1. English 3 College Prep SAT “Hot Words” Lesson 5

2. 1. CAJOLE It was Blanche’s plan to cajole Archer into buying a bungalow at the seashore. If anyone can cajole a man on a bridge from jumping, it’s Sgt. Loomis. First he tried to cajole the witness into testifying, then he used threats.

3. 1. CAJOLE verb To persuade by pleasant words or false promises It ends in “ole”, which is what the crowd cheers when a bull misses a falsely promised target Synonym: persuade -- Antonym: discourage

4. 2. CALLOUS  Nurse Blatt was falsely accused of being callous toward her terminal patients.  It was a surprise to see the tears flowing from someone we had considered to be callous.  Long experience with criminals’ pleas for mercy had made Judge Safian understandably callous.

5. 2. CALLOUS adj Unfeeling; insensitive Think of a callous (noun) on your hand, which is hardened skin with no feeling Synonym: insensitive Antonym: sensitive

6. 3. CAPITULATE  Colonel Leeds was adamant in his decision not to capitulate under any terms.  When the workers studied management’s final offer, they agreed to capitulate.  Since the proposed terms were so ambiguous, we vowed not to capitulate until they were clarified.

7. 3. CAPITULATE verb To surrender; to cease resisting When a student complains about getting a tardy, the teacher will say “Cap It, U Late!” so the student will stop resisting Synonym: surrender Antonym: resist

8. 4. CAPRICIOUS  Our weather is so capricious that it’s difficult to make weekend plans.  Lloyd’s attorney was certain of acquittal because the charges against him were decidedly capricious.  Gloria’s reputation for being capricious, for making spur-of-the-moment decisions was deserved.

9. 4. CAPRICIOUS adj Changeable; fickle Synonym: fickle Antonym: constant

10. 5. CARPING  We were disgusted with Hillary’s carping remarks about the food.  His carping criticism of the book was upsetting the author.  The challenger’s carping analysis of Senator Thorp’s platform was to be expected.

11. 5. CARPING adj. Complaining A fisherman complains when he catches a “carp” because they are inedible Synonym: complaining Antonym: encouraging

12. 6. CATALYST  Our articulate new principal was the catalyst for school reform.  When a patent was granted for genetically altered mice, it was the catalyst for new lab research.  The rock star played the role of catalyst in raising funds for AIDS research.

13. 6. CATALYST noun Someone or something that brings about a change Synonym: motivator Antonym: deviation Genetically altered mouse

14. 7. CATHARSIS  The tragedy on stage brought about a catharsis among the spectators.  The good news from the war zone led to a catharsis in the Defense Department.  Ancient Greeks felt that after a catharsis an individual is better able to cope with setbacks.

15. 7. CATHARSIS noun An emotional purification or relief Synonym: relief Antonym: pain

16. 8. CAUSTIC  The comedienne played the part of buffoon, but inwardly she suffered from the caustic criticism.  Caustic substances should be kept out of the reach of children.  George’s caustic remarks were the antithesis of what we expected from such a mild-mannered gentleman.

17. 8. CAUSTIC adj Stinging, biting Synonym: sarcastic Antonym: sincere

18. 9. CELESTIAL  The new astronauts will be the celestial pioneers of the 21st century.  Ever since Lydia was a youngster, she was deeply interested in celestial matters.  Miss America was praised lavishly for her celestial grace.

19. 9. CELESTIAL adj Having to do with the heavens; divine Synonym: heavenly Antonym: evil

20. 10. CENSURE  Congress agreed to censure the outspoken senator.  The station president will probably censure the TV host for his poor taste.  A vote of censure was taken by the faculty against the radical professor.

21. 10. CENSURE verb To blame; to criticize adversely When a politician does something wrong, the House and Senate may vote to censure that person to cause public humiliation Synonym: criticize --- Antonym: compliment