Vocabulary List for 10th Grade English

What does the word 'alleviate' mean?

To make something less severe or more bearable.

What is a synonym for 'aspire'?

Strive.

How would you define 'colloquial'?

Used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary.

What does 'conundrum' refer to?

A confusing and difficult problem or question.

How does 'cursory' describe a glance?

Hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed.

What does being 'diligent' involve?

Showing care and effort in your work or duties.

Define 'empathy'.

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

What does 'fluctuate' mean?

To change or vary in level, degree, or value.

What does it mean to 'galvanize' someone?

To stimulate or excite someone to action.

What is the meaning of 'imminent'?

About to happen; impending.

What does 'keen' imply about a person's interest?

Having or showing eagerness or enthusiasm.

What does 'longevity' refer to?

Long life or existence; long duration.

Define 'meticulous'.

Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.

What does 'nostalgia' mean?

A sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past.

What characterizes an 'omnipotent' being?

Having unlimited power; able to do anything.

What is a 'paradox'?

A statement that contradicts itself but may reveal a truth.

What does 'quaint' describe?

Attractively unusual or old-fashioned.

What does 'reiterate' mean?

To say something again or a number of times for clarity or emphasis.

What does it mean to 'synthesize'?

To combine a number of things into a coherent whole.

Define 'tangible'.

Perceptible by touch; clear and definite; real.

What does 'ubiquitous' mean?

Present, appearing, or found everywhere.

What characterizes someone who is 'venerable'?

Having a great deal of respect due to age or wisdom.

What does being 'wary' suggest?

Feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems.

How would you define 'zealous'?

Having or showing zeal; passionate.

What does 'affluent' mean?

Having a great deal of money; wealthy.

Define 'benevolent'.

Well-meaning and kindly; charitable.

What does 'candid' imply?

Truthful and straightforward; frank.

What is a 'dichotomy'?

A division or contrast between two things that are represented as being opposed or entirely different.

What defines someone as 'erudite'?

Having or showing great knowledge or learning.

What does 'fortitude' signify?

Courage in pain or adversity.

What characterizes someone who is 'garrulous'?

Excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters.

What does 'heinous' describe?

Utterly odious or wicked; shockingly evil.

What does 'impassive' refer to?

Not feeling or showing emotion; calm.

What does it mean to 'juxtapose' ideas?

To place or deal with close together for contrasting effect.

What does 'kinetic' relate to?

Relating to or resulting from motion.

How would you define 'lucid'?

Clear and easy to understand; showing ability to think clearly.

What does 'mitigate' mean?

To make less severe, serious, or painful; to alleviate.

What is a 'nuance'?

A subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression, or sound.

What does it mean to 'obfuscate' information?

To deliberately make something difficult to understand; to confuse.

What does 'prolific' mean?

Producing much fruit or foliage or many offspring; highly fruitful.

What characterizes a 'quintessential' example?

Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.

What does it mean to be 'resilient'?

Able to recover quickly from difficult conditions; tough.

How would you define 'succinct'?

Briefly and clearly expressed; concise.

What does 'tenacious' imply about a person's nature?

Holding fast; characterized by keeping a firm hold; persistent.

What does 'utopian' describe?

Modeling an ideal society; impractically idealistic.

What does 'vicarious' refer to in terms of experience?

Experienced or felt by watching, hearing, or reading about someone else's actions rather than doing it oneself.