ref • uge n., shelter or protection from danger or difficulty. We entered the cave seeking refuge from the storm.

im • pli • ca • tion n., something implied or indicated indirectly, from which something can be inferred. The implication of the discovery excited the scientists.

deg • ra • da • tion n., lowering of rank or state. The degredation of ancient forests has many negative effects on the environment.

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mag • ni • tude n., great size or importance. Marcel was horrified when he learned the magnitude of the problem of world hunger.

in • nate adj., existing naturally. Cici has never taken drawing lessons, but it is clear she has innate artistic talent.

ren • di • tion n., version. Did you prefer Norma’s rendition of the song or Jacob’s version?

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in • cre • ment n., amount or degree by which something increases or changes. Winter is turning to spring in small daily increments. incremental, adj.

en • shrine v., make sacred or cherished. Officials enshrined the local hero by commissioning a memorial to him in the park.

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el • o • quence n., graceful, persuasive power. Warren’s eloquence convinced everyone in the audience.

pro • lif • er • a • tion n., growth; increase. The proliferation of superstores has marked the end of many small shops.

er • u • dite adj., showing wide knowledge; scholarly. I couldn’t follow Hannah’s erudite comments.

but • tress v., support, prop up. The signatures on the petition buttress our request to the committee.

en • join v., urge; order. I enjoin you to slow down before you have an accident.

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im • mu • ta • ble adj., never changing. Even traditions that seemed immutable have begun to change.

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am • bi • gu • i • ty n., uncertainty. Despite efforts to clarify several points, the issue is surrounded by ambiguity.

wield v., handle and use. Danny wielded the chainsaw with ease.