example
We had to take an alternate route due to traffic. What does alternate mean?
different
The cake at the party was lavish. It was decorated beautifully and had a strong taste. It had flowers made of gold. What does lavish mean?
Elegant, rich, luxurious
When I was walking to my destination I got lost because the directions were too vague. I had to ask my friend to be more descriptive.
not clearly expressed, limited information/details
John had seen horror movies before, but when he saw Bloodcore 6, he was so appalled by the bloodshed that he wrote the newspapers warning parents not to allow their children to see this movie.
shocked, greatly dismayed or horrified.
The boys became hostile when one called the other a bad name. What does hostile mean?
Mean, aggressive
When my family was eating dinner, my dog groveled for food. I told him not to bed at the dinner table.
Beg, plead
The baby that I babysit is very jovial. I've never seen him cry.
joyful, happy
The mood in the church became very solemn when the bride began to walk down the aisle.
formal and dignified
I was in a predicament when I was painting the floor and I realized I was trapped in the corner. What does predicament mean?
an embarrassing or difficult situation
Few were impressed by Kirstin’s presentation, “How to Walk and Chew Gum at the Same Time,” even though Kirstin was able to simultaneously walk and chew gum.
at the same time
My friend is confident he saw a spaceship in the sky, but I’m very skeptical due to lack of evidence.
not easily convinced; having doubts or reservations.
The richest man in town was losing his hearing and he offered a large reward to anyone who could find a remedy for his condition.
solution, treatment
I worry about frivolous details, like when someone moves pillows and blankets on my bed.
things are silly or unnecessary
There was a long hiatus in the television broadcast. This pause was caused by technical problems.
pause, break
Gordon wasn't sure that he cut out the shapes properly. He was afraid that he might have made them uneven, but his teacher assured him that his shapes were perfectly symmetrical.
even, showing symmetry.
Francesca was not sentimental about the old maple tree in the front yard. Although it had been important to her family for many generations, she had no trouble deciding to cut it down.
emotional
When we woke up, the sky was ominous. We were sure to pack our rain gear that day.
giving a sign of future evil or trouble
Some people think that my little brother is annoying because he asks so many questions, but I think that he just has an inquisitive nature.
curious, interested
After living in a cramped dorm room for several months, Tommy was excited to be back in the ample space of his bedroom at home.
plenty, more than enough
Brent wasn't the smartest kid in his class, but because of his dedication and diligence, he graduated as the valedictorian.
constant in effort to accomplish something, persistence