5 th Grade Word Power Unit 1Vocabulary

blunder (v.) to make a foolish or careless mistake; to move clumsily and carelessly (n.) a serious or thoughtless mistake I saw the hiker blunder through the woods. I was terribly embarrassed by my blunder. What is a blunder you have made? How might you feel if you make a blunder?

cancel (v.) to call off or do away with; to cross out with lines or other marks to show that something cannot be used again Maybe the principal will cancel classes if it continues to snow. Why might a baseball game be canceled?

continuous (adj.) going on without a stop or break Continous TV coverage began shortly after news of the disaster broke. What is something that is continuous?

distribute (v.) to give out in shares; to scatter or spread Our class will distribute leaflets announcing the school’s fundraising drive. What are some ways to distribute information about a yard sale?

document (n.) a written or printed record that gives information or proof (v.) to give written or printed proof; to support with evidence The librarian found the old document inside a book. Writers often document their sources. What are some examples of important documents that people should keep?

fragile (adj.) easily broken or damaged, requiring special handling or care The fragile antique was damaged during transit. Name some items that would be considered fragile.

myth (n.) an old story that explains why something is or how it came to be; something imaginary The play is based on an ancient Greek myth. Would a myth be fiction or nonfiction? Explain your answer.

reject (v.) to refuse to accept, agree to, believe, or use Why did you reject the offer? What types of foods would you reject?

scuffle (v.) to fight or struggle closely with (n.) a fight or struggle A witness saw the two men scuffle in an alley. Police officers were called in to break up the scuffle. What would happen to a fifth grader if he or she was involved in a scuffle?

solitary (adj.) living or being alone; being the only one The old man led a solitary life. Have you ever played the game solitaire? How does that game relate to the word solitary?

temporary (adj.) lasting or used for a limited time A blow to the head can cause a temporary loss of memory. What is something that could be described as temporary?

veteran (n.) a former member of the armed forces; an experienced person (adj.) having much experience in some job or field The army veterans listened attentively. The actress will play a veteran reporter. If you were hiring someone for a job, would you want that person to be a veteran? Why or why not?