Verbal Advantage 2.3

HAGGARD, adj The woman appeared haggard after her son died. She hadn’t showered in weeks and refused to comb her hair.

HAGGARD, adj having a gaunt, wasted, or exhausted appearance, as from prolonged suffering, exertion, or anxiety; worn

WAIVE, verb At the trial, I waive my right to speak in my defense.

WAIVE, verb to refrain from claiming or insisting on; give up; forgo

CARNAL, adj Many teens have taken an oath to wait to satisfy their carnal desires until they are adults.

CARNAL, adj pertaining to or characterized by the flesh or the body, its passions and appetites

SANCTION, verb I didn’t sanction your turning in the assignment late, therefore you earn no credit.

SANCTION, verb to authorize, approve, or allow

AMBIGUOUS, adj The tacit gesture was ambiguous; a raised eyebrow was an unclear signal that I wasn’t supposed to tell. The end of the story was ambiguous, so I couldn’t tell if the protagonist lived or died.

AMBIGUOUS, adj 1. Open to more than one interpretation 2. Doubtful or uncertain

SPENDTHRIFT, noun My rich uncle is such a spendthrift, he lights his cigars with hundred dollar bills.

SPENDTHRIFT, noun a person who spends possessions or money extravagantly or wastefully

MOLLIFY, verb I will mollify my father’s anger over my having crashed the car by paying for the paint job. The employer will mollify his demands of the workers this December in honor of the holidays.

MOLLIFY, verb 1.to soften in feeling or temper, as a person; pacify; appease. 2.to mitigate or reduce; soften: to mollify one's demands.

UNEQUIVOCAL, adj Cheating is an unequivocal sign that there is no trust in the relationship.

UNEQUIVOCAL, adj having only one meaning or interpretation and leading to only one conclusion that is undeniable

MALLEABLE, adj Clay is fun to work with because it is malleable; I like that I can make a variety of things with the same lump of clay. “Kendra’s so malleable,” Jill said with a smirk, “she’ll do anything to be part of the clique.” Young children’s minds are malleable which is why it’s important to be careful what you tell a kid.

MALLEABLE, adj 1. Capable of being shaped or formed, as by hammering or pressure: a malleable metal. 2. Easily controlled or influenced. 3. Able to adjust to changing circumstances; adaptable

VERBOSE, adj It’s hard to talk with my sister because she’s so verbose! She takes twice as long to say what she needs to, when she could really sum up.

VERBOSE, adj characterized by the use of many or too many words; wordy