Vocabra List #12

aghast Tiffany was aghast to discover she had toilet paper stuck to her shoe while she was being crowned homecoming queen. Definition: feeling great horror or dismay

redundant “Saying two twins is redundant,” said the English teacher. “It is important,” said Lou’s father. “It’s vital. It’s crucial. It’s…” He stopped and sighed. “I guess I’m being redundant.” Definition: needlessly repetitive

gullible Roseanne was so gullible she always believed the outlandish stories Maurice told her. Sven lost $500 in a telephone scam because he is so gullible. Definition: easily fooled or taken in

eccentric The eccentric woman kept a slice of pepperoni pizza under her mattress in case she got hungry during the night. The play is funny because it has so many eccentric characters. Definition: out-of-the- ordinary; odd; unconventional

inanimate Shelley didn’t think of her stuffed animals is inanimate objects. They seemed so alive and real to her. A computer is an inanimate object, but a hamster is not. Definition: not living

jeer When the football team fell behind by another seven points, the fans jeered instead of cheered. The crowd jeered Elaine when her comedy routine flopped. Definition: to make fun of in a rude, sarcastic manner.

paradox “You say you love him yet hate him,” said LuAnn. “ That seems like a paradox to me.” “That funny clown is sad,” said Craig. “That seems like a paradox, but I believe it’s true.” Definition: a statement that seems inconsistent or contradictory but may be true.

ravenous A full day of skiing left Luisa ravenous. She ate three plates of spaghetti when she got back to the lodge. No matter how much he eats for breakfast, Paul is always ravenous by second period. Definition: extremely hungry

valiant Even though Wendy didn’t win the race, her coach praised her valiant effort. He was a valiant knight who saved damsels in distress. Definition: brave;courageous

flourish Abe’s house plants flourished because he took such good care of them. Business at the coffee house flourished when the owner hired a popular young band. Definition: to prosper or thrive

**mesmerize Paige sat staring at the TV screen, mesmerized by Tom Cruise. Blaine’s blue eyes can mesmerize even the crankiest customer at Hooligan’s Market. Definition: to hypnotize

**destitute The family was destitute and had to live in their car. Mr. Bandower knew that if he quit his job, his family would be destitute. Definition: living in poverty