The Scarlet Ibis Vocabulary

careen Running late for class, I careened around the corner and bumped into Mr. Blake. Careen – to rush carelessly

doggedness Out of sheer doggedness, Bob never gave up on his goal of running a marathon. doggedness – persistence; stubbornness

exotic When I travel, I enjoy tasting exotic foods and seeing the sights. exotic – excitingly strange

heresy Although the school was completely destroyed by the hurricane, not celebrating Homecoming would be considered heresy. Instead, they hosted Homecoming at the middle school. heresy – action/opinion opposite to what is considered “right”

imminent Because the bell is imminent, we must finish the lesson quickly. imminent – about to occur

infallibility Considering herself perfect in every way, Mrs. Strangeworth believed in her own infallibility. infallibility – an inability to make errors

invalid His invalid brother, Doodle, could not play the same active games as the other children. invalid – too ill to live a normal life

iridescent The iridescent bug’s shell shimmered as I watched it reflect the sunlight. iridescent – shining with shifting rainbow colors

precariously Jeff precariously careened around the curve, exorbitantly exceeding the speed limit. precariously – in a dangerous way; insecurely

reiterate The teacher reiterated the directions for those who did not hear her. reiterate – to repeat (vocally)