Northern Highlands Regional High School
English 9
Vocabulary List 13
1. advent
Definition: Arrival, beginning.
The advent of spring is hailed in many cultures with ceremonies and festivals.
Synonyms: approach
Antonyms: departure, withdrawal
2. astrology
Definition: The study of the positions and aspects of celestial bodies in the belief that they have an influence on the course of natural earthly occurrences and human affairs.
In ancient times, even wise and intelligent people had faith in astrology, for they believed that the future could be foretold by the reading of the stars.
Related Forms: astrologer, astrological
3. cadaverous
Definition: Deathly pale; gaunt and haggard.
The man’s face turned cadaverous when he received news of the calamity that had befallen him.
Related Form: cadaver (a corpse)
Synonyms: pallid, ghastly, sallow, colorless, ashen
Antonyms: ruddy, lively, florid
4. comprehend
Definitions: 1. To understand.
It is difficult for anyone who has not experienced it directly to comprehend the profound poverty of underdeveloped countries.
2. To include or embrace within a certain compass.
In the Middle Ages science comprehended philosophy as well as biology, alchemy, and natural phenomena.
Related Forms: comprehension, comprehensible, comprehensive
Synonyms: conceive, comprise, embody, contain, enfold
Antonyms: misunderstand, misconstrue
5. devoid
Definition: Empty, not in possession (usually followed by of).
The character in the story is devoid of moral principles.
Synonyms: deficient (followed by in), lacking (followed by in), wanting
Antonyms: replete, fraught (followed by with)
6. embryo
Definition: An organism in its earliest stage of development.
According to modern psychologists, many of the character traits that you possess through life develop while you are still an embryo.
Related Forms: embryonic, embryology
Synonyms: (adjectives) incipient, rudimentary, immature, budding, initial.
Antonyms: (adjective) mature
7. lackadaisical
Definition: Weary; without energy or desire to act.
Mother found fault with me for doing the housework in a lackadaisical manner.
Related Forms: lackadaisically
Synonyms: careless, languid, languishing, listless, lethargic
Antonyms: sedulous, energetic, animated, zealous
8. provincial
Definitions: 1. Characteristic of, or belonging to, a province.
The chief executive of a royal colony in America was called a provincial governor.
2. Narrow in ideas; of limited outlook.
Since Mr. Jones was reared in a small town, his ideas are provincial.
Synonyms: hidebound, parochial, narrow-minded
Antonyms: cosmopolitan, sophisticated, urbane
9. repast
Definition: A meal.
Following a light repast in the cafeteria, we heard the principal speak on the proposed changes in our course of study.
Synonyms: banquet, feast
10. unduly
Definition: improperly, unjustly, excessively.
She has been unduly pessimistic about everything lately.
Related Form: undue