Something contemptible is worthy of scorn, like the contemptible jerk who's mean to your sister; but contemptuous is full of it, like the contemptuous look you give that guy as he speeds away in his gas guzzler. Continue reading...
If you kiss the mob boss’s ring, do it respectfully, or full of respect and admiration. But respectively means “in the order given,” so if you have to kiss up to the rest of the mob, make sure to shake hands and high five Jimmy Rags and Tommy Two Face, respectively because Jimmy prefers a handshake, but Tommy loves a good high five. Continue reading...
To alternate is to take turns; an alternative is an option. When you wear your checkered blazer, the black and white squares alternate. But if you're not feeling like an '80s guitar hero, the green plaid jacket is a nice alternative. Continue reading...
A connotation is the feeling a word invokes. But take note! A denotation is what the word literally says. If these words were on a trip, connotation would be the baggage, and denotation would be the traveler. Continue reading...
To aver is to affirm and to avow is to openly declare. There's some overlap with these words because when people want to aver something — state a truth — they probably also want to avow it — say it publicly. Continue reading...
One of the controversies surrounding President-elect Trump has been the separation (or lack thereof) between his previous life as a businessman and his future career as president. Yet the Constitution prohibits him from accepting any emolument. The soon-to-be president's actions may be limited by this word, so let's examine it in detail. Continue reading...
Nimitz snags back-to-back monthly Champions Banners, Lanier still reigns supreme among Middle Schools, and there were so many bald eagles in the top ten ranks, you'd never know they were once an endangered species. The January Vocabulary Bowl results are in, and you can watch all the highlights in the latest Vocabulary Bowl Roundup Video. Continue reading...
The 2018-19 Vocab Bowl awards season concluded with a celebration of outstanding students, dedicated educators, and their collective effort to achieve success. Continue reading...
The 2020–2021 Vocabulary Bowl kicked off on October 1st and we hosted our first ever virtual kickoff event! Find out what you missed and everything you need to get your students revved up for word learning this season. Continue reading...