2.  After weeks of fighting, the sisters decided to reconcile, and there was peace in the family once more.  The judge looked at the couple sternly and said, “For the sake of both your children and yourselves, you need to reconcile your silly differences.”  Definition: to settle a quarrel or dispute

3.  Selena bought a mouse-ear hat as a memento of her trip to Disneyland.  Marcie’s grandmother had a house full of interesting mementos from her years in the Peace Corps.  Definition: a souvenir; anything that serves as a reminder of something

4.  Dale sits in the front row of all his classes because his hearing is impaired.  Natalie hated the new building because it impaired her view of the ocean.  Definition: damaged or weakened

5.  Her children’s constant fighting and whining continued to exasperate Mrs. Farnham.  Troy was exasperated by his problems with algebra.  Definition: to irritate or annoy a great deal

6.  Because he was ambidextrous, Bart became the best employee on the assembly line. When one hand got tired, he just switched to the other.  “My right hand is sore from writing so much,” said Julie, “I wish I was ambidextrous.  Definition: able to use both hands well

7.  Stephanie is such a health fanatic that she won’t eat even one bite of her birthday cake, ever.  Mr. Smith is such a fanatic about germs that he sprays down his desk with Lysol every morning and afternoon.  Definition: someone with extreme and unreasonable enthusiasm for something

8.  The company hired Melody because she proved how competent she was.  “Mr. Lawrence may dress funny but he is a competent teacher,” said the principal.  Definition: capable or skillful

9.  Willy and Diana are teetotalers, so, needless to say, they did not appreciate it when Frank gave them a bottle of wine for their anniversary.  Rex had a reputation for being a teetotaler, so Laura was very surprised when she saw him buying a bottle of beer.  Definition: someone who never drinks alcohol in any form

10.  My grandmother piled ample portions of food on my plate.  The apartment had one room that was ample enough to hold all of Daniel’s model airplanes.  Definition: large in size

11.  Luke was such a vital part of the soccer team that after he was injured, the team began losing all of their games.  A good understanding of anatomy is vital if you want to be a doctor.  Definition: necessary or essential

12.  Mary was sad that her grandfather wasn’t around to appreciate the posthumous award he received from the govenor.  The only photo of the outlaw the historical society could find was on taken posthumously – in his coffin.  Definition: taking place after death

13.  “Dr. Graft walked gingerly past the sleeping gorilla.  Sarah gingerly handled the cactus she was repotting.  Definition: carefully; cautiously