Vocabulary Unit 17 th grade Using a Dictionary and Thesaurus

Initiate  To start something.  Example: I initiated the flag football game in the backyard.

boredom  Nothing interests you or you feel tired and restless  Example: As I waited at the doctor’s office with my mom, boredom set in.

monotonous  Dull, repetitive, doesn’t change  Example: Sometimes school days feel very monotonous until something exciting happens.

Bland  Mild, dull  Example: The chicken wings were very bland and didn’t have a lot of flavor.

Persecute  To harass someone or treat someone cruelly, especially because of their beliefs.  Example: My brother persecuted me because of the music I like to listen to.

Dilemma  Making a difficult decision  Example: I was faced with a dilemma to either go to Disney Land or on a cruise with my family.

Eavesdrop  To listen secretly to a conversation  Example: I caught my little sister eavesdropping on my mom and dad when they were discussing her birthday present.

Conspicuous  Something that stands out and is easily seen  Example: My brother’s new tattoo was very conspicuous even though he thought it was hidden.

Testimony  Evidence that supports a fact, a statement you make under oath (in court)  Example: The boy testified that the man was the person he had seen stealing in the store.

Restraint  When you hold yourself or someone else back from something  Example: My little brother showed restraint even though he was so mad when the dog ate his snack.

Notorious  Well known for something bad  Example: Some rappers are notorious for having offensive lyrics.

Implication  When you suggest something without saying it straight out  Ex: My mom implicated that she didn’t like my haircut just by the look on her face.