Definitions
Acme (n.)
the highest point
excise (v.)
to remove by cutting; (n.) an indirect tax on the manufacture, sale, or distribution of a commodity or service
Menial (adj.)
Derived from Anglo-French meignal or mainial (of a household), originating from Medieval Latin mansionālis (resident in a house), ultimately from Latin mansio (dwelling/mansion).
juncture (n.):
At this critical juncture in the game, we need to score a touchdown to win.
Stance (n.)
The soccer defender took a wide stance to stop the forward from getting past her.
attribute (n.)
exotic (adj.)
foreign; charmingly unfamiliar or strikingly unusual
Parry (v.)
Derived from Italian parare (to ward off, defend, make ready), stemming from Latin parāre (to prepare).
Menial (adj.):
I don't mind doing menial chores like taking out the trash if it means I get a larger allowance.
Tawdry (adj.)
The hotel room was decorated in a tawdry way, with bright neon pink wallpaper and fake gold trim.
belittle (v.)
to make something appear smaller than it is; to refer to in a way that suggests lack of importance or value
haggard (adj.)
thin, pale, and careworn as a result of worry or suffering; wild-looking, wasted
predatory (adj.)
From Latin praedātōrius, rooted in praedārī (to plunder), derived from praeda (prey, booty).
Parry (v.):
The goalie was able to parry the soccer ball away from the net just in time.
Turncoat (n.)
In the spy movie, the main character was betrayed by a turncoat who joined the enemy side.
convey (v.)
to transport; to transmit; to communicate, make known; to transfer ownership or title to
jaunty (adj.)
lively, easy, and carefree in manner; smart or trim in appearance
ravage (v.)
Derived from French ravage (destruction), from Old French ravager (to tear away, destroy), closely related to ravine (torrent/rush), rooted in Latin rapere (to seize, carry off).
Predatory (adj.)
The documentary showed how predatory sharks hunt in the deep ocean.
Unassuming (adj.)
Despite being the best artist in school, she is very unassuming and never brags about her awards.
doctrine (n.)
a belief, principle, or teaching; a system of such beliefs or principles; a formulation of such beliefs or principles
juncture (n.)
a joining together; the point at which two things are joined; any important point in time
stance (n.)
Derived from Italian stanza (a stop, station, room) and related to Latin stāre (to stand), evolving from describing a "standing place" to a "way of standing."
Ravage (v.)
The storm will ravage the small town, leaving trees knocked down and homes damaged.
Wallow (v.)
After losing the championship game, it is tempting to wallow in sadness, but it is better to look forward to next season.