Vocabulary Words World Literature Week 5

Squalid We were shocked to see images of children living in such horribly squalid conditions.

Squalid Definition: adj.—neglected and dirty: neglected, insanitary and unpleasant Synonym: filthy, wretched, dirty, foul, fetid Antonym: clean

Vociferous The vociferous crowd of students protested against the war in Iraq.

Vociferous Definition: adj.—loud and noisy, compelling attention Synonym: vocal, raucous, clamorous Antonym: quiet

Voluminous Scarlett wore a voluminous dress that used enough material to make two or three regular dresses.

Voluminous Definition: adj.—of great size, numerous Synonym: huge, large, capacious, ample Antonym: small

Animosity The animosity between Israel and Palestine is constantly reported on the news as the fighting never seems to stop.

Animosity Definition: n.—strong dislike, bitter hostility Synonym: hatred, loathing, dislike Antonym: goodwill

Decrepit I cautioned Harry against exploring the shack as the decrepit building looked like it could collapse at any minute.

Decrepit Definition: adj.—old and feeble Synonym: dilapidated, decaying, crumbling Antonym: pristine

Ingenuous Forrest Gump is an ingenuous character who has not been corrupted by the world.

Ingenuous Definition: adj.—innocent, simple, frank sincere Synonym: unworldly, naïve, direct, candid Antonym: artful, dishonest

Quandary Jenny was in a serious quandary when she discovered that two different boys she liked wanted to be her date to Homecoming.

Quandary Definition: n.—a state of perplexity or doubt Synonym: dilemma, difficulty, jam, predicament Antonym: ease

Recalcitrant The judge admonished the recalcitrant drunk driver who defiantly swore he would do it again .

Recalcitrant Definition: adj.—stubbornly disobedient, resisting authority Synonym: unruly, obstinate, unruly Antonym: cooperative

Allocate Paul had the responsibility of deciding how much food to allocate each dog in the kennel based on their age and weight.

Allocate Definition: v.—to set apart, to distribute Synonym: assign, allot, apportion Antonym: withhold

Assiduous Barbara really appreciated the assiduous work that Jerry and Kathy put in all week long to help decorate the Homecoming float.

Assiduous Definition: adj.—persistent, attentive, diligent Synonym: tireless, industrious Antonym: lazy