definitions
annul v.
to reduce to nothing; to make inneffective or inoperative; to declare legally invalid or void
muster v
To gather, summon, or bring together for service, battle, or a specific purpose. It can also mean to amount to or comprise.
include n
The new project proposal should include a detailed budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
qualm n
Some people seem to have no qualms about manipulating others to achieve their own goals
annul v
This word is all about the number zero. It comes from the Latin word nullum, which means "nothing." When you annul something, you are legally turning it into "nothing" or making it like it never happened.
blase adj.
Indifferent, bored, or apathetic, typically as a result of having enjoyed many pleasures or frequent exposure.
nonentitiy n
A person or thing of no importance or influence.
peruse v
It is wise to have a lawyer peruse an agreement before you sign it.
recourse n
If you feel you have been cheated, your only recourse is to file a formal complaint.
blase adj
This one has a weird history. It comes from an old Dutch word blasen, which means "to blow." Think of someone who has had so many treats or fun times that they are "puffed up" or full. Now, they are just bored and unimpressed by everything.
bolster v
to support, give a boost to, or strengthen. As a noun, it refers to a long pillow, cushion, or supporting post.
obsess v
To trouble, haunt, or fill the mind; to be excessively preoccupied with something.
porous adj
Because the castle had porous security, it was quite simple for the intruder to sneak inside.
residue n
After the creditors were paid, the residue of the estate was shared among the children.
bolster v
This word is very old and comes from the Proto-Germanic word bulstraz. Originally, it wasn't a verb; it was just a long, stuffed pillow used to support your head in bed. Eventually, people started using it as a verb for "supporting" or "propping up" anything, like an argument or a friend’s confidence.
deplore v
To feel or express strong disapproval or deep regret.
ornate adj
Elaborately decorated or showily splendid.
prone adj
Children are often prone to catching colds during the winter months.
solicitous adj
That kind woman could not have been more solicitous of my well-being if she had been my own mother.
deplore v
This comes from the Latin word plorare, which means "to wail" or "to cry out loud." Back in the day, if you deplored something, you were literally crying because you hated it so much. Now, it just means you really disapprove of something.
frivolous adj
Of little importance or not worthy of serious attention; not meant seriously or lighthearted to a fault.
oust v
To remove or drive out of a position, office, or place
promontory n
A lighthouse was built on the tip of the promontory to serve as a beacon for ships.
Behind the professor's staid exterior was a keen wit and a lively sense of humor.
frivolous adj
this word comes from the Latin frivolus. A long time ago, it was used to describe broken or worthless pottery. Today, we use it to describe things that aren't serious or are just a waste of time.