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ven • ture v., undertake and be exposed to risks and dangers. My brave brother ventured out into the snowstorm to fetch our dog.

re • lent • less adj., showing no sign of decrease in intensity, strength, or pace. Even though he had run five miles, he was relentless in refusing to take a break.

hin • drance n., something that interferes. The hail was a hindrance in getting the players excited to play.

per • pet • u • al adj., occurring continually. Sharon is a perpetual talker, always gabbing about something.

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gaunt adj., excessively thin and angular. The man’s gaunt face was thin and hollow-looking.

me • di • o • cre adj., of moderate or low quality, value, ability or performance. My singing is mediocre because it is neither the best nor the worst.

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lurch v., roll or tip abruptly; stagger. The toddler began to lurch while taking its first staggering steps.

au • di • ble adj., pertaining to the sense of hearing. It was hard to hear what was said over the intercom because the words were not audible.

quiz • zi • cal adj., questioning or puzzled expression. Because the boy didn’t understand, he looked up at the teacher with a quizzical expression. quizzically, adv.

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con • spir • a • to • ri • al adj., plotting, conspiring, scheming. The conspiratorial enemy looked over his plan of attack. conspiratorially, adv.

flu • id adj., changing or shifting smoothly. The cat walked with fluid grace over the glass.

throng n., multitude of people crowded or assembled together. There was a throng of people crowded together at the rock concert.

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mo • tive n., something that causes a person to act a certain way. Because his motive was to become rich, he chose to be a doctor.

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poised adj., dignified, self-confident. The film star looked poised as he received his award for Best Actor.