Spellcabulary #6February 4-8, 2013

biasIf are unable to be fair and not choose sides, you have a bias.Don’t let one bad experience at a French restaurant bias you against all other.

biasIf I say something that expresses a bias, say “favortism.” If not, don’t say anything.A teacher allows a favorite student to go to the restroom, but tells anyone else who asks, “No.” A history book presents the Civil War from the Union’s point of view.A political news program shows the speeches of Republican and Democratic candidates.

What is the word that means,”unable to be fair”?

blatantIf someone behaves in a blatant way, they are being very obvious in an offensive or shameless wayShe was blatantly flirting with him by batting her eyelashes and giggling, even though his girlfriend was sitting next to him.

blatant

blatantIf I describe someone being blatant in an action, say “shameless.” If not, don’t say anything.A little boy who steals a cookie but blames the dog who is outsideThe student who quietly reads while the teacher is busy taking attendanceThe ASB candidate who promises teachers will no longer assign homework if s/he is elected

What is the word that means, “obvious in a shameless way”?

debutIf someone or something makes its first public appearance, it is making its debut.The new television show will debut in September.

debutIf I describe someone or something making its debut, say “first appearance.” If not, don’t say anything.Radio shows starting in 1920A baby panda being shown to the public a few days after its birth An actor starring in their fifth film

What is the word that means, “first public appearance”?

flusterIf someone or something makes you nervous, embarrassed, or confused, you are flustered.The personal question flustered me, so I was unable to think of an answer.

flusterIf I describe someone or something that is flustered, say “embarrassed.” If not, don’t say anything.An actress confidently giving an acceptance speechA girl whose cheeks turn bright pink when she is complimented by the handsome strangerA witness who stutters and stammers when asked an unexpected question by the attorney What is the word that means,”nervous, embarrassed, or confused”?

retortIf you answer someone quickly, in a clever or humorous way, you retort.“You have much to be modest about,” he retorted when the speaker claimed to be modest.

retort

retort

retort

retortIf I say something that is a retort, say “clever.” If not, don’t say anything.A reporter asked Ghandi, “What do you think of Western civilization?” Ghandi replied, “I think it would be a good idea.”Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.“Good answer,” the teacher said with a smile.What is the word that means, “responding in a quick, clever, or humorous way”?