Vocabulary

A Christmas MemoryBy Truman Capote

A Christmas Memory VocabularyInaugurate

To make a formal beginning ofNelson Mandela gave his first speech as the

President of South Africa during his inauguration ceremony.

ExhilarateTo make merry or lively

I felt exhilarated seeing my friends for the first time after summer vacation.

SquanderTo spend or use wastefully

My wife squandered all of our money on jewlery!

A Christmas Memory VocabularyConspiracy

A joining or acting together in a secretive way, often with wrongful motives.There was a conspiracy to overthrow the horrible

King.Prosaic

Dull; commonplaceThe movie was prosaic; I spent the entire time

texting my friends.Garish

Too bright or gaudyLas Vegas, the city of lights and excitement is often

too garish for my taste.

A Christmas Memory Vocabulary

GoadTo urge

Receiving an D+ on my last exam goads me to study harder.

NoncommittalNot revealing one’s opinion or purpose

My kids ask and ask what they will get for Christmas, but I ignore them and they soon become frustrated by my noncommittal attitude.

CavortTo leap or dance around

When Ahly beat Zamalek, the entire crowd was cavorting through the streets, shouting wildly.

SeverTo cut off

When my girlfriend dumped me for my best friend, I severed all communication with them.