Week 6

Week 6 Vocabulary

Novel: new; original

The lightbulb over his head meant that he had a novel idea. 

Antonyms: familiar, old, time-honored

The time-honored tradition of Crosstown Shootout was put in jeopardy after the fight. 

Philanthropy: love of mankind; donating to a charity

Through philanthropy, each person can make a difference in the lives of the needy. 

Antomyms: meanness, miserliness

Ebenezer Scrooge was haunted by ghosts because of his miserliness. 

Tentative: experimental; temporary; uncertain

The baby was tentative about taking her first steps. 

Antonyms: independent; unconditional

Learning to ride a bike helps a child feel independent from his parents. 

Deference: submission to another's will; respect; courtesy

In deference to his father's wishes, the young man agreed to be home before dark. 

Antonyms: defiance, disobedience

The disobedient child was forced to stand in the corner for her punishment. 

Vacillate: to be indecisive; to waver back and forth

Too many choices can force a person to vacillate when trying to make a decision. 

Antonyms: dive (in), plunge (in)

The volleyball defender has to be ready to dive in for any type of play. 

Fervor: passion

The fervor in women's sports is just as deep as in men's athletics. 

Antonyms: indifference, impassiveness, insensitivity

Bystanders showed indifference to the apparent crime scene.

Dispassionate: without passion; objective; neutral

The judge should be dispassionate when listening to his court cases so he makes a fair judgment. 

Antonyms: biased, one-sided, inequitable

Fans are usually biased toward the hometown team. 

Pragmatic: practical; down-to-earth; biased on experience rather than theory

The pragmatic answer to high gas prices is a fuel efficient car.

Antonyms: impractical, unrealistic, idealistic

A luxury cruise might be an impractical vacation during tough economic times. 

Rigorous: strict; harsh; severe

Rigorous training in boot camp helps prepare a soldier for battle. 

Antonyms: gentle; tolerant; indulgent

The gentle manner of Jesus made children want to be around Him to hear his stories. 

Solemn: serious; grave

Each year, police officers hold a solemn memorial to honor officers who were killed in the line of duty.

Antonyms: flighty, frivolous, goofy, undignified

The goofy party hats will be the perfect accessories for the birthday celebration.