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piv • o • tal adj., on which something depends. The pivotal new evidence helped to solve the crime.

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den • i • gra • tion n., belittling. Christa’s denigration of Mary’s Christmas tradition of making original homemade cards hurt Mary’s feelings.

su • per • an • nu • at • ed adj., old-fashioned; outdated. Typewriters are considered superannuated since the invention of the personal computer.

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e • rad • i • cate vt., do away with. Because she wants to eradicate illiteracy, Mrs. Koslowski volunteers to tutor adults who want to learn to read.

pro • pi • ti • ate vt., win or regain the good will of. After disobeying an order, the soldier propitiated her captain by giving him tickets to a concert.