Vocabulary List: Uncommon Words for 8th Grade

Overview

• Grade Level: 8th Grade
• Topic: Odd Custom and Related Words
• Number of Words: 15

Vocabulary Words

1. odd custom

   • Definition: A peculiar or unusual tradition followed by a specific group or culture.
   • Example: The villagers had an odd custom of celebrating the harvest by dancing with scarecrows.
   • Synonyms: peculiar tradition, strange practice, quirky habit

2. regard

   • Definition: To consider or think of someone or something in a specified way.
   • Example: She showed deep regard for her teachers and always valued their advice.
   • Synonyms: respect, esteem, consideration

3. forging

   • Definition: The act of creating something by shaping metal or, in a figurative sense, forming something new.
   • Example: He was forging a path in his career by taking on challenging projects.
   • Synonyms: shaping, creating, constructing

4. absently

   • Definition: In a distracted or inattentive manner; without paying full attention.
   • Example: She absently nodded during the lecture, lost in her own thoughts.
   • Synonyms: distractedly, inattentively, absentmindedly

5. smeared

   • Definition: Spread or apply a substance thickly or messily on a surface.
   • Example: The artist smeared vibrant colors across the canvas to create a striking effect.
   • Synonyms: spread, smudged, daubed

6. ripe

   • Definition: Fully developed and ready to be eaten or harvested; mature.
   • Example: The peaches on the tree were ripe and bursting with juice, ready for picking.
   • Synonyms: mature, ready, full

7. roots

   • Definition: The parts of a plant that absorb water and nutrients from the soil; can also refer to the origin or source of something.
   • Example: The roots of the family tree can be traced back to early settlers.
   • Synonyms: base, foundation, origin

8. lurch

   • Definition: To move suddenly and unsteadily from one position to another.
   • Example: The car lurched forward when the driver hit the accelerator too hard.
   • Synonyms: stagger, sway, pitch

9. solitary

   • Definition: Existing alone or in isolation; lonely.
   • Example: He enjoyed his solitary walks in the quiet of the forest, away from the bustle of the city.
   • Synonyms: alone, isolated, lonely

10. den

    • Definition: A wild animal's lair or resting place; also a small, cozy space in a house for relaxation.
    • Example: The fox returned to its den after a long day of hunting.
    • Synonyms: lair, home, refuge

11. fend

    • Definition: To ward off or defend against something; to manage or take care of oneself.
    • Example: She had to fend for herself after her parents moved abroad for work.
    • Synonyms: defend, resist, ward off

12. muttered

    • Definition: To speak quietly and unclearly, often in a low voice.
    • Example: He muttered his displeasure under his breath so as not to be overheard.
    • Synonyms: murmured, grumbled, whispered