Essential Twelfth Grade Vocabulary: List 2

Nothing is more inimical to a respectful, rational and informative discussion than allowing the opponents to interrupt and speak over each other. New York Times (Aug 29, 2020)

“I was joking, Mom. That was just an attempt to add a little levity.” The Great Santini

No neighbor or friend ever knocks in such a peremptory way, and I knew immediately that it was the security police. Long Walk to Freedom

But all the while her heart beat in rhythm to the poignant sadness of the song the children sang while walking around in a ring with hands joined. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

A scam PAC is a political action committee that purports to be working toward a political goal but instead operates for personal profit or some ulterior motivation. Washington Times (Apr 19, 2021)

He surprised himself, as he spoke in that way, for he was a reticent, even a severe man. I'm the King of the Castle

He was strikingly tall for a full-back and formidably built, with a sinewy frame and thighs made of oak. The Guardian (May 15, 2018)

J. S. Bach was probably the cleverest composer who ever lived, but he gave his performers almost no detailed instructions as to how they might play his sublime music. The Story of Music

The sudden spike in hostilities last month underscored the tenuous nature of the cease-fire that exists along the 279-mile front in the Ukraine war. Seattle Times (Nov 15, 2021)

Never once had he imagined Dumbledore’s childhood or youth; it was as though he had sprung into being as Harry had known him, venerable and silver-haired and old. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows