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prow • ess n., extraordinary ability. Tatia’s prowess at the piano impressed the judges.
un • kempt adj., lacking in order or neatness. Jill and her brothers hurriedly picked up the unkempt house.
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in • dig • nant adj., filled with or expressing anger over something unjust or mean. The indignant dog walked away from the bowl of cheap dog food. indignantly, adv.
sum • mon v., call upon with authority. The principal summoned me to his office after the hallway scuffle.
pre • sum • a • bly adv., probably; one would assume. Lunch will be served, presumably, at noon.
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ac • cus • tomed adj., often used or practiced. Dad prefers to rest in his accustomed plaid easy chair.
dis • dain • ful adj., proud or scornful. The disdainful kids argued in favor of their unusual clothing.
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prim adj., fussy about one’s appearance. Jacob was very prim, while his brother Jordan was messy and unkempt. primly, adv.
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sol • emn adj., serious; dignified. Seymour’s solemn eyes told us something bad had happened.
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be • tray v., violate a trust or act unfaithfully. Cory betrayed me by revealing my secret to Liz.
fixed adj., firmly set or with concentration. Sarah sat with a fixed gaze on the television set. fixedly (fik’ s@d le$), adv.
plain • tive adj., mournful, sad; expressing sorrow. Timmy fell and got up with a plaintive cry.
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wane v., dwindling; dimming. Ashley’s energy waned, and she fell asleep. waning, adj.
be • muse v., confuse, bewilder. My jokes always seem to bemuse my mother. bemused, adj.
fa • tigue n., weariness or exhaustion. After the long day, Evan complained of fatigue.
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ve • he • ment adj., marked by forceful energy, emotion, or expression. Mark made a vehement plea for help. vehemently, adv.
pas • sion • ate adj., expressing strong feeling. Dane was passionate about his desire to travel. passionately, adv.
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in • var • i • a • ble adj., not changing. Every morning, an invariable knock at the door signaled the arrival of our neighbor. invariably, adv.