1. UNKNOWN WORDS AFTER TWENTY YEARS Prepared by: Natalia Cassino Johnny Fong

2. GUSTS Part of speech:noun Meaning: a brief, strong rush of wind synonyms: flurry, blast, puff, blow The car rocked slightly with a gust of wind.

3. DEPEOPLED Part of speech:verb (archaic) Meaning: to reduce or remove the population of a place synonyms: desolate The Russians may finally take Norway, but it will then be a devastated and depeopled land.

4. VICINITY Part of speech:noun Meaning: the area near or surrounding a particular place synonyms: surrounding area, neighborhood, locality The number of people living in the immediate vicinity was small

5. STALWART Part of speech:adjective Meaning: loyal, reliable, and hard-working synonyms: loyal, faithful, committed, devoted, dedicated He remained a stalwart supporter of the cause.

6. CHUM/CHAP Part of speech:noun Meaning: a close friend synonyms: friend, companion, confidant She shared the gummy bears with her chums.

7. HUSTLING Part of speech:verb gerund or present participle: hustling Meaning: push roughly synonyms: bump, knock The girls were hustled as they went into the stadium.

8. TWIRLING Part of speech:verb Meaning: spin quickly and lightly around, especially repeatedly synonyms: turn, pivot, swivel, twist, revolve, rotate The little girl was twirling in delight to show off her new dress.

9. PUFFS Part of speech:noun Meaning: A brief sudden emission of air, vapor, or smoke. synonyms: gust, blast, blow You should use two puff of saline solution in your nose every night to reduce congestion.

10. ARTFUL Part of speech:adjective Meaning: Exhibiting art or skill synonyms: adroit, skillful, deft The furniture is an artful blend of antiques and reproductions.

11. DRIZZLE Part of speech:noun Meaning: It is a light liquid precipitation consisting of liquid water drops smaller than those of rain – generally smaller than 0.5 mm (0.02 in) in diameter. synonyms: rain lightly, sprinkle The day in Boston was cloudy and drizzle.

12. TORN DOWN Part of speech:verb Meaning: To pull apart or into pieces by force synonyms: crush, wreck The school playgrounds are all astir.

13. COLLAR Part of speech:noun Meaning: the part around the neck of a shirt, blouse, jacket or coat, either upright or turned over. synonyms: neckband, choker The shirt collar was very durty.

14. ODDLY Part of speech:adverb Meaning: In a strange manner synonyms: funnily, queerly, strangely That was an oddly inscribed sheet of paper.

15. KEEN Part of speech:adjective Meaning: having or showing eagerness or enthusiasm synonyms: eager, anxious, impatient Peter is a keen gardener.

16. ASTIR Part of speech:adjective Meaning: in a state of excited movement synonyms: active, alert The school playgrounds are all astir.

17. NIGH Part of speech:adjective archaic literary Meaning: near synonyms: almost, nearly, just about The flowers garden is nigh.

18. STAUNCHEST Part of speech:adjective Meaning: very loyal and committed in attitude synonyms: loyal, faithful, trusty, committed He is a staunchest supporter of the cancer fighting activities

19. PLODDER Part of speech:noun Meaning: a person who plods, especially one who works in a slow and persevering but uninspired manner synonyms: slowcoach, tortoise Only the plodder has to stay after work.

20. WITS Part of speech:noun Meaning: a natural aptitude for using words and ideas in a quick and inventive way to create humor synonyms: humor, funniness, In our group of friends we have wits and passions.