Two Stories about Flying & Related Poems – Synonyms and antonyms

Key vocabulary terms drawn from the lessons"How to Tell Wild Animals,", with clear definitions to aid exam preparation.

ledge

A narrow, horizontal shelf projecting from a wall or cliff

upbraiding

Scolding or reprimanding sharply

skim

To move lightly and quickly just above a surface

herring

A soft-finned sea fish often eaten as food

preening

Cleaning and arranging feathers with the beak; making an effort to maintain appearance

whet

To sharpen or hone (a tool, appetite, or interest)

derisively

In a mocking or ridiculing manner

soar

To fly or rise high in the air without flapping wings

curveting

Leaping or prancing like a horse while flying

bank (aviation)

To tilt an aircraft sideways when turning, with one wing higher than the other

dizzy

Feeling a sensation of spinning and loss of balance

beckoning

Signalling or inviting with a gesture

exhausted

Extremely tired; drained of energy

Dakota

Nickname for the Douglas DC-3 aircraft used in the story

compass

An instrument showing direction relative to magnetic north

fuel tank

A container in an aircraft that stores fuel for the engine

runway

A long, straight strip of land where aircraft take off and land

radar

A system that uses radio waves to detect and locate objects such as aircraft

storm clouds

Large, dark clouds indicating severe weather like thunder or rain

phantom

Something seen or imagined that has no physical reality; ghostlike

tawny

A warm, sandy-brown or light brownish-orange color

discern

To recognize, identify, or distinguish with the senses or intellect

hide (noun)

The skin of an animal, especially when tanned or dressed

peppered

Covered or sprinkled with many small spots or marks

caress

A gentle, loving touch or embrace

novice

A person new to, or inexperienced in, a job or situation

nonplus

To puzzle, confuse, or bewilder completely

chameleon

A small lizard known for changing its skin color to blend with surroundings

epistemology

The study of the nature and limits of knowledge

intrude

To enter or intervene in a place or situation where one is unwelcome

responsibility

A duty or obligation to deal with something or take care of someone

possessions

Things that belong to someone; personal property

ultimate

Final; highest; most extreme or important

harbour (noun)

A sheltered place on the coast where ships anchor safely

external

Outside; coming from or relating to the outer part of something