8A List 8

unorthodox Adjective Disregarding or defying tradition or standards “If typical treatment fails to cure patients, they might turn to a doctor who practices unorthodox healing methods.”

alleviate Verb To make more bearable; to ease “The pill alleviated Susan’s back pains.”

grit Verb - to clench together, as teeth Noun –tiny grains of sand or stone – determination and courage “In a display of true grit, the soldier ignored his injuries and carried his friend to safety.” “She grits her teeth when she gets angry.”

ludicrous Adjective Humorously absurd and nonsensical “The villain built a laser as part of his ludicrous plan to carve a gigantic portrait of himself into the surface of the moon.”

menial Adjective Tedious and requiring little skill “She felt that it was too nice outside to finish the menial job of cleaning out the basement.”

Pessimistic Adjective Expecting only the worst or most negative outcome. “The pessimistic child usually gives up early because he is certain that he is never going to win.”

ransack Verb To rummage and steal “The bear ransacked our tent and ate most of the food supply.”

Tentative Adjective Not definite or permanent. “The tentative time for the program to begin was 8:00 p.m.”

Yearn Verb To desire intensely, sometimes with sadness “The old man yearned to return to the simpler days of is youth.”

conciliatory Adjective soothing to anger or distrust “His conciliatory manner helped to calm the angry customers.”