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writhe vi., twist as if in pain or struggling. During her nightmare, Noreen writhed under the blankets until they became tangled.

in • firm adj., of weakened vitality, especially feeble from age. Yolanda helped her infirm grandmother move into a nursing home.

pre • em • i • nent • ly adv., first and foremost; most importantly. For Kelsey, who does not drive, riding a bicycle is preeminently a means of transportation, not a sport.

dis • po • si • tion n., general nature. Commando was unfit to be a guard dog because of his friendly disposition.

un • re • lent • ing adj., not softening or yielding in determination. Mrs. Cunningham found it hard to keep up with the unrelenting pace at the office.

pil • lage n., act of looting or plundering, especially in war. The international community was distressed to hear of the pillage of the ethnic Albanians’ homes in Kosovo.

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pro • fu • sion n., great quantity. As the days grew warmer, the hills were covered with a profusion of purple and orange blossoms.

wean vt., free from dependence or custom. Many people make New Year’s resolutions to wean themselves of bad habits.

en • gen • der vt., cause to develop; produce. The flag is a symbol designed to engender feelings of patriotism.

ten • u • ous adj., flimsy; weak. Dobie asked for extra help because his grasp on the material that would be on the test was at best tenuous.

rev • er • ence n., honor or respect felt or shown. Isa watched the master violinist with great reverence, hoping to learn from the esteemed musician.

wa • ri • ness n., prudence; careful cautiousness. Jamal tested the ice because the recent warm day had left him with a wariness about the safety of skating.

con • sum • mate vt., complete. In order to consummate the deal, the two parties signed on the dotted line.

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o • paque adj., not admitting of light. The opaque shades allowed Keva to sleep during the day.

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en • mi • ty n., active and typically mutual hatred or ill will. The enmity between the Browns and the Cliffs surfaced during a legal dispute over property.

ser • vi • tude n., condition in which one lacks liberty, especially to determine one’s course of life. After seven years of servitude, Jed was no longer an indentured servant.

noc • tur • nal adj., of, relating to, or occurring in the night. Star gazing is a nocturnal activity.