Word
16
Synonym
16
Example
32
Definition
16
LESSON 28
Definition

making worse; annoying

Synonym

irritating

Example

The aggravating delay was caused by road repairs.

The shortage of work aggravated the crisis in the small town.

Definition

something that holds interest and is enjoyable

Synonym

diversion

Example

We listened in amusement as he tried to convince his friend to lend him $50

His amusing comment made evecyone laugh.

Definition

feasibly; believably

Synonym

possibly

Example

They could conceivably earn first place with their science project.

It is conceivable that humans will travel to distant planets one day.

Definition

to change from one form or state to another

Synonym

alter

Example

When boiled, liquids convert into gases.

The conversion from Fahrenheit to centigrade can be easily made.

Definition

being able to restore to good condition

Synonym

healing

Example

The curative properties of certain plants have been well documented.

There is no simple cure for the ills of society.

Definition

weakening

Synonym

weakening

Example

The lack of investment savings has a debilitating effect on the economy.

The patient's debility limited his mobility.

Definition

to use up; reduce greatly

Synonym

consume

Example

She depleted all of her savings to buy the new bicycle.

The depletion of the Earth's oil reserves poses a threat to our current way of life

Definition

of a certain amount; having an end; not infinite

Synonym

limited

Example

There are a finite number of explanations for the unusual results.

Is there a finite number of stars in the universe?

Definition

to sense; become aware of

Synonym

observe

Example

We perceive major differences between the two political parties.

Porpoises are very perceptive mammals.

Definition

the feeling of freedom from danger, doubt, or worry

Synonym

safety

Example

Her sense of security increased as her grades improved.

We secured all of the doors of the lab before leaving.

Definition

the only one of its kind; extraordinary

Synonym

unique

Example

The platypus is a singular example of a mammal that lays eggs.

Her scientific experiment was a singular success!

Definition

harmful; capable of being fatal

Synonym

poisonous

Example

Disposal of toxic wastes is an ongoing environmental issue.

This product has the highest toxicity of any known to science.

Definition

calm; quietness

Synonym

peacefulness

Example

The tranquility of the lake at sunrise inspired a profound sense of well-being

His tranquil manner of expression made us all feel more secure.

Definition

overused or lacking originality; commonplace

Synonym

cliche

Example

He fmds the expression "fit as a fiddle" to be quite trite.

She tries to avoid using trite examples and vocabulary in her writing.

Definition

clearly true

Synonym

absolutely

Example

Of all the planets in our solar system, the Earth is undeniably the most conducive to supporting life

It is undeniable that he has skill, but he needs to show more initiative.

Definition

guessed lower than the actual quantity

Synonym

miscalculated

Example

The underestimated demand for tickets made the theater manager plan better for the next performance

The treasurer underestimated the cost of the new furniture.

Many people, myself among them, feel better at the mere sight of a book

Jane Smiley