120 Words Every 9th Grader Should Know: List 6

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. allocate
    distribute according to a plan or set apart for a purpose
    The person who finds this “inheritance” will receive a tenth of the money; the remainder will be allocated to the city. The Parker Inheritance
  2. apathetic
    showing little or no emotion or animation
    We stare at one another, keeping our faces blank, apathetic. The Handmaid's Tale
  3. begrudge
    be envious of or feel annoyance toward
    I don’t begrudge those poor people the attention, but wish some of it would turn toward us, too. Dry
  4. composite
    consisting of separate interconnected parts
    The botanist explains that the daisy is a composite flower made up of many small, individual florets. Washington Times (Jul 7, 2020)
  5. contempt
    lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
    The supervisor looks at her with disgust and contempt. First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers
  6. cynical
    believing the worst of human nature and motives
    In this country we’re often cynical about politics, sometimes rolling our eyes at the idea that democratic leaders make much of a difference. New York Times (Oct 28, 2021)
  7. detract
    take away a part from; diminish
    Ridley said he doesn’t believe the tournament’s extra online features will detract from the live experience. Washington Times (Apr 11, 2019)
  8. eloquent
    expressing yourself readily, clearly, effectively
    He wasn’t the most eloquent or stylish debater on the stage. Washington Post (Jul 31, 2019)
  9. erroneous
    containing or characterized by mistakes
    After the authors removed erroneous data, the paper was republished with similar conclusions. Scientific American (Aug 6, 2019)
  10. giddy
    exultantly proud and joyful; in high spirits
    The last few days, Mother has been so cheerful, almost giddy that school has gone well. The Adoration of Jenna Fox
  11. implausible
    having a quality that provokes disbelief
    Examples of highly implausible statements included “Elephants weigh less than ants,” and “The Earth is a perfect square.” Scientific American (Oct 6, 2019)
  12. inquisitive
    showing curiosity
    He is as intelligent and inquisitive as any student I’ve ever known. The Inquisitor's Tale
  13. lavish
    characterized by extravagance and profusion
    When the rich lord turned sixty, he decided he would throw his most lavish banquet. When the Sea Turned to Silver
  14. myopic
    lacking foresight or scope
    “Your point of view is myopic, privileged, and just plain wrong,” Ms. Nixon wrote. New York Times (Jun 12, 2021)
  15. plausible
    apparently reasonable, valid, or truthful
    This leaves many of the mysteries of the universe — like why stars are so big and atoms are so small — with no plausible explanation. New York Times (Apr 7, 2020)
  16. reconciliation
    the reestablishment of cordial relations
    Ulysses dares to hope for a reconciliation with his lost family. Washington Post (Oct 4, 2021)
  17. retaliate
    take revenge for a perceived wrong
    “Father Abbot, it is our duty not only to defend but to retaliate.” Redwall
  18. solace
    the comfort felt when consoled in times of disappointment
    I had more time to spend with Ultima, and in her company I found a great deal of solace and peace. Bless Me, Ultima
  19. transcend
    go beyond the scope or limits of
    The future will erase everything—there's no level of fame or genius that allows you to transcend oblivion. An Abundance of Katherines
  20. vivacious
    vigorous and animated
    Described by her friends and family as vivacious, confident, bright, and strong, Sergeant Gee excelled in the Marines. New York Times (Aug 28, 2021)
Created on Wed Oct 27 12:08:34 EDT 2021 (updated Thu Nov 04 11:41:47 EDT 2021)

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