Vocabulary: Reading and Writing 2

For the following vocabulary words, complete all steps below:

Copy the word and part of speech. Take a guess at the word’s meaning in

the sentence (use the context clues). Copy the actual definition down for the

word. Use it in your own sentence.

Week One Words

Humble-Perfunctory for Selma’s Texas BBQ Reading

1. Humble (adj.)

Even though he was the best player in the league and had plenty to brag about, he was very humble when talking to reporters and everyday people.

Write down your guess Definition:not proud or arrogant; modest Use it in a sentence

2. Discerning (adj.)

In order to be at the top of your field as a mechanic, you must be very discerning and not miss any details.

Write down your guess Definition:showing good or outstanding

judgment or understanding. Use it in a sentence

3. Enticing (adj.)

The food on the table looked very enticing to every hungry person in the room.

Write down your guess Definition:attractive; exciting; creating

desire. Use it in a sentence

4. Improbable (adj.)

It is improbable they will have the game today if this rain keeps up.

Write down your guess Definition:not likely to happen or to be

true Use it in a sentence

5. Concoction (n.)

A smoothie is usually a concoction that consists of many different fruits.

Write down your guess Definition:a combination of ingredients Use it in a sentence

6. Miscalculation (n.)

Because of their miscalculation, there was not enough pizza for every one at the party. Many people left hungry and angry.

Write down your guess Definition: an incorrect estimate Use it in a sentence

7. Suffused (adj.)

The ribs were suffused with barbeque sauce, so they were very moist.

Write down your guess Definition:overspread with liquid or

another material Use it in a sentence

8. Subtle (adj.)

Good readers can catch all the subtle details and not simply character names and major events.

Write down your guess Definition:fine or delicate in meaning Use it in a sentence

9. Cloying (adj.)

The student’s cloying questions drove the teacher insane. The teacher could not get through one minute of instruction without being questioned.

Write down your guess Definition: causing disgust through

excess or overuse Use it in a sentence

10. Primed (adj.)

All the food was primed and ready for the oven.

Write down your guess Definition:prepared for a special purpose

Use it in a sentence

11. Ubiquitous (adj.)

Stink bugs are ubiquitous at his house. They are on the walls, on the windows, and in fireplace.

Write down your guess Definition:everywhere all at once Use it in a sentence

12. Succulent (adj.)

The succulent chicken was cooked perfectly and watered as much as our mouths when we saw it.

Write down your guess Definition:moist Use it in a sentence

13. Dollop (n.)

“Please, please waiter, would you bring another dollop of sour cream for my baked potato,” the customer asked, “this is not enough?”

Write down your guess Definition:a lump or blob of a soft

substance. Use it in a sentence

14. Transcend (v.)

Although professional basketball has come a long way since the 1990s, we are still waiting for a player to transcend the skills and statistics of Michael Jordan.

Write down your guess Definition:to go beyond the limits Use it in a sentence

15. Perfunctory (adj.)

Man, that cake was decorated in a very perfunctory way. The name is on the side of the cake, the flower pedals are not touching the center of the flowers, and the icing is not a consistent color.

Write down your guess Definition:done without care or attention. Use it in a sentence

Reyna’s Restaurante: lag-compliment

1. Lag (v.)

We were hoping the other hikers were not lagging too far behind. It was getting dark.

Definition: to move slowly; to fall behind. Write it in a sentence

2. International (adj.)

Sarah had to take an international flight, which would be very expensive and would probably be lengthy and involve many stops.

Definition: among nations; of many nations Use it in a sentence

3. Cuisine (n.)

We are hoping to sample many different cuisines at the buffet: Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean, Asian, and Indian.

Definition: cookery; food Use it in a sentence

4. Kitschy (adj.)

The bright dress got everyone’s attention, but because it was a bright gold and poorly made, many considered it to be kitschy.

Definition: shallow; showing a lack of good taste.

Use it in a sentence

5. Staple (n.)

Spaghetti and meatballs is a staple of Italian cuisine. Tacos are a staple of Mexican cuisine.

Definition: a basic or necessary item Use it in a sentence

6. Auspicious (adj.)

Fortunately, the weather was very auspicious for the picnic: it was sunny and 82 degrees.

Definition: fortunate; lucky Use it in a sentence

7. Pliable (adj.)

Unlike tree branches, which are very stiff, tree limbs are very pliable.

Definition: easily bent or influenced; flexible

Use it in a sentence

8. Consciousness (n.)

The team’s consciousness was very hurt by their coach leaving them for their biggest rivals.

Definition: collective thoughts and feelings Use it in a sentence

9. Rehydrate (v.)

After running five miles, it is a good idea to rehydrate so you do not get ill or faint.

Definition: to restore moisture or fluid to something.

Use it in a sentence

10. Pungent (adj.)

The pungent taste and smell of the cheese deterred many people from having a second slice.

Definition: sharp or biting in taste or odor Use it in a sentence

11. Complement (v.)

The salsa really complemented to chicken tacos very well.

Her shoes really complemented the rest of her outfit.

Definition: to complete or go along with Use it in a sentence

12. Compliment (v.)

Tiara complimented Taylor on her shoes and her outfit.

Definition: to praise Use it in a sentence

13. Complimentary (adj.)

The restaurant offers complimentary mints with every meal.

Definition: given free Use it in a sentence