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com • mod • i • ty n., something useful or valued. In many countries, money is a valuable commodity.
be • reft adj., deprived or lacking something needed; wanting. After the fire, we were bereft of our most cherished photographs.
prev • a • lent adj., widespread; generally accepted or practiced. The flu was prevalent in schools during the month of January.
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skep • ti • cal adj., being doubtful or uncertain. My mom gave me a skeptical look when I told her I cleaned my room.
vin • tage adj., being old-fashioned, dating from the past. The vintage store is filled with old clothes and shoes.
prim adj., stiffly formal and proper. The professor looked prim as he stood in his suit and tie.
un • re • len • ting adj., not letting up or yielding in determination. Kirk’s unrelenting strength drove him to finish the marathon race.
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con • cil • i • a • to • ry adj., friendly or agreeable. Lisa was mad at first, but she become more conciliatory.
dis • cre • tion n., individual choice or judgment. The teacher asked us to use discretion when choosing movies.
in • or • di • nate adj., exceeding reasonable limits. My dad cooked an inordinate amount of food during the family reunion. inordinately, adv.
eu • phe • mism n., substitution of inoffensive expression for one that may be unpleasant. The doctor did not want to scare his patient, so he spoke in euphemisms.
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al • le • giance n., devotion or loyalty to a person or a cause. Dogs are said to be “a man’s best friend” because of their allegiance to their owner.
af • fa • ble adj., gracious, friendly. The affable host greeted everyone with a warm smile.
ca • vort v., prance or engage in extravagant behavior. My brother began to cavort around the house when he got all As on his report card.
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de • ci • pher v., make out the meaning. If you can decipher the riddle, you win the game!
al • be • it conj., even though. Jeremy was happy, albeit tired, after the weekend hiking trip.
e • thi • cal adj., conforming to accepted practices of conduct. The lawyer was ethical by being completely honest with his client.
im • pas • sive adj., giving no sign of feeling or emotion. Tari was impassive about her parents’ decision to move. impassively, adv.
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tran • si • ent adj., passing quickly into and out of existence. My uncle lives a transient lifestyle, traveling around the country and working odd jobs.
tem • per • a • ment n., distinguishing mental or physical character or quality. A puppy’s temperament is usually wild and rambunctious.
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im • mune adj., having a high degree to resistance to disease or illness. My aunt is immune to chicken pox because she’s had them before.
fluke n., chance occurrence. It was a fluke that we won the lottery.
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di • lap • i • dat • ed adj., decayed or deteriorated through neglect or misuse. The old car doesn’t even start anymore because it is so dilapidated.
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di • verse adj., differing from one another. The school is diverse because the student body represents many different countries.
gre • gar • i • ous adj., sociable; seeks companionship. John has many friends because he is gregarious.
be • guile v., amuse or charm; delight. The salesman was beguiling while trying to sell the car. beguiling, adj.
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i • ron • ic adj., curious or surpising. It was ironic that my dad wasn’t mad when I told him I didn’t do my chores. ironically, adv.
ex • u • ber • ant adj., joyously unrestrained and enthusiastic. Tim let out an exuberant shout after throwing a touchdown pass.
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do • cile adj., easily led or managed. This dog is more docile than a sleeping baby.
cyn • i • cal adj., having an attitude of distrust or pessimism. My mom can be cynical towards doctors because she doesn’t trust them.