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Definition
a very small quantity or amount
As far as science is concerned, there is not one iota of evidence to prove that life exists on other planets. |
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Term
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Definition
the quality of being unafraid of danger or punishment in a foolish way.
If you have the temerity to jump off the bridge even after hearing about the risk of instant death, you truly are a fool. |
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Term
elucidate - v. (-ed, -ing, -s) |
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Definition
to make understood, to clarify, to shed light upon something.
She read everything she could get her hands on that would elucidate and expand upon her study of the human brain. |
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Term
| expunge - v. (-d, -ing, -s) |
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Definition
to strike or blot something out; erase; obliterate.
The judge directed the court stenographer to expunge the last three paragraphs of witness's testimony because she was hysterical. |
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Term
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Definition
a person's individual way of walking
We had slowed to a cautious gait and were feeling our way forward so as not to bump into the trees.
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Term
purloin v. - (-ed, -s, -ing) |
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Definition
to steal something.
Jeremy must have purloined a copy of the school's master key because that is the only way he could have gotten into the cafeteria without breaking a window.
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Term
| capacious adj. - (capacity, -ly, -ness) |
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Definition
containing or capable of containing a large amount of something.
That mini-van has a capacious storage area which makes it an ideal choice for larger families. |
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Term
trepidation n. - (trepid, trepidly, trepidity, trepidant, intrepid) |
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Definition
- a feeling of fear that causes you to hesitate because you think something bad or unpleasant is going to happen.
After listening to the teacher describe how important the NYS ELA test was and all the preparation needed to do well on the test, Pam began to feel her trepidation grow about failing the assessment. |
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Term
| irascible- adj. (-ly, ity, -ness) |
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Definition
becoming angry very easily : having a bad temper.
Unlike his twin brother who never seems to get upset, Colin is irascible and gets angry very quickly.
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Term
pithy - adj. (pithier, pithiest)
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Definition
- using few words in a clever and effective way.
William Shakespeare was so skilled in using few words in clever and new ways that he is considered one of the most pithy writers ever. |
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