Vocab (10) Words Deck 2

Vocabulary Notes

1. Adversary

  • Word Class: Noun

  • Pronunciation: /ˌæd.vəˈser.i/ (AD-ver-sehr-ee)

  • Definition: An opponent or enemy in a contest, conflict, or dispute.

  • Example 1: The hero knew that his adversary was waiting for him at the top of the mountain.

  • Example 2: Although they were friends off the field, they were fierce adversaries during the soccer game.

2. Benevolent

  • Word Class: Adjective

  • Pronunciation: /bəˈnev.əl.ənt/ (buh-NEV-uh-lunt)

  • Definition: Well-meaning, kindly, or organized for the purpose of doing good.

  • Example 1: The benevolent neighbor offered to mow the lawn for the elderly couple for free.

  • Example 2: She had a benevolent smile that made everyone in the room feel welcome.

3. Conspicuous

  • Word Class: Adjective

  • Pronunciation: /kənˈspɪk.ju.əs/ (kun-SPIK-yoo-us)

  • Definition: Standing out so as to be clearly visible; attracting notice or attention.

  • Example 1: The neon green bird was very conspicuous among the dark green leaves.

  • Example 2: He felt conspicuous standing in the middle of the crowded hallway with his giant science project.

4. Dismal

  • Word Class: Adjective

  • Pronunciation: /ˈdɪz.məl/ (DIZ-mul)

  • Definition: Depressing, dreary, or gloomy; showing a lack of merit or skill.

  • Example 1: The weather was dismal, with grey clouds and constant drizzling rain all day.

  • Example 2: The team’s performance was dismal after they failed to score a single point.

5. Exasperation

  • Word Class: Noun

  • Pronunciation: /ɪɡˌzæs.pəˈreɪ.ʃən/ (ig-zas-puh-RAY-shun)

  • Definition: A feeling of intense irritation or annoyance.

  • Example 1: After explaining the instructions for the fifth time, the teacher sighed in exasperation.

  • Example 2: She threw her hands up in exasperation when her computer crashed again.

6. Falter

  • Word Class: Verb

  • Pronunciation: /ˈfɑːl.tɚ/ (FALL-ter)

  • Definition: To start to lose strength or momentum; to speak or move hesitatingly.

  • Example 1: Even though the race was long, her resolve did not falter as she approached the finish line.

  • Example 2: His voice began to falter as he reached the most emotional part of his speech.

7. Grueling

  • Word Class: Adjective

  • Pronunciation: /ˈɡruː.ə.lɪŋ/ (GROO-uh-ling)

  • Definition: Extremely tiring and demanding.

  • Example 1: The hikers faced a grueling climb up the steep, rocky terrain.

  • Example 2: After a grueling eight-hour exam, the students were completely exhausted.

8. Meticulous

  • Word Class: Adjective

  • Pronunciation: /məˈtɪk.jə.ləs/ (muh-TIK-yuh-lus)

  • Definition: Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.

  • Example 1: The artist was meticulous, spending hours on just one small section of the painting.

  • Example 2: He kept meticulous records of all the money he spent during his vacation.

9. Obscure

  • Word Class: Adjective / Verb

  • Pronunciation: /əbˈskjʊr/ (ub-SKYOOR)

  • Definition: As an adjective: Not discovered or known about; uncertain.

    • As a verb: To keep from being seen.

  • Example 1: The book was written by an obscure author that no one had ever heard of.

  • Example 2: Thick fog began to obscure the driver's view of the road ahead.

10. Zeal

  • Word Class: Noun

  • Pronunciation: /ziːl/ (ZEEL)

  • Definition: Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective.

  • Example 1: Her zeal for protecting the environment led her to start a recycling club at school.

  • Example 2: The fans cheered with great zeal when their team scored the winning goal.

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