Vocabulary Lesson #2 English II

collaborate The two students collaborated on the yearbook sections and layout. V. – to work with someone

despondent The young man was despondent over his inability to find employment. Adj. – sad and without hope; melancholy

instigate In the 1960s, students instigated demonstrations against the Vietnam War. V. - to make something happen; to incite

resilient The children are tired now, but they are resilient and will have more energy soon. Adj. – able to recover its original shape; able to recover from difficulty

retrospect Charles had good grades going into the final, but in retrospect it was easy to tell that he had never actually done his own homework. N. – a review: look back upon (a period of time, sequence of events)

rudimentary Since he’s only six years old, William has a rudimentary ability to read, but he can only read simple words. Adj. - simple, basic

scoff You scoffed at my ideas, but now you see I'm right. V. - to show negative opinions in a disrespectful way; to disdain; contempt

squelch The speaker squelched her listener's argument with several examples and facts. V.- to force silence or stop action

venerate Martin Luther King, Jr., was venerated as a religious and social leader. V. - To regard with respect, reverence, or heartfelt deference; revere

zealot Zealots on both sides of the issue resorted to name-calling and scare tactics. N. - A fanatically committed person