Vocabulary Week 1

bonanza A rich mass of ore in a mine; very valuable or profitable or rewarding

citadel A fortress that overlooks and protects a city; any strong or commanding place

decree An order having the force of law/to issue such and order; to command firmly

evolve To develop gradually; to rise to a higher level

grope To feel about hesitantly with the hands; to search blindly and uncertainly

collaborate To work together; work with

churlish Lacking politeness or good manners; lacking sensitivity

adage A proverb; a wise saying

discordant Disagreeable in sound; conflicting

excerpt Passage taken from a book, article; to quote

hover To float or hang suspended over; to move back and forth uncertainly

laggard A person who moves slowly or falls behind; slow to move

preclude To make impossible, prevent, shut out

rubble Broken stone or bricks; ruins

vigil A watch, especially at night

plaudits Applause; enthusiastic praise or approval

revert To return; go back

servile Of or relating to a slave; behaving like or suitable for a slave or servant

wrangle To quarrel or argue in a noisy, angry way

jostle To make or force one’s way by pushing or elbowing