Week 12: vocabulary (etymology)

1) Functionality noun

The tasks that a computer, software program, or piece of electronic equipment is able to do

e.g. The functionality of Jill’s new computer is very impressive.

2) Jot verb

To write something quickly in a short note

e.g. Tim always carries a notebook so that he can jot down ideas as he thinks of them.

3) Hardship noun

A condition of life that causes difficulty or suffering

e.g. Karen faced many hardship during the recession.

4) Escalate verb

To make or become greater or more serious

e.g. Prices quickly escalated due to the increased demand from customers.

5) Check verb

To leave your outer clothing or property temporarily in the care of someone else, usually as a convenience.

e.g. Raymond was able to check his bags at the front desk.

6) Domestic adjective

Relating to a person’s own country

e.g. Flying to a domestic location is usually much cheaper than traveling internationally.

7) Tote bag noun

A bag, usually made of cloth, with handles and an open top

e.g. Mary likes to carry her books with a tote bag.

8) Ferocity noun

Being frightening and violent or intense

E.g. The ferocity of the storm forced many people to stay inside their homes.

9) Propagate verb

To produce a new plant from a parent plant

E.g. Charlie propagates his garden by transplanting flowers.

10) Encompass verb

To include, especially different types of things

E.g. Mary’s new job will encompass responsibilities from several departments.

11) Extravagant adjective

Beyond any reasonable expectation

e.g. The actors wore extravagant costumes for the performance.

12) En masse adverb

All together as one group

E.g. The student came en masse to watch the concert.

13) Flora noun

All the plants of a particular area or period of time

e.g. The forest flora is very beautiful in the spring.

14) Showstopper noun

Something that is extremely impressive and very popular

e.g. Evan’s solo performance of “Fame” was an absolute showstopper.

15) Departure noun

a change in the way you do something

e.g. The story is a departure from traditional fairy tales.

16) Sweeping adjective

Having great effect or range

e.g. The government passed sweeping financial reform.

17) Feverish adjective

Very attractive; showing great excitement

e.g. The crowd was becoming feverish while waiting for the concert to begin.

18) Veer verb

To suddenly change direction

e.g. The car quickly veered to the left to avoid hitting the dog.

19) Secure verb

To obtain something, sometimes with difficulty

e.g. Elizabeth’s impressive audition secured her role as the lead actress.

20) Up in the air idiom

Uncertain and with an unknown result

e.g. Bill’s vacation plans are still up in the air, but he’ll make a decision soon.

21) Foray noun

A brief attempt at or involvement in an activity outside a person’s or organization’s usual range of activities

e.g. Terry’s foray into cooking classes was a great success.

22) Voracious adjective

Desiring or consuming great quantities

e.g. After skiing, I find that I have a voracious appetite.

23) Indiscriminate adjective

Choosing at random without careful selection

e.g. Modern warfare often results in the indiscriminate killing of combatants and innocent civilians.

24) Eminent adjective

Of high reputation, outstanding

e.g. The eminent author received the Nobel Prize for literature.

25) Steeped adjective

Soaked, drenched, saturated

e.g. My cousin is so steeped in schoolwork that his friends call him a bookwarm.