Week 7 Part 1

Sordid Adj. wretchedly poor; run-down, mean or selfish. Nineteenth century reformers made people aware of just how sordid conditions were in city slums. Filthy, squalid, base, vile.

Untenable Adj. not capable of being held or defended; impossible to maintain. Minutes into the debate she had a sinking feeling that her position was completely untenable. Indefensible, insupportable, groundless.

Versatile Adj. able to do many things well; capable of many uses. By moving from comedy to drama to musicals, he has shown himself to be a truly versatile actor. Adaptable, handy, all-around

Vindicate V. to clear from hint or charge of wrongdoing; to defend successfully against opposition; to justify. Though the accused was vindicated in the end, his career was all by ruined by the allegations. Acquit, absolve, exonerate, advocate

Wane V. to lose size, strength, or power. As the moon waned, the nights grew darker, we could hardly see our way along the forest trails. Diminish, decline, subside, dwindle.

Annex V. to add to, attach, incorporate. N. an attachment or addition. The two nations protested when their militant neighbor annexed the disputed territory. Join, acquire, appropriate, procure.

Cleave V. to cut or split open; to cling to. It is possible to cleave a ripe coconut neatly in two with just one swing of a machete. Sever, halve, sunder, adhere, clasp.

Cordial Adj. in a friendly manner, hearty, cheery. N. a liqueur. Our aunt’s cordial welcome made us all feel right at home in her huge, drafty, Victorian house. Hospitable, affable, polite