1. annul (verb) to reduce to nothing; to make ineffective or inoperative The attorneys decided it was best to annul the current contract between the rival companies and start anew.

2. blasé (adj) indifferent, bored as a result of having enjoyed many pleasures While the rest of the family looked forward to the trip to Disneyland, Bobo was blasé about it since he worked there for three years.

3. bolster (verb) to support or give a boost to Vitamins are meant to bolster one’s nutritional intake. (noun) a long pillow or cushion; a supporting post The luxurious sofa was complimented by many colorful bolsters and throw pillows

4. deplore (verb) to feel or express regret or disapproval Bobo absolutely deplored the idea of Brad Pitt moving to Watch Hill.

5. frivolous (adj) of little importance, not worthy of serious attention; not meant seriously Before his miraculous transformation, Scrooge thought of Christmas as just a frivolous day off for his employee Bob Cratchet.

6. muster (verb) to bring together for service or battle; to gather or summon Bobo had to muster up the courage to call Brad and try to dissuade him from buying the house in Watch Hill.

7. nonentity (noun) a person or thing of no importance Although Jensen was the leading scorer in the league, he was a nonentity in the championship game, scoring only four points.

8. obsess (verb) to trouble, haunt, or fill the mind Nick was obsessed with his desire to someday move to Los Angeles.

9. ornate (adj) elaborately decorated; showily splendid If you drive down Route Three in Ashaway, you will see many ornate Christmas lights and other decorations.

10. oust (verb) to remove, drive out of a position or place Brad is obviously trying to oust Bobo from Jennifer’s life.

11. peruse (verb) to read thoroughly and carefully Bobo was sure to peruse the contract, including the fine print.

12. porous (adj) full of tiny holes; able to be penetrated by air or water Concrete looks solid to the eye, but it is in fact porous when examined under a microscope.

13. promontory (noun) a high point of land extending into water Lighthouses in New England are often located on promontories so ships can see them from great distances.

14. prone (adj) lying face down; inclined, likely The soldier fired his rifle from a prone position. Students are more prone to get the flu in school than at home.

15. qualm (noun) a pang of conscience, uneasiness, misgiving, or doubt Sociopaths are so cold-hearted because they have no qualms about using others for their own personal gain.

16. (noun) recourse (noun) a person or thing turned to for help or advice; the act of seeking help or protection Parents always hope that they are not their children’s last recourse when in trouble.

17. residue (noun) a remainder, that which remains when a part has been used up or removed The overflowing maple syrup bottle left a disgustingly sticky residue on the table.

18. solicitous (adj) showing concern or care; fearful or anxious about someone or something Mom’s solicitous questions about my cough made me start to think it was something serious.

19. staid (adj) serious and dignified; quiet or subdued in character or conduct The twins were really quite different, for one was the life of the party, while the other was rather staid.

20. sustain (verb) to support, nourish, keep up; to suffer, undergo; to bear up under, withstand Breakfast is important to help sustain you through the morning hours.