Saturn Spectacular & Reading Passage Vocabulary

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering terms, phrases, and idioms from reading passage analysis and the Saturn Spectacular reading module.

dumbfounded

Greatly astonished, amazed, or rendered speechless with shock.

with respect to + someone/something

In relation to, concerning, or compared with someone or something.

phenomenon

A remarkable, observable fact, occurrence, or event.

agenda

An underlying plan, motive, intention, or list of matters to be addressed.

trace something

To follow, track, or discover the course, history, or development of something.

tactic

A carefully planned method, strategy, or action intended to achieve a specific goal.

disdain something

To regard or treat something with contempt, scorn, or a lack of respect.

substantive

Having real importance, value, or substance; meaningful and considerable.

notoriety

The state of being widely known or famous, particularly for a bad quality or deed.

leverage

To use something to maximum advantage.

upbringing

The care, treatment, and education received by a person while growing up.

ingratiate oneself with somebody

To bring oneself into favor or gain approval with someone through deliberate effort or flattery.

coverage

The reporting or inclusion of an event, subject, or topic in the media or discussion.

Omit

To leave out, exclude, or fail to include someone or something.

gush over someone

To speak about someone with excessive enthusiasm, praise, or emotion.

put forward something / put something forward

To propose, submit, or suggest an idea or plan for consideration.

neutral

Objective, impartial, and not taking or supporting either side in a controversy or conflict.

bias

Prejudice or an inclination in favor of or against a person, group, or thing in an unfair way.

demon

A cruel, wicked, or destructive person; or a malicious evil entity.

pick something apart

To analyze something thoroughly and critically in order to expose its flaws or errors.

proffer

To offer or hold out something for someone to accept.

prose

Written or spoken language in its ordinary form without metrical structure; literary style.

condescension

An attitude of patronizing superiority, haughtiness, or disdain toward others.

cloak something in something

To hide, conceal, or disguise something under or behind something else.

set out

To present, explain, or state a series of facts, ideas, or arguments clearly and systematically.

expose

To uncover, reveal, or make visible something that was hidden or dishonest.

get in the way

To obstruct, hinder, or prevent something from happening or progressing.

wane

To decrease gradually in strength, power, intensity, or size.

management guru

A recognized leading expert, master, or influential authority in the field of business management.

anecdote

A short, interesting, or amusing story about a real incident or person.

crude

Simple, basic, or in an unrefined, natural state.

shrink to + a state or size

To become reduced or decrease in size, amount, or state.

tease somebody

To tantalize or arouse someone's curiosity or interest without immediately satisfying it.

intriguing

Arousing great interest, curiosity, or fascination; captivating.

vantage

A place, position, or viewpoint that affords a good perspective or view.

dim

Lacking in light or brightness; faint, unclear, or poorly illuminated.

rock

A large mass of stone; or to shake, sway, or disturb something violently.

eke out a living

To struggle to make a livelihood or survive with difficulty on scarce resources.

hang on to

To keep, hold onto, or retain possession of something.

bland

Lacking strong features, flavor, or excitement; dull, uninteresting, or mild.

opaque

Not able to be seen through; not transparent or translucent.

acquire

To gain, obtain, receive, or take possession of something.

slim

Slender or thin; or very small in degree, amount, or likelihood.

radiate

To emit, discharge, or spread out rays of heat, light, or energy.

interpret

To explain, understand, or elucidate the meaning of something.

once and for all

Conclusively, definitively, and permanently; settling an issue completely.

scatter

To disperse, distribute, or spread loosely in various directions.

give off

To emit, produce, or release something such as heat, light, scent, or gas.