LESSON 4

1. LESSON 4

2. Neutral • It is logical to remain neutral in a violent argument between spouses. • Switzerland was a neutral country in World War II. • Adolph did not reject the idea but remained neutral about it. Adjective On neither side of a quarrel or war

3. Detest • The world detests people who aren’t valiant. • Wally was certain that his girlfriend’s parents would detest him because he had been a delinquent. • Idetest Chinese food but I won’t deprive you of the chance to eat it. Verb Dislike very much; hate

4. Wail • When tragedy struck, the old people began to wail. • In some countries the women are expected to wail loudly after their husbands die. • When the Yankees lost the World Series, there was much wailing in New York. Verb, Noun Cry loud and long because of grief or pain

5. Sneer • The journalists were cautious about sneering at the Secretary of Defense. • “Wipe that sneer off your face!” the dean told the delinquent. • I sneered at my parents when they told me to finish my homework. Verb, Noun Show scorn or contempt by looks or words; a scornful look or remark

6. Scowl • Laverne scowled at her mother when she was prohibited from going out. • I dread seeing my father scowl when he gets my report card. • Because of a defect in her vision, it always appeared that Polly was scowling. Verb, Noun Look angry by lowering the eyebrows; frown

7. Vermin • One should try to eliminate all vermin from his or her house. • Some reptiles eat vermin as their food. • Althoughvermin are not always visible, they probable inhabit every house in the city. Noun Small animals that are troublesome or destructive; fleas, bedbugs, lice, rats, and mice

8. Waddle • Being so flabby, James waddled when he walked. • The duck waddled along until it reached the water. • Some reptiles have a way of waddling along on their webbed feet. Verb Walk with short steps and clumsy, swaying motion

9. Encourage • Our coach encouraged us to play our best against Jefferson High. • Some unstable persons need to be encouraged to find a vocation. • A valiant person rarely needs to be encouraged. Verb Give courage to; increase the confidence of

10. Fierce • Barry was so fiercely angry that he thrust his hand through the glass. • One must take appropriate precautions when approaching fierce dogs. • He took one look at his fierce opponent and ran. Adjective Savage; wild

11. Trifle • I ate a trifle for dinner rather than a vast meal. • Walter spends only a trifle of his time in studying French. • At our meetings Alex always raises trifling objections to any new plan. Noun A small amount; little bit; something of little value

12. Consider • Jon considered whether a comprehensive report was necessary. • Do you consider that dress to be a bargain at the wholesale price? • The wrestler was always considered to be the underdog in every match. Verb Think about in order to decide

13. Symbol • The statue outside the court building is considered a symbol of justice. • Symbols for God are prohibited in the Jewish religion. • An olive branch is a symbol of peace. Noun Something that stands for or represents something else