Parts of Speech
A word that names a person, place, concept, or object. Example: "dog"
Noun
Fugitive.
"Authorities were looking for three men who escaped from prison today. They believe the three fugitives may be in disguise and advise the public to be careful."
Someone who flees or runs away from the police to avoid capture.
Explicit.
"Mr. Ayo gave very explicit instructions for the assignment, so we knew exactly what we were supposed to do."
Clear, detailed, and easy to understand.
"When I cook, I like to incorporate ingredients of many different colors.
To include or integrate a part into the whole.
Clearly.
"I spoke clearly so everyone could understand me."
In a clear, distinct, or obvious manner.
A word that describes a noun. Example: "slimy"
Adjective
Predicament.
"The man was in quite a predicament. He was engaged to get married but suddenly fell in love with someone else."
A difficult, confusing, and unpleasant situation.
Nostalgic.
"I was feeling nostalgic so I looked at old pictures my friends and I had taken together."
Unhappy about being away and longing for familiar things or people.
Dwindle.
"The money in my bank account dwindled because of my expensive vacation."
Become smaller or lose substance.
Gracefully.
"The ballerina moved gracefully across the stage."
In a polite and pleasant way, or in a way that is characterized by elegance or beauty.
A word that describes a specific action. Example: "run"
Verb
Contract.
"When you rent an apartment, you have to sign a contract with the landlord."
A binding agreement that is enforceable by law.
Relevant.
"My teacher prefers that we ask questions that are relevant to the lesson."
Appropriate or connected to the matter at hand.
Plagiarize.
"The student plagiarized her essay and got in big trouble when her teacher found out."
Take without referencing from someone else's writing or speech.
Frantically.
"I was running late for school so I frantically threw some notebooks and pencils into my backpack and ran out the door."
In a hurried, desperate, or panic-stricken way.
Words you substitute for specific nouns when the reader or listener already knows which specific noun you’re referring to. Example: "her"
Pronoun
Remnant.
"The remnants from the ancient battle gave archaeologists clues about what might have happened."
Something that's left over, once the rest is used up. A small remaining quantity of something.
Stagnant.
"The water in the pond was stagnant and covered in scum, so it wasn't safe to drink."
Lacking movement, stale, and inactive.
Abolish.
"Some people believe they should abolish the death penalty because it is too cruel."
To get rid of or annul. To do away with.
Eagerly.
"As soon as they finished lunch, the students eagerly waited to be let out for recess."
Having or showing an impatient or enthusiastic desire or interest.
A word that describes an adjective or a verb. Example: "quietly"
Adverb
Lapse.
"The girl had a lapse in her manners and forgot to say 'please' and 'thank you.'"
A temporary slip, failure or break in continuity
Sheepish.
"I felt sheepish when the teacher called on me because I don't like being the center of attention."
Embarrassed and not confident. Showing a sense of shame.
Fluctuate.
"When I had the flu, my muscles ached and my body temperature fluctuated between hot and cold."
Move or sway in a rising and falling or wavelike pattern.
Gingerly.
"I held my newborn sister gingerly because I didn't want to hurt her."
In a manner marked by extreme care or delicacy