Frederick Douglass

Frederick Douglass

Inquiry

An act of asking for information. The dean quickly grew tired of all of the inquiries related to the new dress policy.

Obdurate

Stubbornly refusing to change ones mind. Kelsey dog remained obdurate in not wanting to get in the bathtub

Esteemed

Held in great respect admired. Karla was an esteemed member of the board of trustees.

Virtue

Behavior showing high moral standards. Patience is a virtue that my daughter lacks.

Vice

Immoral or wicked behavior. Stealing would be a vice that will earn you jail time.

Maxim

A short statement expressing a general rule. My grandmother lived by the maxim “If you dont have anything nice to say dont say anything at all.

Debase

To reduce the quality of something. Hector debased his character by lying to everyone

Leisure

Free time for enjoyment. I enjoy reading as a form of leisure.

Earnest

Showing sincerity. Dylan was believed to be earnest and trustworthy.

Commence

To begin or start. We were not allowed to commence the ceremony until everyone arrived.

Stratagem

A clever plan or scheme to outwit another. The class devised a stratagem to avoid doing homework.

Chattel

A personal possession property other than real estate.

Divest

Deprive someone of power rights or possessions. Serving jail time will divest prisoners of their freedoms.

Tumultuous

Excited confused or disorderly noises. The cafeteria erupted in tumultuous anger when the deans said they would ban phones during lunch.

Ambiguous

Having more than one clear meaning. April directions were ambiguous and we got lost trying to find her house.