Making New Words Your Own: Vocabulary Exercises

Vocabulary terms and definitions drawn directly from context clue exercises in Making New Words Your Own.

Gratuitous

Freely given or obtained; unearned; uncalled for; without justification or cause.

Etymology

The source and development of a word; the study of word sources and development.

Venerate

To regard with deep respect, honor, or esteem; to revere.

Truism

A statement the truth of which is obvious or well known.

Erudite

Having or displaying extensive knowledge; learned; scholarly.

Charlatan

A person who falsely claims to possess expert knowledge or skill; a quack; an impostor.

Extol

To praise highly.

Broach

To mention for the first time; to introduce a subject; to start a discussion of.

Predisposed

To create or possess a tendency or preference in advance; to make susceptible.

Immutable

Never changing; unchangeable; unalterable.

Infringe

To violate or disregard a law or an agreement; to trespass; to break in on.

Specious

Seemingly desirable, reasonable, or true but not really so; having a deceptively good appearance.

Ostensibly

Outwardly professed; apparent; seeming.

Absolve

To declare free from guilt and blame; to set free from a promise or an obligation.

Subjugate

To subdue; to conquer; to force to submit.

Antipodes

Any two places at directly opposite points on the earth; two opposite things.

Retroactive

Applying to events that are past.

Antipathy

A strong dislike; an aversion.

Nettle

A stinging plant; to sting with, or as if with, a nettle; to cause sharp annoyance; to irritate.

Indigent

Poor; needy.