More Vocabra 15

dormant Some seeds can lie dormant for years before they finally sprout. After being dormant for over 100 years, the volcano erupted. Definition: inactive

nuptial The bride and groom listened to a nuptial toast by the best man. The nuptial feast included salmon, champagne, cake and mints. Definition: having to do with marriage or a wedding

fluctuate The temperature tended to fluctuate between 60 and 75 degrees. Trent’s attitude toward school fluctuated greatly from straight A’s and failing. Definition: to vary; to rise and fall

expletive Rhonda lost her job as student council president when she used an expletive over the intercom during morning announcements. Cody uttered an expletive when his bike hit a rock and he flew over the handle bars. Definition: an exclamation that is obscene or profane

pompous The pompous prince insisted on having a footstool made of gold. The president was so pompous in dealing with his staff members that all of them despised him. Definition: full of exaggerated self- importance

pilfer The boss fired Ms.Coolidge because of her tendency to pilfer money from customer accounts. For years, Freddie pilfered pennies from his sister’s piggy bank to buy red licorice. Definition: to steal small amounts at a time

indigent Don felt sad when he saw an indigent family pushing a shopping cart down the street. The missionary was shocked at the number of indigent people who had to come to him for help. Definition: poor

commend “I commend you for trying,” the piano teacher said to her student. “Now, if you could just get a few of the notes right,” she thought to herself. Sidney was commended for her clean-up efforts after the big flood. Definition: to praise

chic Most of the movie stars wore long, chic gowns to the awards ceremony. The young women at Smith Junior High thought it was very chic to wear their clothes inside out. Their parents thought it was ridiculous. Definition: stylish, fashionable

authoritarian The principal’s authoritarian approach to running the school was turning both students and teachers against her. Abby couldn’t help noticing the similarities between Mussolini’s authoritarian government and Mr. Musso’s history class. Definition: very strict; expecting total obedience

comprehensive The book Frank chose to consult was the most comprehensive one he could find on the subject. Jeff’s notes for class were so comprehensive even his teacher asked to borrow them from time to time. Definition: extensive, broad; including all the details

adroitly The candidate adroitly dodged the issue of his past whenever anyone asked him a tricky question. The quarterback adroitly avoided being sacked. Definition: skillfully, cleverly; expertly