Vocabulary

Plunder (v.): to steal goods, especially using force and in a time of war or chaos Example After the hurricane devastated the coastal town, looters began to plunder everything they could by breaking store windows and carrying off such goods as food and electronics.

Formidable (adj.): inspiring fear or respect due to impressively large size, power, intensity, or skill Example The undefeated wrestler would prove to be a formidable first opponent for the young rookie.

Guile (n.): sly, crafty, or devious intelligence Example To a card counting expert, his success may just be a matter of using his guile; however, most casino owners would probably beg to differ.

Mammoth (adj.): huge Example Unfortunately, the employee’s error was not a tiny problem; rather, it was a mammoth error which could cost the company millions of dollars in profit.

Incredulous (adj.): skeptical; unwilling or unable to believe something Example The teacher couldn’t help but be incredulous when the student claimed to have read the entire 400-page novel in one night.

Evade (v.): to escape or avoid, esp. by trickery or cleverness Examples Many politicians try to cater to both sides by evading difficult questions and giving “fluff” answers instead. The bandit could only evade the police for so long before he was finally tracked down.

Insidious (adj.): causing harm in a way that is gradual or not easily noticed; treacherous or waiting to entrap; harmful but enticing or seductive Example He came up with an insidious plan to frame his best friend for the crime, but he was not careful enough and ended up being exposed.

Contrived (adj.)*: fake or artificial; having an unnatural or false appearance or quality; deliberately created Example After such a great build up, the movie’s contrived ending left the entire audience feeling disappointed and let down. *can also be used as a verb

Avenge (v.): to inflict harm in return for an injury done to oneself or someone else; to get revenge Example The commander of the forces cried out “we must avenge our dead” before bravely riding his horse toward enemy lines.

Tremulous (adj.): shaking or quivering slightly; nervous and timid; jittery Examples The last of her college admissions letters had finally come in, and she opened it with tremulous hands. Due to his extreme illness, he spoke in a weak and tremulous voice.

Rebuke (v. or n.): to express sharp disapproval or criticism of someone; an expression of disapproval or criticism Examples Many people used Twitter to rebuke the comedian who used profanity in what was supposed to be a family- friendly show. The mayor’s statement was a clear rebuke of the corruption of his predecessor’s administration.

Contentious (adj.): controversial; causing or likely to cause an argument; involving heated debate Example Unless you live in a border state, you might not be aware of how contentious of an issue immigration reform has become.

Implacable (adj.)*: angry or determined in a way that cannot be changed or lessened Example The royal servants tried to beg and offer gifts to the king, but he was implacable and had them all executed. *verb form is placate (to make less angry)

Ruse (n.): a trick; an action meant to deceive someone Example Be very cautious if someone sends an email claiming you’ve won a foreign lottery; most likely it is nothing but a ruse.

Sage (adj.): very wise Example I always make a point of trying to learn from my elders; their experience in life makes it possible for them to offer sage advice.

Atone (v.): to make up for past mistakes Example The repentant criminal walked into the church to beg forgiveness and pray for the help he needed to atone for his life of sin.

Ardor (n.)*: enthusiasm or passion Example He felt an ardor for science very early in life, so it was no surprise when he decided to pursue marine biology when he began college. *ardent is the adjective form of ardor

Impudent (adj.)*: not showing proper respect for another person, often due to being cocky or bold Example: “Impudent fool!” roared the queen. “Don’t you know who I am? You must bow in respect before this most awesome throne.” *impudence is the noun form of impudent

Appalled (adj.)*: greatly dismayed, shocked, horrified, or outraged Example My aunt was appalled when she tried to use her credit card and she found out that her identity had been stolen. *Other forms: appall (v.), appalling (adj.)

Mortified (adj.)*: ashamed, embarrassed, or humiliated Example The straight-A student was mortified when she accidentally dozed off in class and had to be awoken in front of everyone by her disappointed math teacher. *Other forms: mortify (v.), mortifying (adj.)