Page 721
ve • loc • i • ty n., quickness or rapidity of motion or action. The bay mare ran with such velocity that she was sure to win the race.
in • ter • fer • ence n., something that comes into collision or opposition. His child’s interference prevented Allan from finishing his project.
Page 722
un • ob • tru • sive adj., not calling attention to itself. The student was unobtrusive in his plain clothes and quiet demeanor.
de • vout adj., showing reverence. In ancient Canaanite civilization, many people were devout and faithful followers of the fertility god Ba’al.
Page 723
sa • shay vi., move or walk in such a way as to attract attention. Julia sashayed across the stage to show the egotism of her character.
Page 726
poise n., ease and dignity of manner. Dominick’s poise hid his nervousness at addressing the school assembly.
in • cred • u • lous • ly adv., in a doubting or skeptical manner. “I won the lottery? You must be joking,” she said incredulously.
Page 727
vi • vac • i • ty n., liveliness of spirit; animation. Lana’s vivacity made her very popular with all the groups at school.
par • a • gon n., model or pattern of perfection or excellence. Because Will was such a talented calculus student, his teacher described him as a paragon of mathematical ability.
Page 728
ves • tige n., trace, mark, or sign of something that once existed but has passed away. The worn marble columns were the only vestige of Roman civilization that Claudia saw.
trib • u • la • tion n., great misery or distress. Job’s tribulations brought Emma to tears.
Page 731
or • na • men • ta • tion n., decoration. The crystal goblets in the hutch were antiques and served as ornamentation in the dining room.
Page 732
in • tol • er • a • ble adj., too severe, painful, or cruel to be endured. Oliver found the loud, pounding music to be intolerable, so he left the concert.
Page 733
lime • light n., prominent or conspicuous position, as if under a spotlight. Jessica wanted to become an actress because she loved being in the limelight.
ex • po • si • tion n., large, public exhibition or show, often international in scope. The Crystal Palace was one of the first expositions, or world’s fairs.
Page 734
wince vi., shrink or draw back slightly, usually with a grimace, as in pain, embarrassment, or alarm. The blisters on Don’s feet made him wince with every step.
Page 735
rel • ish n., pleasure; enjoyment. I look forward with relish to a vacation on the beach.
be • lea • guer vt., besiege by encircling. The Vikings beleaguered the castle with the intent of starving out the Saxons.
Page 736
in • do • lent • ly adv., lazily. While Mr. Miller prepared dinner, his wife lay indolently on the couch.
a • cute • ly adv., sharply, painfully, or severely. Kim was acutely embarrassed during her demonstration speech.
ap • ti • tude n., natural tendency or inclination. Jay showed an aptitude for math at an early age.
Page 741
jaun • ti • ly adv., in a confident, carefree manner. Drew tipped his hat jauntily to the ladies.
Page 742
pan • to • mime n., dramatic presentation without words. Kim related her experience as a pantomime since she had laryngitis.