Vocabulary Building: Key Words and Definitions for Advanced Learners

Spareness

The fact of being small in number or amount, often spread over a large area

Inert

Not moving or not able to move

Villainous

Relating to, constituting, or guilty of wicked or criminal behavior

Persecuted

To treat someone unfairly or cruelly over a long period of time because of their race, religion, or political beliefs, or to annoy someone by refusing to leave them alone

Somber

Serious, sad, and without humor or entertainment

Creed

A set of beliefs that influences the way you live

Predilection

A preference or special liking for something; a bias in favor of something

Rankle

To make someone annoyed or angry for a long time

Parochial

Having a limited or narrow outlook or scope

Homage

Deep respect and often praise shown for a person or god