SKIP TO CONTENT

Shaw's The Giver

vocabulary for The Giver
28 words 89 learners

Learn words with Flashcards and other activities

Full list of words from this list:

  1. distraught
    deeply agitated especially from emotion
    Before leaving the meeting in Chile, she appeared distraught, crying in front of reporters as she absorbed details of the blaze.
  2. transgression
    the violation of a law or a duty or moral principle
    He faced multiple felony counts and years in prison for what were, at worst, trivial transgressions of law.
  3. aptitude
    inherent ability
    Young people come to class more or less ready to learn, their aptitude and readiness determined by genetics and environment. Scientific American (Sep 12, 2012)
  4. nurture
    provide with nourishment
    Our lineage is equipped with such powerful nurturing instincts that offspring are not easily neglected or abandoned, no matter their condition. Salon (Mar 24, 2013)
  5. ritual
    the prescribed procedure for conducting religious ceremonies
    Contains remains of dwellings, housing what are believed to be Jewish ritual baths, centred around building identified by archaeologists as a synagogue.
  6. buoyancy
    the tendency to float in water or other liquid
    Wet suits, legal for most races in cold Pacific Northwest water, lend natural buoyancy to a swimmer, helping with body position so you go faster. Seattle Times (Jul 25, 2012)
  7. excruciating
    extremely painful
    Four years ago, he once again experienced the same unexplained roaming of his childhood, this time accompanied by excruciating headaches. Salon (Mar 9, 2013)
  8. immobilize
    to hold fast or prevent from moving
    In Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Sly James said about 60 buses were stuck on snowbound streets on Friday, and even tow trucks were immobilized.
  9. ominous
    threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
    It was an ominous reminder that global warming will bring its problems. Scientific American (Mar 26, 2013)
  10. imploringly
    in a pleading manner
    “Forgive me,” said Jack, bending over her humbly, imploringly—“forgive me! Garvice, Charles
  11. falter
    move hesitatingly, as if about to give way
    At the same time, groups attempting to promote stricter gun- control measures have faltered.
  12. lethargy
    inactivity; showing an unusual lack of energy
    Students who consumed the drink complained of lethargy, headaches, nausea and elevated heart rates. Seattle Times (Dec 4, 2012)
  13. petulantly
    in an easily irritated or annoyed manner
    "Why are you looking at me?" he petulantly barked at one unfortunate hack.
  14. disposition
    your usual mood
    This meeting started a shift in his disposition; Mr. Gonzalez called Catholic Charities and Ms. Morales “a light” that lifted his spirits.
  15. intrigue
    a crafty and involved plot to achieve your ends
    At least three intriguing questions remain given this situation. Forbes (Apr 26, 2013)
  16. apprehensive
    in fear or dread of possible evil or harm
    Whoopi Goldberg said she understood if some people were apprehensive about going out in crowded, public areas. Seattle Times (Apr 17, 2013)
  17. gravitate
    move toward
    Like most children there he played soccer, but slowly gravitated toward baseball. Seattle Times (Mar 14, 2013)
  18. infraction
    a violation of a law or rule
    She said police presence can be helpful at times, but too many officers get involved in minor infractions — with negative effects for students.
  19. acquisition
    something gained
    Sistema, which also has assets in banking, retail, high technology and agriculture, has been making acquisitions to further diversify its portfolio.
  20. exhilarating
    making lively and joyful
    Despite the pain of saying goodbye to friends, he found the recent shows in Japan exhilarating. Seattle Times (Feb 4, 2013)
  21. transmit
    send from one person or place to another
    Chinese scientists confirmed on Thursday that chickens had transmitted the flu to humans.
  22. torrent
    an overwhelming number or amount
    Perhaps the biggest challenge will be shielding astronauts from the unyielding torrents of radiation found outside Earth’s protective magnetic field. Scientific American (Feb 21, 2013)
  23. agonizingly
    in a very painful manner
    But another, much more typical one describes how he was agonizingly attacked by fire ants while his grandfather sipped beer and chuckled.
  24. unendurable
    incapable of being put up with
    The thought of his leaving home is almost unendurable for me.
  25. chastise
    scold or criticize severely
    On Friday Wefaq's leader chastised protesters chanting slogans directly attacking the king and ruling family.
  26. humiliation
    depriving one of self-esteem
    Clearly, the public humiliation of being fired from the company he loved ultimately brought out the best in him.
  27. benign
    kind in disposition or manner
    She continued screenings and went on to have multiple operations to remove benign cysts.
  28. admonition
    a firm rebuke
    He has also posted signs with a single admonition: “NO GAMBLING.” New York Times (Jul 5, 2012)
Created on Mon Apr 29 15:22:50 EDT 2013

Sign up now (it’s free!)

Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, Vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.