Vocabulary Workshop Level C - Unit 7

convey

(v.) To express; To communicate something We tried to ------- how important a college degree could be to finding a good job.

waver

(v.) To not make a definite choice; To show indecision We were going to the mall until she began to -------- about using her mother's car to drive so far away.

turncoat

(n.) One who changes to the opposite party or faction or reverses principles; A traitor We thought he was loyal to the cause until he became a(n) ------- and joined the opposition.

parry

(n.) A defensive movement meant to deflect or ward off a thrust or blow; (v.) To deflect or ward off a weapon or blow The football player was known as someone who could ------ around the tacklers to avoid losing the ball.

juncture

(n.) A point in time, especially a crucial one; A joint or connection We finally hit a(n) -------- in the project when the experiment finally worked correctly.

wallow

(n.) A pool of water or mud where animals roll around; (v.) To roll about or lie in water, snow, mud, etc. for refreshment The elephant likes to go into the ----- to take a muddy bath.

exotic

(adj.) Very unusual or from another part of the world; Foreign There was a rumor that a(n) -------- new student was coming to our school and then an ordinary guy showed up with no accent.

haggard

(adj.) Worn and exhausted in appearance He had stubble from a beard which made him look -------- after staying up all night to study for the test.

stance

(n.) A mental, physical or emotional position adopted with respect to something; A position He explained his ------- on the issue with a well prepared power point presentation.

doctrine

(n.) A principle or body of principles presented for acceptance or belief; Teachings, in general The founders wrote a(n) ------- of their beliefs called the Constitution of the United States.

belittle

(v.) To regard or portray as less impressive or important than appearances indicate; To depreciate; To disparage The popular clique began to ------- everyone that was not part of their group so we would bad mouth them back.

predatory

(adj.) Living by killing, eating or robbing others The Cheetah's natural behavior was ------towards most animals because it was such a good hunter.

unassuming

(adj.) Not arrogant or pretentious; Modest She was a quiet -------- person who dressed in a modest fashion.

tawdry

(adj.) Showy, cheap and tacky; Gaudy It bothered their upscale neighbors that they put ------- flamingos all over their yard.

jaunty

(adj.) Lighthearted; Animated; Easy and carefree She would try to cheer up sad, depressed people with her -------- personality.

acme

(n.) The highest point of something; The highest level attainable They wanted to climb to the ---- of the mountain even though few people have made it that high.

attribute

(n.) A quality or characteristic belonging to someone or something (v.) To regard as belonging to or resulting from another, to assign; (v.) (n.) A quality or characteristic belonging to someone or something To regard as belonging to or resulting from another, to assign Her speech stated that she wanted to-------- her success to the hard work of the entire group.

menial

(n.) A servant who does lowly and unpleasant work; (adj.) Of or relating to lowly and sometimes degrading work She was forced to do ------ jobs like scrubbing toilets and cleaning up pet poop because she had no education.

excise

(n.) A tax on unnecessary goods; (v.) To remove by or as if by cutting She tried to ------- the wart by using medication in hopes of it disappearing.

ravage

(n.) Devastating, destructive or ruinous damage; (v.) To bring heavy destruction on, to devastate We were afraid the storm would ---------the town and kill people.