Vocabulary Week Six

Composure (noun) Tentative (adj.) The teacher’s union announced the tentative agreement with the school board. Hesitant or lacking confidence; unsettled in mind or opinion. In times of action her face took on a sudden new composure, almost serene, the fuzzy blue eyes narrowing into a tight, intelligent focus. Steadiness of mind under stress.

Opaque(adj.) Clarification (noun) People who live in glass houses should not throw stone, and they should also dress behind opaque curtains. Impenetrable to light, so images cannot be seen through it. Whenever he told the story, Rat had a tendency to stop now and then, interrupting the flow, inserting little clarifications or bits of analysis and personal opinion. When an idea or concept is less confusing and easier to understand.

Audible (adj.) Waver (verb) In the background, just audible, a woman’s voice was singing. Heard or perceptible by the ear. He wavered for a moment and then forced the gate open. Pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness.

Contemptuous (adj.) Vouch (verb) The contemptuous behavior of gang members is perhaps the most difficult issue faced in Chicago today. Feeling, expressing, or demonstrating strong dislike, disdain, or scorn for someone or something. The Secretary of State said he won’t vouch for the success of the agreement but said it’s the best pathway for ending the bloodshed. Give a personal assurance; guarantee.

Privilege (noun) Cadre (noun) He would have been taught that to defend the land was a man’s highest duty and highest privilege. A right reserved exclusively by a person or group. In recent years, the school added a cadre of staff solely to help students adjust emotionally. A small group serving as part of a larger political movement.