Vocabulary Chapter 15

Agnostic

One who feels we can't know if God exists Example; Iris believes there is a God, and Marcia feels sure there isn't. Jean, and agnostic, feels we can't be certain one way or the other.

Dissent

Opposition Example; The committee was so torn by dissent that its members could not even agree on whether or not to schedule another meeting.

Deficit

A lack Example; Our club has spent much more money than it has taken in, so it now has a huge budget deficit.

Diversion

A way to relax Example; Skip likes his job, but he also enjoys such diversions as playing video games, watching baseball, and reading humorous stories.

Lucrative

Financially rewarding Example; "Teaching at a small college isn't lucrative," Professor Baum admitted, "but I've never felt the need to make lots of money."

Benevolent

Charitable Example; People are more benevolent at Christmas, the "season for giving."

Mandatory

Essential Example; Members of the basketball team have to follow strict rules. For example, it's mandatory players attend at least 80 percent of the practices.

Abstain

To deny oneself Example; Although Luis has given up high-calorie desserts, he doesnt abstain completely from chocolate. He allows himself one small square of a Hershey Bar a day.

Affiliate

To join Example; Diane is neither Democrat or Republican. She isn't affiliated with any political party.

Aspire

To wish Example; Millions of young people aspire to be professional athletes, but only a few will succeed.