act vocab weeks 1-7

foreboding

other forms: forebode, foreboding, forebodingly, foreboding

part of speech: noun or adjective

definition: a strong feeling that something bad is going to happen; a sense of dread or ominous anticipation.

sentence: as the storm clouds gathered, a sense of foreboding settled over the village.

trick: “FOREcast of something bad”

forebear

other forms: forebears

part of speech: Noun

definition: a person from whom you are descended; an ancestor, especially one from a long time ago.

sentence: She took great pride in the achievements of her forebears.

trick: BEAR —> Merida (family)

foresight

other forms: foresighted, foresightedness, foresightful

part of speech: Noun

definition: the ability to predict or anticipate what will happen in the future and plan accordingly.

sentence: Her financial foresight allowed her to retire early and travel the world.

trick: SIGHT —> see into the future

misconstrue

other forms: misconstrued, misconstruing, misconstrues

part of speech: Verb

definition: to interpret something incorrectly; to misunderstand the meaning or intention of something.

sentence: Don't misconstrue my silence as agreement.

trick: MISunderstand

misnomer

other forms: misnomers

part of speech: Noun

definition: a wrong or inaccurate name or label for something or someone.

sentence: Calling it a “smartphone” is a bit of a misnomer — it rarely works when you actually need it!

trick: MISnamed

misgiving

other forms: misgivings

part of speech: Noun

definition: a feeling of doubt, worry, or fear about something — especially about whether it’s the right thing to do.

sentence: She agreed to the plan, but with serious misgivings about whether it would work.

trick: miss give —> miss gates (sense of doubt when you listen to her opinions).

overzealous

other forms: overzealously, overzealousness

part of speech: Adjective

definition: excessively enthusiastic or passionate, especially in a way that becomes extreme, obsessive, or counterproductive.

sentence: The overzealous fan kept shouting through the entire concert.

trick: OVER the top with ZEAL.”

oversight

other forms: oversights

part of speech: Noun

definition: a mistake made because something was forgotten or missed (unintentional neglect).

sentence: It was a simple oversight — I forgot to include the attachment.

trick: OVER-look

affinity

other forms: affinities, affinitive

part of speech: Noun

definition: a natural liking, attraction, or similarity for someone or something; a connection or bond based on shared qualities.

sentence: She had an immediate affinity for the new team members,

trick: A fine person

altruistic

other forms: altruistically, altruism

part of speech: Adjective

definition: unselfishly concerned for or devoted to the welfare of others; showing selfless concern for others’ happiness or well-being.

sentence: Her altruistic efforts to help the homeless earned her the community’s respect.

trick: TRU—> true concern for AL—> all

animosity

other forms: animosities

part of speech: Noun

definition: strong hostility or resentment; a deep-seated dislike or hatred toward someone or something.

sentence: She had animosity towards the girl who stole her job.

trick: animals in the city —> protesting urban sprawl

eclectic

other forms: eclectically, eclecticism

part of speech: Adjective

definition: deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.

sentence: Her eclectic taste in music spans genres from classical to hip-hop.

trick: EC —> Everything Combined

egregious

other forms: egregiously, egregiousness

part of speech: Adjective

definition: outrageously bad or shocking; extraordinarily harmful or offensive.

sentence: The company’s egregious disregard for safety standards led to a major accident.

trick: Extremely Gross Mistake

enigma

other forms: enigmas

part of speech: Noun

definition: a person, thing, or situation that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.

sentence: She was an enigma.

trick: EGG —> weird

esoteric

other forms: esoterically, esotericism

part of speech: Adjective

definition: intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with specialized knowledge or interest; something that’s obscure or secret.

sentence: The secret society meeting was an esoteric affair.

trick: Exclusive Secrets

allot

a lot

to give or assign something in shares or portions.

a large amount or many.

affect

effect

to influence something or someone.

a result or outcome of an action or event.

council

counsel

a group of people convened for advice, deliberation, or decision-making.

advice given formally, often legal advice or to give advice or guidance.

compliment

complement

A polite expression of praise or admiration.

Something that completes or enhances something else.

intervene

other forms: intervention, intervened, intervening, intervenes

part of speech: verb

definition: to come between to help or change a situation

sentence: The principal had to intervene when the students wouldn’t stop arguing.

trick: think “enter in between” — step in to stop or help.

interlude

other forms: interludes

part of speech: noun

definition: a short break or pause between events or parts of something

sentence: There was a musical interlude between the acts of the play.

trick: "inter" = between, "lude" = play → a break between plays or scenes.

intramural

other forms: intramurals

part of speech: adjective

definition: happening within the same school, especially for sports or activities

sentence: She joined an intramural basketball team at her college.

trick: “intra” = within, “mural” = walls → within the same walls (same school).

intravenous

other forms: X

part of speech: adjective

definition: occurring within or administered through a vein

sentence: The doctor gave the patient an intravenous injection of fluids.

trick: “intra” = within, “venous” = veins → within the veins.

extraneous

other forms: extraneously

part of speech: adjective

definition: irrelevant or unrelated to the subject being considered

sentence: The professor asked the student to remove the extraneous details from the essay.

trick: "extra" = additional, "aneous" = relating to → extra, unnecessary information.

extrapolate

other forms: extrapolated, extrapolating, extrapolates

part of speech: verb

definition: to infer or estimate something based on known information

sentence: From the data, we can extrapolate the future trends in sales.

trick: "extra" = beyond, "polate" = to estimate → estimate beyond known data.

gratuitous

other forms: gratuitously

part of speech: adjective

definition: unnecessary or uncalled for; OR given or done free of charge

sentence: The movie had gratuitous violence that didn’t add to the story.

trick: think “gratuity” (a tip) — something given freely, but gratuitous means unneeded or over-the-top.

audacity

other forms: none (related adjective: audacious)

part of speech: noun

definition: boldness or daring, often in a rude or shocking way

sentence: She had the audacity to interrupt the speaker mid-sentence.

trick: sounds like “awe-dacity” — someone with awe-level daring (sometimes too much!).

emulate

other forms: emulated, emulating, emulates, emulation (noun)

part of speech: verb

definition: to try to match or surpass someone by imitating them

sentence: He tried to emulate his older brother’s success in school.

trick: think “imitate to elevate” — copy someone to reach their level.

nepotism

other forms: none

part of speech: noun

definition: favoritism shown to relatives, especially in jobs or positions of power

sentence: The company was accused of nepotism after the CEO hired his niece as a manager.

trick: “nephew” is in nepotism — think favoring your nephew or family.

conundrum

other forms: conundrums

part of speech: noun

definition: a confusing or difficult problem or question

sentence: Choosing between the two job offers was a real conundrum.

trick: sounds like "confusing drum" — a problem that keeps beating in your head.

disingenuous

other forms: disingenuously, disingenuousness

part of speech: adjective

definition: not sincere or honest; pretending to know less than you really do

sentence: Her surprise seemed disingenuous since she helped plan the party.

trick: “dis” = not, “genuine” = real → not genuine or fake.

dubious

other forms: dubiously, dubiousness

part of speech: adjective

definition: doubtful or suspicious; not to be trusted

sentence: he gave a dubious excuse for missing the meeting.

trick: sounds like “do you buy this?” — when something seems sketchy or unconvincing.

morose

other forms: morosely, moroseness

part of speech: adjective

definition: gloomy, sullen, or bad-tempered

sentence: She became morose after hearing the bad news.

trick: sounds like "more roses" — someone sadly wishing for more happiness or joy.

fortuitous

other forms: fortuitously, fortuitousness

part of speech: adjective

definition: happening by chance, often in a lucky or beneficial way

sentence: It was fortuitous that we ran into each other at the airport.

trick: sounds like “fortunate” — a lucky coincidence.

allusion

illusion

an indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance. It does not describe in detail the person or thing to which it refers.

a false perception or belief; something that deceives by producing a misleading impression of reality.

every day

everyday

means each day or daily. it refers to something that happens regularly.

means ordinary, commonplace, or typical. it describes something that is used or seen routinely.

faze

phase

to disturb, upset, or disconcert someone emotionally or mentally.

a stage or period in a process of development, change, or transition.

desert (noun)

desert (verb)

dessert

a dry, barren area of land, often sandy, with little rainfall and sparse vegetation.

to abandon someone or something.

a sweet course eaten at the end of a meal.

antediluvian

other forms: antediluvian (as a noun)

part of speech: adjective

definition: extremely old-fashioned or outdated.

sentence: My grandfather still uses a typewriter and refuses to use a smartphone—his habits are truly antediluvian.

trick: diluvian = flood, before the flood

antecedent

other forms: antecedently

part of speech: noun

definition: something that comes before something else, especially in time or logic. OR in grammar, it refers to a word or phrase that a pronoun refers to.

sentence: The storm was an antecedent to the massive flooding that followed.

trick: antecedent boundaries from APHUG

posterior

other forms: posterior (noun), posteriorly,

part of speech: adjective

definition: situated behind or at the rear; later in time.

sentence: The posterior legs of the insect are adapted for jumping.

trick: post = after, after the rest (the end)

posthumous

other forms: posthumously

part of speech: adjective

definition: occurring, awarded, or appearing after the death of the originator.

sentence: The author received a posthumous Pulitzer Prize for her final novel, published a year after her death.

trick: humous = death, after death

chronology

other forms: chronological, chronologically

part of speech: adjective

definition: the arrangement of events in the order of their occurrence in time

sentence: The museum exhibit followed the chronology of the Roman Empire from its founding to its fall.

trick: chron - clock (time)

anachronism

other forms: anachronistic, anachronistically

part of speech: noun

definition: something out of its proper time period, especially something that belongs to an earlier era but is placed in a later one.

sentence: The movie about ancient Rome showed a soldier wearing a wristwatch—an obvious anachronism.

trick: ana = against, chrono = time— against time

synchronize

other forms: synchronization, synchronized, synchronizing, synchronously, synchronizer

part of speech: verb

definition: to cause things to happen at the same time or to operate in unison

sentence: The dancers had to synchronize their movements perfectly for the final performance.

trick: synthesize - together, chrono = time

amenable

other forms: amenably, amenability

part of speech: adjective

definition: willing to cooperate, open to suggestions or influence. OR legally responsible or answerable to authority (in formal/legal contexts).

sentence: She was amenable to the idea of working overtime if it meant finishing the project early.

trick: amendment - changed

virulent

other forms: virulently, virulence

part of speech: adjective

definition: extremely harmful or poisonous, especially describing a disease or toxin.

OR bitterly hostile or malicious, when describing someone's attitude, speech, or actions.

sentence: The patient was infected with a virulent strain of the virus.

trick: viru- virus

taciturn

other forms: taciturnity

part of speech: adjective

definition: reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little or almost nothing.

sentence: Unlike his outgoing sister, James was taciturn and preferred to observe rather than speak.

trick: tacit—implied without saying

incredulous

other forms: incredulously, incredulity

part of speech: adjective

definition: unwilling or unable to believe something; showing disbelief or skepticism.

sentence: When he heard the news, he gave an incredulous laugh, unable to believe what he was hearing.

trick: in (not), cred- credible. hard to believe

tedious

other forms: tediously, tedium

part of speech: adjective

definition: long, slow, and tiresome, often because something is repetitive or boring.

sentence: After hours of answering emails, she found the task incredibly tedious and could barely keep her eyes open.

trick: ted is a boring name

tenacious

other forms: tenaciously, tenacity

part of speech: adjective

definition: holding fast or persistent; unwilling to give up or let go.

sentence: Her tenacious attitude helped her overcome every obstacle in her path, and she eventually succeeded.

trick: ten out ten — persistent

galvanize

other forms: galvanization, galvanized

part of speech: verb

definition: to shock or excite someone into action OR to coat (usually metal) with a layer of zinc to prevent rusting.

sentence: The speech from the coach galvanized the team, and they went on to win the game.

trick: galivant - proudly wander (action)

usurp

other forms: usurpation, usurped

part of speech: verb

definition: to take (a position of power or importance) illegally or by force.

sentence: After the king's death, his brother attempted to usurp the throne by claiming it as his own.

trick: surp-slurp up

its

it’s

1) possessive form of the pronoun it.

used to show ownership or belonging to "it" (e.g., an object, animal, or thing).

2) a contraction for "it is" or "it has".

used when shortening "it is" or "it has" in sentences

lead (noun)

lead (verb)

led

1) a heavy metal commonly used in batteries, shielding, and pipes (historically).

• can also refer to guidance or the position of being in charge.

2) to guide or direct someone or something.

• to be in charge of a group or activity.

3) the past tense of "lead" (verb), meaning to have guided or directed someone or something in the past.

past (noun)

past (adverb)

past (adjective)

passed

1) refers to a time that has already happened or events that have occurred before the present moment.

2) refers to something happening beyond or on the other side of a certain point in time or space.

3) describes something that belongs to an earlier time or something that is no longer current or relevant.

4) the past tense of the verb pass, meaning to move by or go beyond something, or to complete something (e.g., a test or a goal).

peek

peak

pique

1) to look quickly or secretly at something, usually out of curiosity

2) the highest point or summit of something, such as a mountain or a level of achievement.

3) to stimulate or arouse a strong feeling, such as curiosity or interest. it can also mean to provoke someone’s emotions, especially anger or irritation.

incessant

other forms: incessant, incessantly, incessancy, incessancies

part of speech: adjective

definition: never stopping, going on and on

sentence: The incessant crying of a baby drives everyone crazy.

trick: sounds like inSESSion, or the endless session of congress

incongruous

other forms: incongruous, incongruously, incongruity, incongruities

part of speech: adjective

definition: out of place

sentence: The business man wearing shorts to the board meeting was completely incongruous.

trick: in-CONE-goo-russ, a cone is out of place on a goo covered russet potato

impertinent

other forms: impertinent, impertinently, impertinence, impertinences

part of speech: adjective

definition: rude and disrespectful

sentence: The impertinent child was sent to his room.

trick: sounds like im-PERT-uh-nent, suggesting a lack of proper behavior.

impunity

other forms: X

part of speech: noun

definition: exemption from punishment or freedom from the injurious consequences of an action

sentence: Many corporate executives act with impunity, ignoring regulations that might affect their profits.

trick: sounds like im-PYOO-nuh-tee, implying that one is immune to repercussions.

irrevocable

other forms: irrevocable, irrevocably, irrevocability

part of speech: adjective

definition: not able to be changed, reversed, or recovered; final.

sentence: Unless you can find significant new evidence, the jury’s guilty verdict is irrevocable.

trick: re-VOICE-able; can't revoice your decision

austere

other forms: austere, austerely, austerity, austerities

part of speech: adjective

definition: stern or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance

sentence: The teacher had an austere demeanor that made it difficult to joke around her.

trick: a STARE will make someone stiff or strict

lament

other forms: lament, laments, lamented, lamenting, lamentable, lamentably, lamentation, lamentations

part of speech: verb

definition: to express sorrow or regret

sentence: It is absurd to lament the passing of time.

trick: la- lay around and do nothing

aloof

other forms: aloof, aloofly, aloofness

part of speech: adjective

definition: not friendly or forthcoming; cool and distant

sentence: Because of his shyness, he remained aloof at the party.

trick: a roof keeps people distant

connoisseur

other forms: connoisseur, connoisseuring, connoisseurship

part of speech: noun

definition: an expert judge in matters of taste

sentence: The wine connoisseur could tell the difference between a cheap and expensive bottle with a single sip.

trick: can-no-sewer… I KNOW SEWER because I'm an expert

encroach

other forms: encroach, encroaches, encroached, encroaching, encroachment, encroachments

part of speech: verb

definition: to intrude on (a person's territory or rights)

sentence: The new housing development encroached on the natural habitat of several endangered species.

trick: a roach is encroaching when he enters your house

dauntless

other forms: dauntless, dauntlessly, dauntlessness

part of speech: adjective

definition: showing fearlessness and determination

sentence: The dauntless firefighter ran into the burning building to save the family trapped inside.

trick: don't-less; you won't be less of a person if you show courage

candor

other forms: candor, candid, candidly, candidness

part of speech: noun

definition: the quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness.

sentence: I admire the candor that journalist exhibits when talking about politics.

trick: Can Door; can you open the door to honest feelings?

erudite

other forms: erudite, eruditely, erudition

part of speech: adjective

definition: having or showing great knowledge or learning.

sentence: The erudite professor could answer any question his students posed.

trick: air-you-dite; Are you tight on your knowledge?

divergent

other forms: divergent, divergently, divergence, divergences

part of speech: adjective

definition: tending to be different or develop in different directions.

sentence: The two scientists had divergent opinions on the cause of global warming.

trick: divergent trilogy

aghast

other forms: aghast, aghastly

part of speech: adjective

definition: filled with horror or shock.

sentence: I was aghast when I saw the car accident.

trick: a ghost; seeing a ghost would leave you in shock.

beginning

exercise

necessary

sophomore

beg——inning

ex—-er—-cise

nec—-ess—-ary

sop—hom—ore

benevolent

Well meaning and kindly.

benefactor

A person who gives money or other help to a person or cause.

malevolent

Having or showing a wish to do evil to others.

malignant

(of a disease) very virulent or infectious.

discord

Lack of agreement or harmony (as between persons, things, or ideas)

discrepancy

A lack of compatibility or similarity between two or more facts.

impede

Delay or prevent (someone or something) by obstructing them; hinder.

prelude

An introductory piece of music, most commonly an orchestral opening to an act of an opera, the first movement of a suite, or a piece preceding a fugue.

evade

Escape or avoid (something), especially by using cunning or trickery.

efface

Erase (a mark) from a surface.

incite

Encourage or stir up (violent or unlawful behavior).

lassitude

A state of physical or mental weariness; lack of energy.

ambiance

The character and atmosphere of a place.

girth

The measurement around the middle of something, especially a person's waist.

propulsive

Having the quality of propelling; serving to propel.

controversy

Disagreement among multiple parties on a topic.

incontrovertible

Not able to be denied or disputed.

contraband

Goods prohibited by law from being imported or exported.

depreciate

To diminish in value over time.

deviate

To depart from an established course or norm.

decadent

Characterized by excessive indulgence or luxury.

degenerate

To decline in quality or moral standards.

engender

To cause or give rise to a feeling or situation.

milieu

The social or cultural environment in which events occur.

histrionic

Overly theatrical or dramatic in character.

arduous

Involving a lot of effort; difficult to accomplish.

reminisce

To recall past experiences or events fondly.