Approbation (n.) The expression of approval or favorable opinion, praise; official approval Ex: The student was thrilled to receive the approbation from his driver’s education teacher; he could now earn his license!

To make easier or milder, relieve; to quiet Assuage (v.) To make easier or milder, relieve; to quiet Ex: The teacher attempted to assuage the student’s concern about an upcoming test; she provided a detailed review sheet.

Coalition (n.) A combination, union, or merger for some specific purpose Ex: The students formed a coalition to create the best homecoming hallway.

Decadence (n.) *** Downfall, Decline, decay, or deterioration Excessive self-indulgence Ex: She knew her love of chocolate reflected her decadence, for she ate two Godiva bars daily.

Elicit (v.) To draw forth, bring out from some source Ex: Computer sites hope to elicit your happy emotions from viewing their web pages.

Expostulate (v.) To attempt to dissuade someone from some course or decision by earnest reasoning Ex: The woman expostulated , “I do not deserve this speeding ticket.”

“Oki Doki!” Hackneyed (adj.) Used so often as to lack freshness or originality “Oki Doki!” Ex: Students hate hackneyed phrases used by their teachers!

Hiatus (n.) A gap, opening break (in the sense of having an element missing) Ex: We sometimes hate the hiatus forced upon us from our television!

Innuendo (n.) A hint, indirect suggestion, or reference Ex: Unfortunately, the story being passed around by the students was based on innuendo instead of fact.

Intercede (v.) To plead on behalf of someone else; to serve as a third party or go-between in a disagreement Ex: We sometimes need to intercede between two hostile friends.

Jaded (adj.) Wearied, worn-out, dulled Ex: My daily consumption of french fries made me feel jaded about my love for going to McDonalds since I eventually got tired of them.

Lurid (adj.) Causing shock, horror, or revulsion Ex: The lurid scene caused everyone to take shelter; they were fearful that the wildfire would spread to their area.

Meritorious (adj.) Worthy, deserving recognition and praise Ex:The meritorious action of the firefighter garnered respect from the children.

Petulant (adj.) Peevish, annoyed by trifles, easily irritated and upset Ex: She tried her best to ignore her brother’s petulant behavior; he loved yelling without a reason!

Prerogative (n.) A special right or privilege (song lyrics) Ex: Bobby Brown gained instant fame from his hit song about his prerogative.

Provincial (adj./n) *** Pertaining to an outlying area A person from an outlying area Ex: Belle sang a beautiful song about leaving her provincial town; she wanted more culture and vibrancy!

Simulate (v.) To make a pretense of; imitate Ex: Animals often simulate the behavior of humans.

Transcend (v.) To rise above or beyond, exceed Ex: The valedictorian amazed her peers; she always transcended what was expected by her teachers.

Umbrage (n.) *** Shade cast by trees; foliage giving shade Offense, resentment Ex: We seek umbrage from the hot, blistering sun.

Unctuous (Adj.) Excessively smooth or smug; trying too hard to give an impression of earnestness