1. Honors English I Vocabulary
Lesson 8: Activity and Inactivity

2. Alacrity
(noun) Speed and willingness in acting or responding; cheerful readiness; eagerness.
Example: Carmella accepted our invitation with alacrity.

3. Composure
(noun) Control over one’s emotions; steadiness of manner; tranquility.
Example: Theodore Roosevelt was famous for his composure in stressful situations.

4. ennui
(noun) Listlessness and dissatisfaction resulting from inactivity or lack of interest; boredom.
Example: Mrs. Keller suggested finger painting as a way to relieve the children’s rainy-day ennui.

5. Imperturbable
(adjective) Not easily disturbed or excited; unshakably calm and collected.
Example: The imperturbable cat slept in the sun, ignoring butterflies and bees that flew around it.

6. Impetuous
(adjective) Tending toward suddenness and boldness of action; impulsive; hasty.
Example: Dirk’s impetuous decisions often get him into trouble.

7. Incite
(transitive verb) To provoke to action; rouse; stir up or urge on.
Example: The cheerleaders and fans incited the football team to victory.

8. Indolent
(adjective)
a. Reluctant to exert oneself; habitually lazy.
b. Suggesting a calm idleness and ease.
Example: Margaret gave an indolent sigh as she stretched out in the deck chair.

9. Inert
(adjective)
a. Having no power to move or act; lifeless.
b. exhibiting no chemical activity.
Example: The new mayor had no patience with the inert city council.

10. Pandemonium
(noun)
a. Wild uproar or noise; tumult.
b. A place of wild disorder and confusion.
Example: Pandemonium occurred at Leslie’s house when a family of five raccoons got in through the attic.

11. Serenity
(noun) The quality of being untroubled or unruffled; peacefulness.
Example: The painting of the landscape conveyed a sense of serenity.