The Fear Place Key Vocabulary Houghton Mifflin Reading Theme 2 – Give It All You’ve Got © Brent Coley 2008 | www.mrcoley.com

See if you can correctly define the following vocabulary words.

If necessary, use the context clues from the sample sentences to help you.

cautious

You should always be cautious when you cross the street. Sample Sentence: You should always be cautious when you cross the street.

Definition: adj. Careful; not taking chances cautious Definition: adj. Careful; not taking chances

concentrate

concentrate Sample Sentence: I couldn’t concentrate on my homework because of all the loud noise outside.

Definition: v. To give your full attention to something concentrate Definition: v. To give your full attention to something

discomfort

discomfort Sample Sentence: John felt discomfort whenever he had to get up in front of the class and talk.

n. A feeling of uneasiness or distress; not being comfortable discomfort Definition: n. A feeling of uneasiness or distress; not being comfortable

dismayed

She was dismayed when she realized she lost her car keys. Sample Sentence: She was dismayed when she realized she lost her car keys.

Definition: adj. Troubled or distressed; full of concern dismayed Definition: adj. Troubled or distressed; full of concern

excitement

The president’s arrival caused much excitement in the small town. Sample Sentence: The president’s arrival caused much excitement in the small town.

Definition: n. A stirred-up feeling; a state of increased activity excitement Definition: n. A stirred-up feeling; a state of increased activity

immobile

Four flat tires and an empty gas tank left the car immobile. Sample Sentence: Four flat tires and an empty gas tank left the car immobile.

Definition: adj. Unable to move; fixed in one place immobile Definition: adj. Unable to move; fixed in one place

stamina

stamina Sample Sentence: After months of training, Bill finally had the stamina to run a marathon.

Definition: n. The strength to not get tired quickly stamina Definition: n. The strength to not get tired quickly

terrified

Marcus was terrified when he saw the rattlesnake on the path. Sample Sentence: Marcus was terrified when he saw the rattlesnake on the path.

Definition: adj. Very frightened; filled with overpowering fear terrified Definition: adj. Very frightened; filled with overpowering fear

unsure

Due to the cold weather, we were unsure about going on the picnic. Sample Sentence: Due to the cold weather, we were unsure about going on the picnic.

Definition: adj. Not certain; having doubts unsure Definition: adj. Not certain; having doubts