticulosus, meaning "fearful.” A meticulous person is fearful of what will happen if they're not careful enough to get every detail right.
Word of the Day
Similar words in meaning, or words that describe someone who is meticulous:
You must train yourself to be METICULOUS when reading the questions and answer choices on any standardized test.
perfectionist
detail-oriented
precise
Aptitude
Definition: a natural ability to do something; the innate or acquired capacity for something; the readiness or quickness in learning; intelligence.
Similar words in meaning:
Capability
Skill
Gift
Aptitude sounds a lot like attitude. Are these two related somehow?
In a lot of ways you can change your aptitude by changing your attitude. >>
Used in a sentence: You can change your APTITUDE for math by adopting a growth mindset and developing good habits.
Conspicuous
Could this mnemonic device help you remember the definition?
Con(can)+ s(see the) + pic(picture) → something conspicuous can be seen easily
(How do you say it?)
Similar words or phrases:
Her absence from class was CONSPICUOUS because she had otherwise perfect attendance all year long. >>
noticeable
glaring
“Can’t miss it!”
Definition: Easy to notice or obvious; standing out so as to be clearly visible; attracting attention because of being unusual or remarkable
Zeal
Definition: great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective; excessive fervor to do something or accomplish some end.
Can you think of a mnemonic device for this definition?
Similar words or phrases:
The ZEAL shown by supporters of both candidates resulted in a record turnout of voters in this year’s election.
Remember! Add to the Quizlet deck each week and submit what words you added in Google Classroom. >>
passion
fire
gusto
Word with the same root: zealot - a person who takes their enthusiasm too far
Precipice
Definition: a very steep or overhanging place; a dangerous situation that could lead to harm or failure.
A PRECIPICE doesn’t have to be a physical place...In the world today we often seem to be on the PRECIPICE of something happening.
For example:
Brink
Edge
Cliff
Synonyms:
Following the election decision, many people celebrated since the country didn't appear tipped on the PRECIPICE any longer.
Can you think of a sentence using precipice? >>
Vigilant
Definition: keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties; alertly watchful especially to avoid danger; suggests intense watchfulness & readiness
Have you heard of the word VIGIL? What does it mean? Can you see how that relates to the word VIGILANT? Always look for clues in vocabulary.
For example:
Alert
Watchful
Wide-Awake
Synonyms:
Residents of California & Colorado were told to be VIGILANT about looking for signs of potential forest fires.
You must be VIGILANT to not be fooled by “distractor” answers on multiple choice tests.
Can you think of a sentence using vigilant? >>
Malleable
Definition: able to be hammered or pressed permanently out of shape without breaking or cracking; capable of being altered or controlled by outside forces or influence; having the ability to change.
MALLEABLE comes from the Latin verb malleare, meaning "to hammer." Think of the word mallet which is a type type of hammer. But it’s not just about hammering objects...also minds.
For example:
Flexible
Workable
Adaptable
Synonyms:
Gold is a soft, MALLEABLE material because it can be pounded into many shapes without breaking.
Students and teachers needed to be MALLEABLE in their approach to school this year since everything was different due to the pandemic in 2020.
Can you think of a sentence using malleable? >>
Terse
Definition: using few words; very brief in statement or expression; suggests the removal of all that is not needed.
TERSE often has a negative meaning when used. It is similar to concise, but more edgy, and usually is associated with rudeness. A possible mnemonic...Cut CONVERSE in half and you’re close to TERSE. But enough already about TERSE!
For example:
Gruff
Abrupt
To the Point
Synonyms:
Because CPS does not want to reveal too much about the selective enrollment exam, they will only provide a TERSE statement about its content.
“Not interested!” was the TERSE reply I gave to the salesman that had called me late at night on the phone.
Can you think of a sentence using terse? >>
Ominous
Definition: giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen; foreboding or foreshadowing of evil.
Ominous comes from the Latin word ominosus, from OMEN. Do you know what an OMEN is?
For example:
Threatening
Menacing
Gloomy
Synonyms:
In an OMINOUS warning, the National Weather Service predicted that 2020 could be the most active hurricane season on record in North America.
The OMINOUS music played every time Darth Vader appears in Star Wars informs the viewer that something evil is going to happen!
Can you think of a sentence using ominous? >>
Egregious
Definition: extremely bad in a way that is very noticeable; stands out as obviously bad or shocking.
EGREGIOUS used to be a compliment for someone who was really good at something. It’s from the Latin word egregius, meaning "distinguished" or "eminent." But over the years it became a negative word — maybe because of sarcastic use!
Flagrant
Glaring
Blatant
Synonyms:
The most EGREGIOUS call in the game was when the referee called the runner safe when video replays showed he was clearly out by a step.
Not having enough lifeboats onboard and failing to see a giant iceberg were just two of the EGREGIOUS errors made by the captain of the Titanic.
Can you think of a sentence using egregious? >>
Examples:
Contorted
Definition: To twist, wrench, or bend out of proper or natural shape; to cause a change from what is normal, proper, or accurate.
For example:
twisted
deformed
warped
Synonyms:
The break-dancer CONTORTED his body like a pretzel during the dance-off.
Her face CONTORTED with with pain and horror as she watched the terrifying scene in the movie.
Can you use contorted in a sentence?
Jargon
Definition: The special language of a trade, profession, or similar group, especially when viewed as difficult to understand by outsiders. Can seem to be nonsensical or incoherent language; sometimes a hybrid language or dialect.
For example:
Slang
Lingo
Mumbo Jumbo
Synonyms:
An alley-oop is a bit of basketball JARGON any fan of the sport would understand.
It’s hard to understand what soldiers or police officers are saying at times because of all the JARGON they use.
Can you give an example of some jargon you use? >>
Headway
Definition: forward movement of a ship or boat, especially when this is slow or difficult; motion in a forward direction.
For example:
Progress
Advancement
Gain ground
Synonyms:
The hikers made very slow HEADWAY during the steep and icy part of the climb.
We hope that you have made some significant HEADWAY in preparation for your Selective Enrollment exam during this class.
Can you think of a sentence using headway? >>
Implacable
Definition: Unable to be made less angry; relentless or unstoppable
Do you notice any roots that could help you identify the meaning?
What other words do you know that contain plac?
Do you know what the word “placid” means?
It means “not easily upset or excited.”
The root plac means “to please” and the root im means “not” or “no.”
So implacable means “not able to be pleased.”
Appease
Definition: to make less angry | What memory device could you use to remember this definition?
Which of the following are probably synonym for appease?
A. pacify B. provoke C. intone D. placate
Remember that last time we learned the root plac means “to please.”
What other words do you know with the root pac?
Pacify, pacifist, pact and pacific all contain pac which means… can you guess?
Peace!
Mollify
Definition: to make less angry | Which word that you learned before is a synonym?
Can you think of another word with the root moll?
Do you know what a mollusk is?
Have you heard the word emollient?
So what might the root moll mean?
Soft!
Apply what you’ve learned
When Mandi broke Mr. Crotchety’s window with a softball, he unleashed a barrage of insults at her and her “hooligan” friends. The girls tried to ____________ him by offering to clean up the glass and pay for a new window, but it was no use. Mr. Crotchety was ____________ and refused to listen to their attempts at reconciliation.