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won • drous adj., extraordinary, remarkable. We spent a wondrous week on vacation by the sea. wondrously, adv.

dap • per adj., neat and trim; stylish. The young twins were dapper in their matching holiday outfits.

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ex • u • ber • ant adj., with joy and enthusiasm. She was exuberant about the good news. exuberantly, adv.

gaunt adj., lean, thin, angular. The gaunt young man looked even skinnier in a suit.

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men • ace v., act threatening. The bear’s menacing growl scared off the tourist. menacing, adj.

rud • dy adj., reddish. The toddler’s ruddy complexion matched the bright roses.

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wince v., flinch, shrink back. He winced when the doctor removed the deep splinter.

dis • ci • pli • nar • i • an n., one who enforces order. Of all the tennis coaches, Mrs. Lee was the strictest disciplinarian.

bat • ter v., wear out, damage, beat. He insisted on using the old, battered baseball glove. battered, adj.

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qua • ver v., shake, tremble. The old woman’s hand quavers when she waves. quavery, adj.

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poised adj., composed or ready; marked by balance. The young man’s fingers were poised to begin typing.

con • tour n., outline of a curve or shape. In the dark, she could make out only the contours of the car on the street.

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la • den adj., carrying a load or burden. Our suitcases were laden with souvenirs from the vacation.

ten • don n., connective tissue attaching muscle to bone. The basketball player needed surgery after injuring a tendon in her knee.

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jaun • ty adj., spright, lively. The jaunty old dog wagged its tail and leaped into my lap. jauntily, adv.

peer v., look closely. Elena peered at the old family photos, trying to recognize her aunt.

som • ber adj., dark and depressing; gloomy. The somber old house stood empty for years.