cumbersome 1.The cumbersome shape of the axe made it hard to swing. 2.The suitcases were so cumbersome he could not handle them and was unable to make his flight. 3.The secret was so cumbersome, she felt it must be shared with another. Adjective: hard to handle or deal with Synonym: awkward, clumsy

daunting 1.The sight of the Green Knight was daunting. 2.The difficulty of the task proved too daunting for me, I was unable to complete it. 3.The size of my opponent was so daunting, I didn’t think I could possibly win. Adjective: discouraging, disheartening Synonym: intimidating

dais 1. The dais was draped with silk and the finest tapestries from Toulouse. 2.The honored guests sat on the dais, welcoming those on the floor below them. 3.The minister spoke from the dais, admonishing the congregation for their sins. Noun: a platform raised above the floor. Synonym: speaker’s stand

demean 1.It was demeaning to be asked to clean the toilet. 2.Some jobs are just too demeaning for a king. 3.Emily felt it was demeaning to have to wear last year’s styles. Verb: to lower in status or character Synonym: to degrade

integrity 1.Nero’s lack of integrity was one factor in the fall of the Roman Empire. 2.Gawain was completely honest, his integrity was his greatest quality. 3.His followers never questioned Jesus’ integrity. Noun: Being of sound moral principle. Synonym: Honesty, sincerity

lanky 1.His lankiness made his body look disproportionate. 2.Although tall, the Green Knight was not lanky; he was very muscular and broad. 3.Lanky people frequently excel at basketball. Adjective: Tall and lean Synonym: gangly

revere 1.The nation reveres our president for his honesty. 2.Paul Revere was revered for his midnight ride. 1.The knights continued to revere their king; to them he could do no wrong. Verb: To regard with deep respect Synonym: Honor

sever 1.I was forced to sever my relationship with Mr. Guthrie as we never seemed to agree. 2.To sever the Green Knight’s head from his body required great force. 3.The guillotine was used to sever the head from the body. Verb: To separate Synonym: To break off

unperturbed 1.I was unperturbed by the student’s defiance. 2.The Green Knight seemed unperturbed about his fate; he calmly positioned himself and waited for the ax to fall. 3.To describe myself as unperturbed when the Packers lose is an understatement. Adjective: Not agitated Synonym: Not disturbed

baleful 1.The baleful head went rolling across the floor. 2.Many of Nostradamus’ baleful predictions have come true. 3.The baleful look on the dog’s face led me to believe he had been injured. Adjective: Expecting evil or harm Synonym: Wretched