WEEK 1 Week of September 5

WEEK 1WEEK 1Week of September 5Week of September 5

Words have Denotation and a Connotation meanings.

DDenotationenotation: Dictionary meaning of the word; the literal meaning of the word.

ConnConnotationotation: Your connection to the word – the emotions in which the word evokes.

For example …

The words “woman” and The words “woman” and “chick” have the “chick” have the denotation “adult female” denotation “adult female” in North America. in North America. HOWEVERHOWEVER, “chick” has a , “chick” has a negative connotationnegative connotation. .

Consider the following connotations:Consider the following connotations:

Positive: There are over 2,000 homeless in the city.

Neutral: There are over 2,000 people with no fixed address in the city.

Negative: There are over 2,000 vagrants in the city.

The word “vagrant” means a “public nuisance”; “homeless” evokes pity and charity. Words like “Negro” and “crippled” have been replaced with neutral connotations: “African-American” and “handicapped” …

SIMPLE SENTENCE

A simple sentence contains a subject and a verb. It can contain modifiers, too

(i.e. adjective, adverbs, prepositional phrases, etc.).

Example: 1. We won.

2. We won the game against Exeter.

FAUX PAS FAUX PAS (foh PAH).(foh PAH). Noun.

DENOTATION:DENOTATION: a slip or blunder in a slip or blunder in etiquette, manners, or conduct; an etiquette, manners, or conduct; an indiscretion.indiscretion. CONNOTATION:CONNOTATION: an embarrassing mistake an embarrassing mistake

The sign in the window stated The sign in the window stated “Hams for Chanukah”, a “Hams for Chanukah”, a religious religious faux pasfaux pas to Jewish to Jewish people. people.

ECLECTIC ECLECTIC (eek LECK tik).(eek LECK tik). Adjective.

DENOTATION: made up of elements DENOTATION: made up of elements from different sourcesfrom different sourcesCONNOTATION: variety; diversified; CONNOTATION: variety; diversified; broadbroad

Simon’s closet was an Simon’s closet was an

eclecticeclectic array of clothing, array of clothing, including outfits from the including outfits from the 1950s to the present.1950s to the present.

UBIQUITOUSUBIQUITOUS(yoo BIHK wih tis).(yoo BIHK wih tis).

adjective.adjective.

Denotation: Denotation: Existing or being Existing or being everywhere, or in all places, at the everywhere, or in all places, at the

same time; omnipresentsame time; omnipresent Connotation: Connotation: being everywhere at being everywhere at once once 

Online gambling, shopping and Online gambling, shopping and videoconferencing may all be videoconferencing may all be ubiquitousubiquitous in the future. in the future.

AUSPICIOUS (ô SPISH əs) adjective

Denotation: promising success; propitious; opportune;

Connotation: favorable; successful

The auspicious fundraiser allowed the charity to donate

hundreds of toys to the orphanage.

WEEK 2WEEK 2Week of September 12Week of September 12

Grammar/Writing Connection

COMPOUND SENTENCE:COMPOUND SENTENCE: two or more COMPLETE sentences joined together by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, or, nor, yet, so)

Mnemonic: FANBOYS

For And Nor But Or Yet So

OFFICIOUSOFFICIOUS (uh FISH us).(uh FISH us). Adjective.

Denotation: eager in offering unwanted services or advice

Connotation: a pest; annoying

TheThe OFFICIOUSOFFICIOUS waitress kept waitress kept asking us for coffee, but we kept asking us for coffee, but we kept

refusing her.refusing her.

GREGARIOUSGREGARIOUS (gruh GAIR ee us).(gruh GAIR ee us).

Adjective.Denotation:Denotation: Seeking and enjoying the company of others;

Connotation:Connotation: sociable

Greg’s Greg’s GREGARIOUSGREGARIOUS personality allowed him to enjoy personality allowed him to enjoy a lucrative career in sales, for a lucrative career in sales, for people were drawn to him.people were drawn to him.

COGNIZANT(KOG ni zent).

adjective.Denotation: fully informed;

conscious Connotation: knows what’s

happening

While strumming his guitar, Michael was cognizant of the three girls staring at him, yet he acted disinterested.

VORACIOUSVORACIOUS (vo RAY shush).(vo RAY shush). Adjective.

DENOTATION: An insatiable appetite for an activity or pursuit; eager to consume great

amounts of food CONNOTATION: Can’t get enough of

something

Big Sue had a VORACIOUS appetite during church camp; she wasn’t allowed to eat at the salad bar after the ninth time.

WEEK 3WEEK 3Week of September 19Week of September 19

Grammar/Writing Connection

COMPOUND SENTENCE:COMPOUND SENTENCE: two or more COMPLETE sentences joined together by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, or, nor, yet, so)

Mnemonic: FANBOYS

For And Nor But Or Yet So

WRITHEWRITHE(ryth).(ryth). Verb.Verb.

DENOTATION: To twist or bend; to suffer DENOTATION: To twist or bend; to suffer pain or embarrassmentpain or embarrassment

CONNOTATION: cringe; suffer; agonizeCONNOTATION: cringe; suffer; agonize““Bulls WRITHE when cowboys RIDE”Bulls WRITHE when cowboys RIDE”

TinaTina WRITHED, WRITHED, for Mr. for Mr. Flenkins embarrassed Flenkins embarrassed her for the third time.her for the third time.

CAVALIER CAVALIER (kav ah LEER).(kav ah LEER). Adjective.Adjective.

Denotation: Casual; carefree and nonchalant; Denotation: Casual; carefree and nonchalant; Connotation: cocky; arrogantConnotation: cocky; arrogant

NounNounA gallant gentlemanA gallant gentleman

Mike had a cavalier Mike had a cavalier attitude toward attitude toward marriage, so his wife marriage, so his wife left him after six left him after six months of marriage.months of marriage.

BILK BILK (BILK).(BILK). Verb.Verb.

Denotation: to defraud; swindleDenotation: to defraud; swindleConnotation: cheatConnotation: cheat

Sharon, the head French fry woman, bilked McDonalds out of $500.00, so the company sued her quickly.

CASTIGATECASTIGATE(KASS ti gayt).(KASS ti gayt).

verb.verb.Denotation: to punish; chastise Denotation: to punish; chastise

Connotation: criticize severelyConnotation: criticize severely

Andy’s teacher castigated him Andy’s teacher castigated him continuously in front of the class for continuously in front of the class for failing the test; his classmates failing the test; his classmates laughed at him.laughed at him.

WEEK 4WEEK 4Week of September 26Week of September 26

Grammar/Writing Connection

COMPOUND SENTENCE:COMPOUND SENTENCE: two or more COMPLETE sentences joined together by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, or, nor, yet, so)

Mnemonic: FANBOYS

For And Nor But Or Yet So

EGREGIOUSEGREGIOUS (I GREE jiss).(I GREE jiss). Adjective.

DENOTATION: conspicuously badDENOTATION: conspicuously badCONNOTATION: extremely bad; CONNOTATION: extremely bad;

offensiveoffensive

The teacher noticed The teacher noticed Bubba’sBubba’sEGREGIOUS error, EGREGIOUS error, but she decided not but she decided not to tell his momma. to tell his momma.

AMBIVALENCEAMBIVALENCE (am BIV ah lents).(am BIV ah lents). Noun.Noun.Indecision; experiencing Indecision; experiencing contradictory emotionscontradictory emotions

Mike’s AMike’s AMBIVALENCE MBIVALENCE about which woman to about which woman to choose made him choose made him disregard the whole idea disregard the whole idea of dating, but in two of dating, but in two weeks, he found the love weeks, he found the love of his life.of his life.

ACUMEN (AK yə mən) (NOUN)

Denotation: Quickness and keenness of judgment or insight

Connotation: wisdom; a “good eye” for detail

With all respect for your natural acumenacumen, I do not think you’re a match for the detective, for you

don’t have life experience.

SURREPTITIOUSSURREPTITIOUS (sur ep TISH us)(sur ep TISH us) Adjective.

DENOTATION:DENOTATION: Done or acting in a secret, sly manner …

clandestine, furtive. CONNOTATION:CONNOTATION: sneaky

Sean tried to be SURREPTITIOUSSURREPTITIOUS in the store, yet Miss Smith noticed him taking a five-finger discount.

WEEK 5WEEK 5Week of October 3Week of October 3

Grammar/Writing Connection

COMPOUND SENTENCE:COMPOUND SENTENCE: two or more COMPLETE sentences joined together by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, or, nor, yet, so)

Mnemonic: FANBOYS

For And Nor But Or Yet So

ONEROUSONEROUS (AHN ur us).(AHN ur us). Adjective.Adjective.

Denotation: Troublesome or Denotation: Troublesome or oppressive; burdensome oppressive; burdensome Connotation: difficultConnotation: difficult

We had the We had the ONEROUSONEROUS task of pushing our car task of pushing our car two miles to the two miles to the nearest gas station, for nearest gas station, for Billy forgot to buy gas.Billy forgot to buy gas.

ATTRITIONATTRITION (ah TRISH un).(ah TRISH un). Noun/Adjective.Noun/Adjective.

Denotation: A reduction or decrease in numbers, Denotation: A reduction or decrease in numbers, size, or strength …size, or strength …

Connotation: Connotation: ““OverOver-FISHIN’-FISHIN’ can lead to ATTRITION” can lead to ATTRITION”

Many teachers retired this year, so Many teachers retired this year, so the the ATTRITION ATTRITION rate is high.rate is high.

LIST 2

CARRION CARRION (KAIR ee un).(KAIR ee un). Noun.Noun.

Denotation:Denotation: Dead and Dead and rotting fleshrotting flesh

Connotation:Connotation: corpse corpse

Days after the battle, the Days after the battle, the battlefield was littered battlefield was littered by the CARRION of by the CARRION of brave soldiers, but the brave soldiers, but the town was too tired to town was too tired to clean it up.clean it up.

RAMSES II mummyEgypt’s greatest and most powerful pharaoh

DEPLOYDEPLOY(di PLOY).(di PLOY). verb. verb. To arrange strategicallyTo arrange strategically

The U.S. Navy DEPLOYED many sailors The U.S. Navy DEPLOYED many sailors at Pearl Harbor, yet the men were at Pearl Harbor, yet the men were

unprepared for the attack.unprepared for the attack.

““David DEPLOYED his TOYS to attack his sister.”David DEPLOYED his TOYS to attack his sister.”

WEEK 6WEEK 6Week of October 10Week of October 10

Grammar/Writing Connection

COMPLEX SENTENCE:COMPLEX SENTENCE: One main clause and AT LEAST one dependent/subordinate clause.

To create a dependent/subordinate clause, use this “formula”:

Subordinating Conjunction + Main Clause

Subordinating Conjunctionsafter inasmuch as supposing (that) although in case

(that)once than as in order that

that as (far/soon) asinsofar as though as if

in that until as though lest unless

because no matter how before now that when

whenever even if where wherever even though

provided (that) whether how since while

if so that 

Relative pronouns also serve as markers of subordinate clauses: That, what, which, who**, whoever, whom, whomever, whose ** WHO takes the place of the subject in a subordinate clause

BELLIGERENT BELLIGERENT (be LIG er ent).(be LIG er ent). Adjective.Adjective.

Denotation: hostile; inclined to fight Denotation: hostile; inclined to fight Connotation: mean and hatefulConnotation: mean and hateful

Contrary to popular Contrary to popular belief, Derek belief, Derek doesn’t have a doesn’t have a belligerent belligerent bone in bone in his body, because his body, because he’s a lover, not a he’s a lover, not a fighter.fighter.

BRANDISH BRANDISH (BRAN dish).(BRAN dish). Verb.Verb.

Denotation: wave menacingly Denotation: wave menacingly Connotation: swing back and forthConnotation: swing back and forth

The men The men brandished brandished swords, as they swords, as they fought for the fought for the hand of the hand of the damsel.damsel.

CAMARADERIE CAMARADERIE (kahm RAH da ree).(kahm RAH da ree).

noun.noun.Denotation:Denotation: trust; sociability trust; sociability

among friends among friends Connotation:Connotation: friendship friendship

Timmy likes the Timmy likes the camaraderiecamaraderie of his of his friends in the accordion club, although friends in the accordion club, although many of them make many of them make causticcaustic remarks remarks when someone plays a wrong note.when someone plays a wrong note.

CATALYSTCATALYST(KAT uh list).(KAT uh list).

noun.noun.Denotation: something causing Denotation: something causing

change without being changed change without being changed Connotation: begins somethingConnotation: begins something

After she watched an animal rights After she watched an animal rights protest, Roxie decided to become a protest, Roxie decided to become a catalystcatalyst for change. for change.

WEEK 7WEEK 7Week of October 17Week of October 17

Grammar/Writing Connection

COMPLEX SENTENCE:COMPLEX SENTENCE: One main clause and AT LEAST one dependent/subordinate clause.

To create a dependent/subordinate clause, use this “formula”:

Subordinating Conjunction + Main Clause

Subordinating Conjunctionsafter inasmuch as supposing (that) although in case

(that)once than as in order that

that as (far/soon) asinsofar as though as if

in that until as though lest unless

because no matter how before now that when

whenever even if where wherever even though

provided (that) whether how since while

if so that 

Relative pronouns also serve as markers of subordinate clauses: That, what, which, who**, whoever, whom, whomever, whose ** WHO takes the place of the subject in a subordinate clause

EVANESCENTEVANESCENT (ev-uh-(ev-uh-NESNES-uh nt).-uh nt). Adjective.

DENOTATION: momentary; transient CONNOTATION: short-lived; fading away

Tornadoes are Tornadoes are capricious and capricious and EvanescentEvanescent, while , while they destroy lives. they destroy lives.

DISHEVELEDDISHEVELED (di SHEV uld).(di SHEV uld). Adjective.Adjective.

DENOTATION: marked by disorder; untidyDENOTATION: marked by disorder; untidyCONNOTATION: messyCONNOTATION: messy

Jennifer neatened her hair Jennifer neatened her hair between classes, because between classes, because she didn’t like to look she didn’t like to look

disheveleddisheveled..

COERCE COERCE (koh URS).(koh URS). Verb.Verb.

DENOTATION: to force someone by DENOTATION: to force someone by threatening or physically overpowering threatening or physically overpowering themthemCONNOTATION: harass; threatenCONNOTATION: harass; threaten

The Phantom The Phantom COERCEDCOERCED the owners the owners of the Opera Populaire of the Opera Populaire when he demanded when he demanded that they use Christina that they use Christina as a soloist.as a soloist.

AUDACIOUSAUDACIOUS (adjective) (adjective)aw DAY shisaw DAY shis

Denotation: bold, daring

Connotation: fearless

The warrior felt audaciousaudacious, until he saw the enemy riding towards him.

WEEK 8WEEK 8Week of October 24Week of October 24

Grammar/Writing Connection

COMPLEX SENTENCE:COMPLEX SENTENCE: One main clause and AT LEAST one dependent/subordinate clause.

To create a dependent/subordinate clause, use this “formula”:

Subordinating Conjunction + Main Clause

Subordinating Conjunctionsafter inasmuch as supposing (that) although in case

(that)once than as in order that

that as (far/soon) asinsofar as though as if

in that until as though lest unless

because no matter how before now that when

whenever even if where wherever even though

provided (that) whether how since while

if so that 

Relative pronouns also serve as markers of subordinate clauses: That, what, which, who**, whoever, whom, whomever, whose ** WHO takes the place of the subject in a subordinate clause

LIST 2

ABATE ABATE (ah BAIT).(ah BAIT). Verb.

DENOTATION: to reduceDENOTATION: to reduceCONNOTATION: to lessenCONNOTATION: to lessen

Resuming our picnic was easy, Resuming our picnic was easy, once the storm finally ABATED.once the storm finally ABATED.

Because she had confidence, Because she had confidence, Martha’s defeat in the tennis Martha’s defeat in the tennis tournament did not ABATE her tournament did not ABATE her zeal for the game.zeal for the game.

LITHE LITHE (lythe).(lythe). Adjective.Adjective.

DENOTATION: bending DENOTATION: bending easily and gracefullyeasily and gracefullyCONNOTATION: flexibleCONNOTATION: flexible

The The LITHELITHE ballerina ballerina stretched her muscles stretched her muscles before performing “Dance before performing “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy”, of the Sugar Plum Fairy”, although she was although she was paralyzed with fear.paralyzed with fear.

Assiduous (adjective)uh SI joo iss

Denotation: diligent; persistent

Connotation: hardworking

Jody’s friends considered him assiduous, until he cried while trapped on the cliff.

Avant-Garde (adjective)AH vant GARD

Denotation: radically new

Connotation: original

When she promenaded into the annual Ladies’ Tea, Rosanna’s avant-garde clothing caused a stir among the women.

WEEK 9WEEK 9Week of October 31Week of October 31

Grammar/Writing Connection

COMPLEX SENTENCE:COMPLEX SENTENCE: One main clause and AT LEAST one dependent/subordinate clause.

To create a dependent/subordinate clause, use this “formula”:

Subordinating Conjunction + Main Clause

Subordinating Conjunctionsafter inasmuch as supposing (that) although in case

(that)once than as in order that

that as (far/soon) asinsofar as though as if

in that until as though lest unless

because no matter how before now that when

whenever even if where wherever even though

provided (that) whether how since while

if so that 

Relative pronouns also serve as markers of subordinate clauses: That, what, which, who**, whoever, whom, whomever, whose ** WHO takes the place of the subject in a subordinate clause

COLOSSAL (adjective)COLOSSAL (adjective)kuh LOS ulkuh LOS ul

Denotation:

Immense; enormous

Connotation: very big

Jacob realized they made a colossal error by shoplifting at Target.

Complacence (noun)Complacence (noun)kom PLAY senskom PLAY sens

Denotation: Self-satisfaction; lack of

concernConnotation: contentment;

satisfaction

George’s complacence about studying quickly ended when he realized he was in danger of failing English 10.

CONDUIT (noun)CONDUIT (noun)KON doo itKON doo it

Denotation: Tube, pipe, or similar passageConnotation: a channel;

passage

The girl’s bathroom was Carla’s conduit to gossip about boys, whenever she needed a safe place.

CONSENSUS (noun)CONSENSUS (noun)kon SEN susskon SEN suss

Denotation: unanimityConnotation: agreement in opinion or

attitude

After much debate, Troy and the rest of the student council reached a consensus and decided to have a car wash as a senior trip fundraiser, although some of the students voiced their objections.

WEEK 10WEEK 10Week of November 7Week of November 7

Grammar/Writing Connection

COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCE:COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCE: Two main clauses and AT LEAST one dependent/subordinate clause.

SHORT CUT:

Create a compound sentence first, THEN add at least one dependent/subordinate

clause.

CONSUMMATE (adjective)CONSUMMATE (adjective)KON suh mitKON suh mit

Denotation: Complete; perfectConnotation: “the best”

Megan delivered the consummate farewell speech to the class of ‘08 during Baccalaureate.

BELIE (trans. verb)BELIE (trans. verb)bbēē - LĪ - LĪ

Denotation:

To give a false representation to

Connotation: misrepresent; deceive

He dressed like a gentleman to belie his redneck upbringing.

BELLICOSE (adjective)BELLICOSE (adjective) BEL BEL ĭĭ k kōōss

Denotation: Warlike or hostile in manner

or temperamentConnotation: eager to fight; aggressive

The nations exchanged bellicose rhetoric over the border dispute.

CHURLISH (adjective)CHURLISH (adjective) CHUR l CHUR lĭĭshsh

Denotation: Boorish or vulgar; surlyConnotation: rude;

unmannerly

“He is as valiant as the lion, churlish as the bear…” William Shakespeare from Troilus and Cressida

WEEK 11WEEK 11Week of November 14Week of November 14

Grammar/Writing Connection

COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCE:COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCE: Two main clauses and AT LEAST one dependent/subordinate clause.

SHORT CUT:

Create a compound sentence first, THEN add at least one dependent/subordinate

clause.

DELETERIOUS (adjective)DELETERIOUS (adjective) DEL i-TIR DEL i-TIR ēē əəss

Denotation:

Having a harmful effect

Connotation: injurious; harmful

I promise mommy not to do anything DELETERIOUS or mischievous to Sally.

DIFFIDENT (adjective)DIFFIDENT (adjective)DIFF-DIFF-əə-dent-dent

Denotation:

Lacking self-confidence; timid

Connotation: shy

He was too DIFFIDENT to ask Sally Mae to marry him.

EPIPHANY (noun)EPIPHANY (noun) ĭ-PIFF-ə-ĭ-PIFF-ə-nnēē

Denotation:Denotation: A sudden manifestation of the A sudden manifestation of the

essence of meaning of essence of meaning of somethingsomething

Connotation:Connotation: a revelation a revelation

Joe experienced an Joe experienced an epiphany, a spiritual epiphany, a spiritual flash that would flash that would change the way he change the way he viewed life.viewed life.

FACETIOUS (adjective)FACETIOUS (adjective) fə-fə-SSĒ shəsĒ shəs

Denotation:Denotation: Playfully jocular; humorousPlayfully jocular; humorousConnotation:Connotation: joking around joking around

The person’s The person’s facetious sign facetious sign amused the amused the pedestrians.pedestrians.

WEEK 12WEEK 12No words the week of Thanksgiving BreakNo words the week of Thanksgiving Break

Week of November 28Week of November 28

Grammar/Writing Connection

COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCE:COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCE: Two main clauses and AT LEAST one dependent/subordinate clause.

SHORT CUT:

Create a compound sentence first, THEN add at least one dependent/subordinate

clause.

FILIBUSTER (noun)FILIBUSTER (noun) FILL-ə-BUS-tərFILL-ə-BUS-tər

Denotation:Denotation: The use of obstructionist The use of obstructionist

tactics, especially tactics, especially prolonged prolonged speechmaking, for the speechmaking, for the purpose of delaying purpose of delaying legislative actionlegislative action

Connotation:Connotation: delaying delaying an actionan action

The senator’s filibuster lasted over 24 The senator’s filibuster lasted over 24 hours.hours.

GAUCHE (adjective)GAUCHE (adjective) gohshgohsh

Denotation:Denotation: Lacking grace or social polishLacking grace or social polishConnotation:Connotation: awkward; crude awkward; crude

The t-shirt in the The t-shirt in the engagement photo engagement photo read, “If I throw a read, “If I throw a stick will you leave?” stick will you leave?” Many consider such Many consider such a photo gauche.a photo gauche.

HUBRIS (noun)HUBRIS (noun)HYOO-brisHYOO-bris

Denotation:Denotation:

excessive pride or excessive pride or self-confidence self-confidence

Connotation:Connotation: arrogance; arrogance; cockycocky

The student’s hubris The student’s hubris after the game after the game offended many of the offended many of the fans.fans.

INCOGNITO INCOGNITO (adjective or adverb)(adjective or adverb)

IN-kog-NEE-tohIN-kog-NEE-tohDenotation:Denotation: One’s identity disguised or One’s identity disguised or

concealedconcealedConnotation:Connotation: hidden hidden

The spy traveled The spy traveled incognito into incognito into enemy territory, for enemy territory, for he was on a covert he was on a covert mission.mission.

WEEK 13WEEK 13Week of December 7Week of December 7

Grammar/Writing Connection

COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCE:COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCE: Two main clauses and AT LEAST one dependent/subordinate clause.

SHORT CUT:

Create a compound sentence first, THEN add at least one dependent/subordinate

clause.

INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE (noun)(noun)

IN-frIN-frəə-STRUCK-ch-STRUCK-chəərrDenotation:Denotation: The basic facilities, services, and The basic facilities, services, and

installations needed for the installations needed for the functioning of a community or functioning of a community or societysociety

Connotation:Connotation: The basic system of The basic system of structure of an organization; astructure of an organization; asupport systemsupport system

The infrastructure of the The infrastructure of the organization quickly organization quickly collapsed after the collapsed after the terrorist attack.terrorist attack.

LAISSEZ FAIRE LAISSEZ FAIRE (noun)(noun)

LAY-zay-FAIRLAY-zay-FAIRDenotation:Denotation: Opposes governmental regulation of or Opposes governmental regulation of or

interference in commerceinterference in commerceConnotation:Connotation: “hands off” in the “hands off” in the

affairs of othersaffairs of others

People who support a laissez faire system are against minimum wages, duties, and any other trade restrictions.

LOQUACIOUS LOQUACIOUS (adjective)(adjective)

lō-kwā'shəslō-kwā'shəs Denotation:Denotation: Very talkative; garrulousVery talkative; garrulousConnotation:Connotation: motor mouth motor mouth

The loquacious beautician always told stories while cutting the customers’ hair, but she always told the same story.

OBSEQUIOUS OBSEQUIOUS (adjective)(adjective)

ŏb-sē'kwē-əsŏb-sē'kwē-əs Denotation:Denotation: characterized by

or showing servile complaisance or deference; fawning

Connotation:Connotation: obedient; obedient; submissivesubmissive

The movie star was surrounded by a large group of obsequious assistants.

WEEK 14WEEK 14Week of December 14Week of December 14

Grammar/Writing Connection

COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCE:COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCE: Two main clauses and AT LEAST one dependent/subordinate clause.

SHORT CUT:

Create a compound sentence first, THEN add at least one dependent/subordinate

clause.

NOMENCLATURE NOMENCLATURE (noun)(noun)

nō'mən-klā'chərnō'mən-klā'chər Denotation:Denotation:

A system of names used in an A system of names used in an art or scienceart or science

Connotation:Connotation: vocabulary for a vocabulary for a discipline (art, music, etc.)discipline (art, music, etc.)

Our biology teacher explained the rules of nomenclature for animals, for he wanted us to use the names properly.

OLIGARCHY OLIGARCHY (noun)(noun)

ŏl'ĭ-gär'kēŏl'ĭ-gär'kē Denotation:Denotation:

Government by a few, especially by a small faction of persons or families

Connotation:Connotation: only a handful of only a handful of people operate the people operate the governmentgovernment

The Smiths became the de facto government; many citizens feared this oligarchy.

PARADIGM PARADIGM (noun)(noun)

pār'ə-dīm' Denotation:Denotation:

A set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes a way of viewing reality

Connotation:Connotation: the way we the way we view lifeview life

When Seth came home from college, his family noticed a major paradigm shift.

PRECIPITOUS PRECIPITOUS (adjective)(adjective)

prĭ-sĭp'ĭ-təs

Denotation:Denotation:

Resembling a precipiceConnotation:Connotation: extremely steepextremely steep

The hikers avoided the trail through the precipitous areas of the park.

OMNIPOTENT OMNIPOTENT (adjective)(adjective)

ŏm-nĭp'ə-tənt Denotation:Denotation:

Having unlimited power or authority

Connotation:Connotation: all-powerfulall-powerful

Christians consider God to be omnipotent.

RECIPROCAL RECIPROCAL (adjective)(adjective)

rĭ-sĭp'rə-kəl Denotation:Denotation:

Existing, done, or Existing, done, or experienced on both experienced on both sidessides

Connotation:Connotation: mutual;mutual;““give and take”give and take”

The two chess The two chess players showed players showed reciprocal respect reciprocal respect throughout the throughout the match.match.

RAZE RAZE (verb)(verb)

rayz Denotation:Denotation:

demolishdemolishConnotation:Connotation:

tear downtear downThe neighbor The neighbor

decided to raze decided to raze his house and his house and build a new build a new one.one.

QUOTIDIAN QUOTIDIAN (adjective)(adjective)

kwō-tĭd'ē-ən Denotation:Denotation:

common; ordinarycommon; ordinary

Connotation:Connotation: routine – routine – everyday experience;everyday experience;

dailydaily

There’s nothing like a There’s nothing like a teacher adding teacher adding excitement to a excitement to a quotidian day at quotidian day at school.school.

SANGUINE SANGUINE (adjective)(adjective)

sāng'gwĭn Denotation:Denotation:

cheerfully confident; cheerfully confident; red-colored red-colored

Connotation:Connotation: optimisticoptimisticHaggard and red-eyed, Haggard and red-eyed,

his sanguine mood his sanguine mood was gone.was gone.

SUPERCILIOUS SUPERCILIOUS (adjective)(adjective)

sōō'pər-sĭl'ē-əs Denotation:Denotation:

showing showing haughty disdainhaughty disdain

Connotation:Connotation: proud; “snotty”proud; “snotty”

Mr. Darcy had a Mr. Darcy had a supercilious air supercilious air as he talked as he talked with Elizabeth with Elizabeth Bennett.Bennett.

SUBJUGATE SUBJUGATE (verb)(verb)

sŭb'jə-gāt' Denotation:Denotation:

to bring under to bring under controlcontrol

Connotation:Connotation: conquer; defeatconquer; defeat

The army’s goal The army’s goal was to subjugate was to subjugate the enemy.the enemy.

TEMPESTUOUS TEMPESTUOUS (adjective)(adjective)

těm-pěs'chōō-əs Denotation:Denotation:

tempest; tumultuoustempest; tumultuous

Connotation:Connotation: stormystormy

Due to her tempestuous Due to her tempestuous relationship with relationship with Curtis, Shaneeka’s Curtis, Shaneeka’s parents advised her parents advised her not to marry him.not to marry him.

UNCTUOUS UNCTUOUS (adjective)(adjective)

ŭngk'chōō-əs Denotation:Denotation:

excessively excessively smooth, smooth, suavesuave

Connotation:Connotation: oily; slippery oily; slippery

They marched They marched through the through the unctuous unctuous mud.mud.

USURP USURP (verb)(verb)

yōō-sûrp'yōō-sûrp' Denotation:Denotation:

To seize and hold To seize and hold by force without by force without legal authoritylegal authority

Connotation:Connotation: to take to take over without rightover without right

The squatters The squatters usurped the usurped the farmer’s land.farmer’s land.

VACUOUS VACUOUS (adjective)(adjective)

vāk'yōō-əsvāk'yōō-əs

Denotation:Denotation:

Lacking intelligence; Lacking intelligence; inaneinane

Connotation:Connotation: stupidstupid

The celebrity interview The celebrity interview yielded a plethora of yielded a plethora of vacuous comments.vacuous comments.

AMIABLE AMIABLE (adjective)(adjective)

ā'mē-ə-bəlā'mē-ə-bəl

Denotation:Denotation:

Friendly; amicableFriendly; amicable

Connotation:Connotation: likablelikable

The teacher seemed The teacher seemed amiable at first, amiable at first, until she whipped until she whipped out a pop quiz.out a pop quiz.

ANARCHIST ANARCHIST (noun)(noun)

AN-er-kistAN-er-kist Denotation:Denotation: a person who promotes a a person who promotes a

revolt against an established revolt against an established government … government … with no purpose with no purpose of establishing any other system of establishing any other system of order in the place of that of order in the place of that destroyeddestroyed..

Connotation:Connotation:

overthrowing a governmentoverthrowing a government

Derek pretended to be an Derek pretended to be an anarchist like his friends, anarchist like his friends, but he really thought the but he really thought the student government was student government was doing a great job.doing a great job.

ARCHETYPAL ARCHETYPAL (adjective)(adjective)

är'kĭ-tī'pəlär'kĭ-tī'pəlDenotation:Denotation:

quintessentialquintessential

Connotation:Connotation: the ideal the ideal example; perfect example; perfect model of somethingmodel of something

Barry is the Barry is the quintessential quintessential high school boy, high school boy, an archetypal jock an archetypal jock who plays who plays three sports.three sports.

CENSURE CENSURE (verb)(verb)

SIN sherSIN sher Denotation:Denotation:

To find fault with and To find fault with and condemn as wrongcondemn as wrong

Connotation:Connotation: blame; blame; criticize; reprimandcriticize; reprimand

Jake, Jake, a vivacious lawyera vivacious lawyer, , censured the newspaper censured the newspaper editor for her support of editor for her support of the new tax law.the new tax law.

CULPABLE CULPABLE (adjective)(adjective)

KUL puh bullKUL puh bull Denotation:Denotation:

deserving blame deserving blame or censure or censure

Connotation:Connotation: guiltyguilty Jane knewJane knew George wasGeorge was

culpable for eating her culpable for eating her

browniebrownie;; she spied the she spied the incriminating chocolate incriminating chocolate smudges around his smudges around his mouthmouth..

GUILTY

^̂

DEBILITATING DEBILITATING (adjective)(adjective)

dee BILL uh tay tingdee BILL uh tay ting Denotation:Denotation:

impairing the strength impairing the strength or energy of; or energy of; enervateenervate

Connotation:Connotation: no strength no strength or vitality or vitality

Doug’s fear of public Doug’s fear of public speaking was so speaking was so debilitating that he debilitating that he couldn’t even practice couldn’t even practice in front of his mirror. in front of his mirror.

DEBUNK DEBUNK (verb)(verb)

dee BUNKdee BUNK Denotation:Denotation:

to expose the to expose the falseness offalseness of

Connotation:Connotation: to expose to expose as false as false

Dr. Thomas Dr. Thomas debunked debunked the anti-aging the anti-aging agent, agent, resveratrol. resveratrol.

DELINEATE (verb)DELINEATE (verb)de LIN eel atede LIN eel ate

Denotation:Denotation:

to depict; portrayto depict; portray

Connotation:Connotation: to describe; outline with precision to describe; outline with precision

Joey delineated Joey delineated to his parentsto his parents his plan to his plan to become president become president of the United Statesof the United States, , althoughalthough he was born in Afghanistanhe was born in Afghanistan. .

DESPOTISM (noun)DESPOTISM (noun)DES puh tizmDES puh tizm

Denotation:Denotation:

dominance through threat of violencedominance through threat of violence

Connotation:Connotation: absolute power or control; tyranny absolute power or control; tyranny

Some might say Sarah’s despotism occursSome might say Sarah’s despotism occurs, , becausebecause she is insecureshe is insecure..