VOCAB UNIT 2 Novels: Quarter 1

LACONIC Expressing much in a few words

Raj from The Big Bang Theory is known for his quiet and laconic behavior, especially around women.

THRONG Crowd

The members of One Direction are often bombarded by a throng of girls.

INTREPID Brave; courageous

The firefighters who saved the children from the burning house showed intrepid behavior.

ACCOST To approach and speak to

Cars salesmen are known for accosting customers on the car lot.

RETICENT Silent

Daft Punk is known for their quiet and reticent behavior.

FURTIVE Secret, stealthy

Texting in class without getting caught by your teacher requires furtive behavior.

FELON A person guilty of a major crime

Plenty of celebrities are now considered felons for their abundant illegal activity.

PLETHORA Excess

As a teacher I have received a plethora of excuses for being tardy. My favorite? “I’m late because I was saving a baby from a fire in the hallway.”

HAPLESS Unfortunate; unlucky

If you do not meet the deadline for the first book report, you will find yourself in a hapless situation.

IRATE Angry, incensed

As an English teacher, I get very irate when I see texting abbreviations in students’ formal writing.

PRETEXT An excuse

Many students provide pretexts for reasons why they could not complete their homework.

FABRICATE To lie; to construct

Many parents fabricate to their young children about the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and the Tooth Fairy.

ADROITSkillful

Many contestants on So You Think You Can Dance are very adroit when it comes to dancing.

GESTICULATETo move the arms energetically

Many teachers may gesticulate when lecturing.

VIGILANTWatchful

My dog Maggie is a very vigilant watch dog; she barks at everything that moves.

AVIDEager

As a result of taking this class, I hope many of you become avid readers.

CAJOLECoax

Sometimes when Maggie doesn’t listen to me, I have to cajole her with treats to make her come inside.

RUDIMENTARYElementary

Basic addition is a very rudimentary concept.

ENHANCEIntensify; heighten

Reading a lot of books will enhance your writing and vocabulary skills.

NUANCESlight variation in meaning, tone, etc.

Though softball and baseball are similar, there are some nuances between the two sports.

THE SWORD OF DAMOCLESAny imminent danger

Although the president of the company seemed quite secure, he always complained that there was a sword of Damocles hanging over his head.

PYRRHIC VICTORYA too costly victory

In heavy fighting the troops managed to recapture the hill, but it could only be considered a Pyrrhic victory.

A WET BLANKETOne who spoils your fun

Everyone wanted the party to go on, but Ronnie, the wet blanket, decided to go home to bed.

TO BEARD THE LION IN HIS DEN

To visit and oppose a person on his own grounds

Having decided to beard the lion, I stormed into the manager’s office to ask for a raise.