VOCABULARY 4Unit 3

(MAKE AN) ALLUSION:IMPLY SOMETHING USING OTHER WORDS

“Do you want some gum?”

“Honey, does this dress make me look fat?”

What allusions are possibly being made? Has anyone ever made an allusion to you?

ALTRUISTIC – SELFLESS

Humanitarians are very altruistic. Can you think of anyone else who may be considered

altruistic?

APPEASE – TO CALM SOMEONE DOWN OR GIVE THEM WHAT THEY WANTWhat will

appease this cat?

How do you appease your friends if they are upset?

Do you know how to appease your mother if she is upset?

ARBITRARY – RANDOM OR IMPULSIVE; DECISION MADE WITHOUT REASON

The winning lottery numbers are arbitrary.

What is arbitrary about the juror’s decision?

Do you know any laws or rules that seem arbitrary?

ASSAIL – ATTACK (PHYSICALLY OR VERBALLY)

The couple is assailing each other with words.

The cars are being assailed by the hail and rain.

One cat assailed the unsuspecting cat – but he’ll probably assail him back!

BANAL – COMPLETELY UNORIGINAL

Chick flicks and romance movies are usually banal.

So is eating a sandwich for lunch every day!

Any other ideas?

EUPHEMISM – SET PHRASE WITH ANOTHER MEANING; USED SO NOT TO OFFEND

What is the euphemism

here?

These things are commonly referred to by using euphemisms. Do you know any?

MERCENARY – GREEDY; UNCONCERNED FOR THE WELFARE OF OTHERS

Mercenary is the opposite of which of our other vocabulary words?

Do you know any mercenary people? How are they

mercenary?

SYNDROME – CONDITION CHARACTERIZED BY SYMPTOMS OR PATTERN OF BEHAVIOR

What are some common syndromes that you know? Can you list their symptoms or behavior patterns?

TAINT – RUIN SLOWLY, BY RUMOR, OR BY UNDETECTABLE FORCE

Tiger Woods’ reputation and career were tainted by his scandal and the media.

The green dye slowly taints the glass of water. A recall happens when food

is tainted, or contaminated.