Chapter 23

AssertClarifyEvadeExtendprecaution

Preconception

ResembleRigidSenselessvertical

Definition – To state positively, often without proof

Part of speech – verbSentence – The mayor asserted that he never took bribes, but the jury did not believe him.

Definition – To make clear or easy to understand

Part of speech – verbSentence – Jackie asked her teacher to clarify the homework assignment.

Definition – To escape or avoid through clever action

Part of speech – VerbSentence – The robbers tried to evade the police by hiding on the roof.

Definition – To make longer in time or later in time; continue

Part of speech – VerbSentence – The teacher said, “I will extend the deadline to next week.”

Definition – Something done in advance to avoid a problem

Part of speech – NounSentence – We took the precaution of having the car tuned up before our trip.

Definition – An opinion formed before having enough information or experience

Part of speech – NounSentence – Our preconception that the party would be boring was wrong.

Definition – To look like or be similar to; be like

Part of speech – VerbSentence – Wild mushrooms resemble mushrooms that are safe to eat.

Definition – Stiff; not bending

Part of speech – AdjectiveSentence – The guards outside the palace stood still. They were rigid as poles.

Definition – Foolish; not making good sense

Part of speech – AdjectiveSentence – It seems senseless to eat vegetables when there are plenty of desserts to eat.

Definition – In a straight, up-and-down line; upright

Part of speech – AdjectiveSentence – Clothes with vertical stripes make people look taller.