Northern Highlands Regional High School
English 9
Vocabulary List 18
1. anguish
Definition: Acute mental or physical suffering.
Sarah Bernhardt, the French actress, was famous for her ability to portray the anguish of a forlorn lover.
Synonyms: agony, misery, distress, pang, torment
Antonyms: pleasure, ecstasy, delight, jubilation, joy
2. covert
Definitions: 1. (adjective) Secret; hidden from view.
The soldier was accused of having covert dealings with the enemy.
2. (noun) A sheltered or hidden place.
The animals hid in a covert deep in the forest.
Related Form: covertly
Synonyms: (adjectives) clandestine, furtive; (noun) shelter
Antonyms: overt, above-board, frank, candid
3. discreet
Definition: Showing good judgment and care, especially in speech.
It is best not to trust Mary with a secret; she has shown that she cannot be discreet.
Related Forms: discretion, discretionary, discretional
Synonyms: prudent, cautious, circumspect, careful, judicious, wary
Antonyms: indiscreet, imprudent, incautious, rash, injudicious
4. expound
Definition: To make clear; to set forth in detail.
The judge expounded his view that parents are responsible for juvenile delinquency.
Related Forms: exposition, expository
Synonyms: explain, discourse, expatiate, elucidate
5. indefatigable
Definition: Incapable of being easily wearied.
The pioneers of our country were indefatigable; they worked tirelessly at clearing the wilderness and building up the country that we now take for granted.
Related Forms: indefatigably, indefatigability
Synonyms: untiring, tireless, assiduous, unflagging, unremitting, diligent
Antonyms: indolent, slothful
6. mutation
Definition: change.
School effected a remarkable mutation in John’s habits.
Related Forms: transmutation, mutable, mutability, mutant
Synonyms: alteration, metamorphosis, variation
Antonyms: constancy, steadfastness
7. persevere
Definition: To continue steadfastly in performing something difficult.
Only by persevering in the face of great obstacles did Mr. Thomas attain success in his job.
Related Forms: perseverance, persevering
Synonyms: persist, endure
8. reciprocate
Definition: To interchange; to give in return.
I gave my friend a sweater, and she reciprocated by giving me a pair of gloves.
Related Forms: reciprocation, reciprocity, reciprocal
Synonyms: exchange, repay
9. simultaneous
Definition: Occurring, done, or existing at the same time.
Simultaneous with the sound of the bell, there was a bright flash of light.
Synonyms: coincident, concurrent, in concert, synchronous
10. volition
Definition: Act of willing; exercise of the will.
She surprised her mother by cleaning up her messy room on her own volition; her mother did not have to ask her to do so.
Synonyms: will, choice, option, preference
Antonyms: compulsion, duress, obligation