VOCABULARY UNIT 10-7

DIS – Not, apart, away

DISCERN – verb - to tell apart or recognize as different

I could not discern which puppy was mine. All the Dalmatians looked exactly the same!

Discern

Can you discern the real Smith?

DISDAIN – verb – to look upon or treat with contempt; despise; scorn

Cats disdain non-feline species. They act as if they are superior to humans, and especially dogs.

INDISTINCT – adjective - not clearly marked

The photo of the suspect was too indistinct to be of any help in the search.

FORT - STRONG

Forte – noun – personal strength

• Dirk Nowitzki’s forte is making baskets, not singing.

FORTITUDE – noun - emotional strength in a difficult situation

The fortitude this athlete demonstrates is a true inspiration. If he can accomplish his dreams, everyone can.

Faith, a dog with only two legs, inspires everyone with her fortitude!

Fortuitous – adjective – happening by chance, luck, or fortune

• It was quite fortuitous that a good Samaritan found my lost wallet and not someone who would have kept it.

LEG – read, speak

ALLEGE- verb - to declare without proof

• The police officer alleged the elderly woman hit him over the head with her cane.

“Make my day!”

DELEGATE – noun - one who speaks as a representative

• The Ambassador to Ambassador Program selects leading students to act as delegates for the U.S. in exotic locales all over the world.

ELEGY – noun - a funeral song

• The elegy for Whitney Houston honored the beautiful performer in her hometown church.

PET – Seek, go towards

Don’t go to the light!

IMPETUOUS – adjective – sudden or impulsive action or emotion

• Some would say that bungee jumping is an impetuous act, yet it requires very careful planning.

Oh, and meercats should NEVER bungee jump!

PETULANT – adjective – moved to sudden, impatient, irritation, especially over a small annoyance

• A petulant expression is often described as a pout.

Petition – noun – request for something desired, especially a respectful or humble request to authority

• The students’ petition for an improved lunch had over a thousand signatures.

Rid – to laugh

Deride – verb – to laugh at with scorn

• It is rude to deride someone for poor fashion choices, but we still do it.

Ridiculous – adjective - laughable

People used to think the idea of space travel was ridiculous, but now it is a reality.

Riddance – noun – to deliver from something undesirable

While one person may say “Good riddance” to something, another will view it as a treasure.

Remember to keep track of all of your lists! Vocabulary is important for reading, speaking, and writing!