The Case for Space

The Case for SpaceVocabulary for pg 129

deflect (verb)MEANING EXAMPLE

to make something go in a different direction

One way to deflect an asteroid headed for Earth is to hit it with a spacecraft.

In karate or boxing it is important to deflect the opponent’s kicks and punches.

justify (verb)MEANING EXAMPLE

to show that something is fair or reasonable

Many people think the benefits of solar power justify the cost of installing solar panels.

Even if you didn’t start the fight, you will have to justify your reasons for hitting that boy so many times.

inherently (adjective)MEANING EXAMPLE

basically; by nature *

Liz thinks her dog is inherently good, even though sometimes he chews the furniture.

Serial killers are inherently evil in my opinion.

seep (verb)MEANING EXAMPLE

to flow or trickle slowly

I didn’t notice that my water bottle was leaking until water seeped out, all over my backpack.

We filled the wading pool for my little sister, but the water must have seeped out during her nap; it’s empty now.

awry (adverb)MEANING EXAMPLE

wrong; amiss Christina knew something was awry when she noticed the broken bedroom window.

The teacher knew something was awry because the students were too quiet and too still.

juxtapose (verb)MEANING EXAMPLE

to place side by side for the purpose of comparing and contrasting

Photographers sometimes juxtapose before-and-after photos to make a point. *

It was not kind for the teacher to juxtapose Calvin, the school clown, and Frank, the star athlete, in her comparison at graduation.

traverse (verb)MEANING EXAMPLE

to travel across; to make a journey across or through

Pioneers used to traverse the country in covered wagons.

The hikers will have to traverse the expansive tundra before they reach the base camp.

vulnerable (adjective)MEANING EXAMPLE

able to be harmed or damaged

Many birds build nests to keep their vulnerable chicks safe from predators.

After a family trauma young people may be vulnerable to emotional distress or violent outbursts.