Vocabulary

Unit 11A

Brevity

(n.) shortness

Hint: Brief

Sentence

The brevity of his speech left people wondering if he was uncomfortable with public speaking.

Comport (v.) to conduct or bear oneself, behave; to be

in agreement Hint: the root word port means to carry (as in

transport) the word literally means how you carry yourself

Sentence

When you are going on a job interview, it is important to comport yourself in a respectful manner.

Concise

(adj.) expressing much in a few words

Hint: prefix “con” means with, the root “cis” is exact or cut (as in precise or scissors) together it means to express with few words, or exactly

Sentence

When taking a timed exam, it is necessary to be concise on the essay portion.

Demure

(adj.) sober or serious in manner, modest

Sentence

A century ago ladies were expected to behave in a demure fashion. They never raised their voices in public or went out without gloves and a hat.

Depreciation

(n.) a lessening in value; a belittling

Hint: when we show appreciation we show how much we value something, when something shows depreciation we remove value

Sentence

The economy has caused a lot of depreciation in the housing market; for many, their house is now worth less than they paid for it.

Deteriorate (v.) to lower in quality or value, to wear away

Sentence

The exterior of the house deteriorated over many years of neglect.

Divulge

(v.) to tell, reveal; to make public Hint: Just dive in and get it over with, let everyone

know

Sentence

Nancy’s best friend wouldn’t talk to her after she divulged her secret.

Enlightened

(adj.) free from ignorance and false ideas; possessing sound understanding

Hint : the light bulb goes on (

Sentence

After Mrs. Zeiner completed her explanation, the class was enlightened.

Forestall

(v.) to prevent by acting first

Hint: STALL an event by acting beFORE

Sentence

When a toddler is getting ready to throw a tantrum, you can try to forestall it by using a distraction.

Garble

–(v.) to distort in such a way as to make unintelligible

Hint: “ Gabe was not able to understand the message”

Sentence

My answering machine needed to be repaired; it garbled my messages, and people were getting mad when I didn’t return their calls.