Vocabulary Workshop Unit 3: #’s

barrage (n.) a rapid, large-scale outpouring of something Synonyms: bombardment, shelling, volley, blast The governor faced a barrage of questions about possible budget cuts.

bigot (n.) an intolerant, prejudiced, or biased person Synonyms: racist When you speak in that narrow-minded way, you sound like a bigot.

designate (v.) to indicate, point out; to appoint Synonyms: name, signify, denote, nominate, choose (adj.) selected but not yet installed Will you please tell me when the coach will designate a team leader?

diversity (n.) difference, variety; a condition of having many different types of forms Synonym: dissimilarity Our science teacher has a diversity of interests, including an appreciation of Russian literature.

enigma (n.) someone or something that is extremely puzzling; that which could not be understood or explained Synonyms: riddle, mystery, puzzle, conundrum Critics complained that the plot twists in the new mystery movie make it an enigma.

gloat (v.) to look at or think about with great intensity and satisfaction; to take great personal joy in Synonyms: relish, revel in, crow over I will not try to gloat about winning a scholarship to music camp.

global (adj.) of, relating to, or involving the whole world; comprehensive Synonyms: worldwide, universal, widespread and Internet have linked the entire world into a global village.

illusion (n.) a false idea; something that one seems to see or to be aware of that really does not exist Synonyms: delusion, fantasy, deception Artist M.C. Esher often used optical illusions.

infuriate (v.) to make very angry, enrage Synonyms: provoke, incense, madden It infuriates most parents when their children refuse to listen and treat them with disrespect.

motivate (v.) to provoke with a reason for doing; to push on to some goal or course of action Synonyms: spur on, encourage, prompt, goad What is the best way to motivate students to undertake challenging work.

pacifist (n.) one who is against war or the use of violence Synonyms: peacemaker, dove (adj.) opposing war or violence Martin Luther King Jr. was a famous pacifist who had a very strong influence on the civil rights movement.

queue (n.) a line of people waiting for something (such as a bus or the opening of a store) Synonyms: column, file, row, line (v.) to form such a line The long queue at the bus stop indicated that the bus had not come for a while. Eager fans queue up hours before the box office opens, hoping to get the best tickets.

restrict (v.) to keep within set limits; to confine Synonyms: hold back, limit Doctors often advise patients to restrict their intake of fatty or salty foods.

sage (adj..) wise Synonyms: sagacious (n.) a very wise person Synonyms: philosopher, Solomon My aunt always gives me sage advice when I am struggling with a decision. Let’s ask the sage for his opinion on how to handle this problem.

slake (v.) to satisfy, relieve, or bring to an end Synonyms: quench, gratify, sate, ease, assuage Nothing can slake my thirst better than a tall glass of water.

terrain (n.) the landscape, especially considered with regard to its physical features or fitness for some use; a field of knowledge Synonyms: ground, topography, territory Mountain bikes are designed to stand up to even the most rugged terrain.

vocation (n.) any trade, profession, or occupation; a sense of fitness or special calling for one’s work Synonyms: career, pursuit After many years of searching, she found her true vocation as a horse trainer.

vow (n) a solemn or sacred promise or pledge (v.) to declare or promise in a solemn vow to avenge his father’s murder. Synonyms: word of honor A bride and groom vow to love, honor, and respect each other throughout their marriage.

waylay (v.) to lie in wait for and attack, ambush Synonyms: entrap, ensnare Thugs often choose to waylay travelers as they make their way back home.

wither (v.) to dry up, wilt, sag; to cause someone to feel ashamed, humiliated, or very small Synonyms: shrivel, droop, shame, abash Despite people’s best efforts to remain young looking, skin will eventually wither with age.