MADS VOCAB BUILDER 9

Ritual ( n )

1. A series of actions that are always performed in the same way , especially as part of a religious ceremony 2. Something that is done regularly and always in the same way

Indifference ( n )

Lack of interest in someone or something .

Pathetic ( adj )

Causing feelings of sadness , sympathy , or sometimes lack of respect , especially because a person or an animal is suffering .

Blasphemy ( n )

Irreverent behavior toward anything held sacred , priceless .

Salient ( adj )

Most noticeable or important .

Arbitrary ( adj )

1. Using unlimited personal power without considering other people's rights or wishes .

2. Based on a desire or idea or a chance rather than a decision

Paradigm ( n )

A model of something , or a very clear and typical example of something .

Spurious ( adj )

False , although seeming to be real or true .

Irrationality ( n )

fact of not using reason or clear thinking .

Reciprocate ( v )

1. To do something for someone because the person has done something similar for you . 2. To share the same feelings as someone else , or to behave in the same way as someone else .

Allocate ( v )

To give something to someone as their share of a total amount , to use in a particular way .

Peril n )

Great danger , or something that is very dangerous .

Allude ( v )

To mention someone or something without talking about him , her , or it directly .

Luster ( n ) lustre

1. The shining quality of a surface . 2. The quality of being special in a way that is exciting .

Penetrate ( v )

To move into or through something .

Endeavor ( v )

To try to do something .

Contemplate ( v )

To spend time considering a possible future action , or to consider one particular thing for a long time in a serious and quiet way .

Prosecution ( n )

The act of taking part in a planned set of activities , especially a war .

Suffrage ( n )

The right to vote in an election , especially to vote for representatives in a government .

Protestation ( n )

A strong statement that something is true , especially when other people do not believe you .

Enshrine ( v )

To contain or keep something as if in a holy place

Grasp ( v )

1. To quickly take something in your hand ( s ) and hold it firmly . 2. To understand something , especially something difficult .

Intervention ( n )

Action taken to improve or help a situation .

Patriotic ( adj )

Showing love for your country and being proud of it .

Magnitude ( n )

The great size or importance of something ; the degree to which something is large or important .

Subduction ( n )

A situation in which one of the earth's plates slides under another , often causing an earthquake or volcano .