Ch.15 Vocab

benevolent

(adj.) kindly, charitable The benevolent fund at my church collects money to help poor families in our parish.

mandatory

adj. essential An entrance fee wasn't mandatory, but a sign at the museum entrance suggested that visitors make a donation

lucrative

adj. financially rewarding Acting is lucrative for only a small percentage of performers. The rest need additional sources of income, such as waiting on tables or parking cars.

deficit

noun, a lack We could overcome a deficit of organs for transplants if more people would agree to have their organs donated after they die.

diversion

noun, a way to relax My parents enjoy card games, but my sister and I prefer such diversions as computer games and music videos.

agnostic

noun, one who fees that we can't know if God exists "When someone who believes in God marries someone who does not," the comic asked, "do they give birth to an agnostic?"

dissent

noun, opposition There was no dissent in the family on whether or not to start a vegetable garden this year. We all agreed it was a great idea.

abstain

verb, to deny oneself Because Hank needs to lose weight, his doctor recommended that he abstain from all sweets and fatty foods.

affiliate

verb, to join Yong could have joined the all-male club, but he prefers to affiliate with organizations that welcome both men and women.

aspire

verb, to wish My kid brother aspires to become the video-game champion of the world