Week of March 24th, 2014

1. Assimilate
    to be absorbed
    verb
    (e-sim'e-lat')
    1570-80; Latin
    Synonyms: comprehend, grasp
    Antonyms: mistake, misunderstand
    "Life after consolidation: How LTC leaders can assimilate." - http://www.mcknights.com/life-after-consolidation-how-ltc-leaders-can-assimilate/article/338094/
      America, called the Melting Pot, is where many people of different cultures and races come and are assimilated into one country to have a better life.  - http://vocabmadeeasy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Assimilate.gif
   
2. Belligerent
    quarrelsome
    adjective
    (be-lij'e-rent)
    1570-80; Latin
    Synonyms: combative, hostile
    Antonyms: agreeable, calm
    "Police: Taco Bell Customer in Fremont "Belligerent," Arrested After Fatal Motorcycle Accident." - http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Taco-Bell-Customer-in-Fremont-Acts-Belligerently-Arrested-After-Fatal-Motorcycle-Accident-252227661.html
     Some people might consider the Hulk to be a belligerent character because he causes fights and a great deal of damage.  Hulk.  Smash.  - http://scienceblogs.com/notrocketscience/wp-content/blogs.dir/474/files/2012/04/i-d36377439aa214a1740e15f85c993573-Hulk.jpg

3. Demeanor
    behavior
    noun
    (di-men'er)
    1425-75; late Middle English
    Synonyms: attitude, presence
    Antonyms: nature, temperament
    "Berube's steady demeanor keeps Flyers on task." - http://www.delawareonline.com/story/sports/nhl/flyers/2014/03/23/berubes-steady-demeanor-keeps-flyers-on-task/6798927/
     Pit bulls are known for having a violent demeanor, but sometimes they can be real softies.  - http://www.hdpaperwall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/American-Pit-Bull-Terrier.jpg

4. Denunciation
    criticism
    noun
    (di-nun'se-a'shen)
    1540-50; Latin
    Synonyms: censure, reprimand
    Antonyms: compliment, praise
    "Denunciation of killing Iraqi journalist, Kurdish Change Movement." - http://en.aswataliraq.info/(S(g1aiw445emzdz1uoch3bktbu))/Default1.aspx?page=article_page&id=155605&l=1
     Police officers often receive harsh denunciation from citizens for being "jerks".  While a small percentage may be jerks, majority of officers are kind and want to help the world become a safer and more honest place.   http://www.truthdig.com/images/eartothegrounduploads/AP111014128487-320.jpg

5. Dissipate
    to scatter
    verb
    (dis'e-pat')
    1525-35; Latin
    Synonyms: fritter away, deplete
    Antonyms: build, hoard
    "US STOCKS-Wall St edges lower as early gains dissipate." - http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/21/markets-usa-stocks-idUSL2N0MI1C020140321
     Rain showers were dissipated all over the country, especially scattered in several states along the Atlantic Coast, due to the oncoming tropical storm.  - https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpaWniHIk717M22FK3cc6nTUy7lEAy9Jl8fKAaE6uSHsr92eF1uc-xGSXwygKpwkpCjG7Op85CwTzmN9ubkNAKmyWho93YIcYKHZq6zQerz3DCOSLvIApIpYvPtHOOJw8p_zdqoFqNfDZX/s1600/DSC04890.JPG

6. Indolent
    unwilling to work
    adjective
    (in'de-lent)
    1655-65; Latin
    Synonyms: idle, lax
    Antonyms: active, busy
    "Prior to his arrival, economic policy had drifted under the relatively indolent stewardship of Pranab Mukherjee." - http://blogs.ft.com/beyond-brics/2014/03/25/indian-election-five-who-could-be-modis-finance-minister/
     Mark was indolent when it came to his school work.  He'd rather sleep than learn about factoring systems of equations by quadratic formula via synthetic division.  Well, who could blame him? - https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1556430745474932992#editor/target=post;postID=3651378330990127347

7. Inherent
    natural
    adjective
    (in-hir'ent)
    1570-80; Latin
    Synonyms: internal, built-in
    Antonyms: extra, acquired
    "Exhibit displays science inherent in art, plus more." - http://www.staradvertiser.com/s?action=login&f=y&id=251677121&id=251677121
    Childbirth and reproduction are natural, inherent forces and systems of the human body to keep its race populated.  But, while it may be natural, it is still pretty gross.  - http://dobriygu.ru/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/inherent-joy2.jpg

8. Nonchalant
    coolly unconcerned
    adjective
    (non'she-lant')
    1725-35; French
    Synonyms: aloof, unconcerned
    Antonyms: biased, caring
    "Robert Hughes was 'nonchalant' when faced with mother's accusation, court told" - http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/robert-hughes-was-nonchalant-when-faced-with-mothers-accusations-court-told-20140225-33fsk.html
     Winnie the Pooh is a famous nonchalant character.  He is unconcerned about everything except honey.  This carefree personality is what keeps him young and adventurous. - http://www.mobygames.com/images/shots/l/247334-disney-s-ready-for-math-with-pooh-windows-screenshot-pooh.jpg

9. Unassuming
    humble
    adjective
    (un'e-soo'ming)
    1720-30; Latin
    Synonyms: meek, modest
    Antonyms: bold, brave
    "Unassuming lefty Hollands could make Phils' staff." - http://www.csnphilly.com/baseball-philadelphia-phillies/unassuming-lefty-hollands-could-make-phils-staff
     Betty is an unassuming, shy girl who prefers to keep to herself and out of other people's business.  - http://www.ezeedictionary.com/imagedict/u/unassuming.jpg

10. Unilateral
    one-sided
    adjective
    (yoon'e-lat'er-el)
    1795-1805; Neo-Latin
    Synonyms: one-sided, independent
    Antonyms: bilateral, multilateral
    "US prepared to place unilateral sanctions on Russian officials, businesses" - http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/us-prepared-to-place-unilateral-sanctions-on-russian-officials-businesses/2014/03/04/ffe8f76a-a3bd-11e3-a5fa-55f0c77bf39c_story.html
     Frank made the terrible mistake of making an unilateral decision regarding the new carpet in his home without consulting his wife.  His wife is mad.  Good going Frank.  - http://media.rd.com/rd/images/rdc/books/7-stages-of-marriage/8-marriage-busters/8-marriage-busters-to-give-up-today-08-sl.jpg

Week of March 17th, 2014

1. Decorum

    proper conduct

    noun

    (di-ko'rem)

    1560-70; Latin

    Synonyms: form, dignity

    Antonyms: rudeness, wrong

    "Decorum ordinance proposed in Grantville" - http://www.times-herald.com/local/20140227behave-ordinance-grantville

     This young gentleman is using proper decorum during his meal; what a nice young man! - http://images.pauladeen.com/sized/images/uploads/tablemanners_article-668x419.jpg

2. Espouse

    to speak for

    verb

    (e-spouz')

    1425-75; Late Middle English

    Synonyms: defend, advocate

    Antonyms: reject, disagree

    "Religious beliefs espouse tolerance" - http://www.pantagraph.com/news/opinion/mailbag/religious-beliefs-espouse-tolerance/article_521bac6b-c27e-518c-b9bc-d2d6b9bc242d.html

     Politicians have a difficult job.  They espouse for whole cities, states, and even countries!  Thanks Obama! - https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThWYeaJdo0DwvSKUKeEDEIs87N7AEO8HvOEE1SJzvgaaUEQSvy-xsOtE5k-96HHPKdIZFQppxqfyTBf3CAgaF0k1lIzJmZaIjP2aaOzYo3U00SCf-WI_MVbtufMMwMjivBHJjxDOB8aID/s1600/Mormon+prophet+-+Thomas+S.+Monson.png

3. Exhilaration

    liveliness

    noun

    (eg-zil'e-ra'shen)

    1615-25; Late Latin

    Synonyms: stimulation, cheerfulness

    Antonyms: depression, sorrow

    "Cecilia loves the exhilaration of the basketball court" - http://www.northernstar.com.au/news/highlights-lift-players/2196871/
 This picture shows two skydivers experiencing extreme exhilaration as they plummet towards the earth.  Fun.  - http://poojavir.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/img_5033.jpg

4. Exorbitant

    extremely high

    adjective

    (eg-xor'bi-tent)

    1425-75; Late Middle English

    Synonyms: enormous, pricey

    Antonyms: cheap, mild

    "Queensland couple's exorbitant car hire bill after Porsche impounded" - http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/queensland-couple-saved-from-exorbitant-car-hire-bill-after-porsche-impounded-20140311-34ifz.html
     Ooh! Jeff received a bill from the fanciest restaurant in town and didn't expect the bill to so exorbitant!  Good going Jeff." - http://www.bangkokpost.com/media/content/20110709/286830.gif

5. Extricate

    to untangle

    verb

    (eks'tri-kat)

    1605-15; Latin

    Synonyms: rescue, liberate

    Antonyms: link, unite

    "Priority was to extricate body pinned under bus: Police commander...." - http://www.todayonline.com/singapore/priority-was-extricate-body-and-rescue-those-trapped-bus-police-commander-riot-scene
     Fire fighters are extricating a fearful citizen from their car after they wreck.  Thank you fire fighters.  - http://blogs.dctc.edu/dctc-news/files/2011/04/igh23.jpg

6. Facilitate

    to assist

    verb

    (fe-sil'e-tat')

    1605-15; Latin

    Synonyms: help, ease

    Antonyms: hinder, injure

    "Will Twisted History of Georgian War Facilitate a Repetition?" - http://www.fair.org/blog/2014/03/14/will-twisted-history-of-georgian-war-facilitate-a-repetition/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=will-twisted-history-of-georgian-war-facilitate-a-repetition
     A conductor is very useful to a band.  He facilitates the band by keeping consistent time and cuing players to begin. - http://www.josebaldaia.com/intuinovare/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/facil.jpg

7. Orthodox

    traditional

    adjective

    (or'the-doks)

    1575-85; Late Latin

    Synonyms: approved, canonical

    Antonyms: unconventional, heterodox 

    "How an Orthodox woman got a rare insider glimpse into the Amish" - http://www.haaretz.com/news/features/.premium-1.579692

     Members of orthodox denominations of religions practice more traditional rituals and practices than participate in contemporary worship.  http://www.catholicireland.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/45352030_moscow_ap466.jpg

8. Rejuvenate 

    to give new life to

    verb

    (ri-joo've-nat')

    1800-10; Latin

    Synonyms: regenerate, restore

    Antonyms: damage, destroy

    "Free training in Mablethrope to help rejuvenate business." - http://www.louthleader.co.uk/news/local/free-training-in-mablethorpe-to-help-rejuvenate-business-1-5935384
     Drinking water rejuvenates, or gives new life to, your skin and makes it clearer.  Thanks water! - http://www.electronichealing.org/resources/Image/rejuvenate_drink.gif
    

9. Synchronize

    to coordinate

    verb

    (sing'kre-niz')

    1615-25; Greek

    Synonyms: mesh, harmonize

    Antonyms: discombobulate, disorganized

    "Merced pushes to synchronize traffic lights" - http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=9437059
   These snazzy swimmers are synchronized as they dance in the water together.  They.  Are.  Fabulous.  - http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/46/Synchronized_swimming_-_Russian_team.jpg

10. Tenuous

    shaky

    adjective

    (ten'yoo-es)

    1590-1600; Latin

    Synonyms: delicate, flimsy

    Antonyms: certain, definite

    "Can Dallas Stars Maintain Tenuous Play Position Without Kari......." - http://www.defendingbigd.com/2014/3/10/5489666/can-dallas-stars-maintain-tenuous-playoff-position-without-kari
     Bill's grip on the rock was tenuous, shaky, as was his confidence. - http://www.ezeedictionary.com/imagedict/t/tenuous.jpg

Week of March 10th, 2014

1. Atrophy
     to waste away
     verb
     (a'tre-fe)
     1590-1600; Late Latin
     Synonyms: decline, degeneration
     Antonyms: ascent, development
    "100 Research Presentations at the 2014 Spinal Muscular Atrophy Research Group Meeting Hosted and Supported by Families of SMA."  - http://www.fsma.org/LatestNews/index.cfm?ID=8497&TYPE=1150
 The left image shows a normal bicep muscle, while with image on the right shows a muscle that has decreased in size and use due to muscle atrophy. - http://img.dictionary.com/atrophy-318131-400-320.jpg

2. Deplore
     to condemn
     verb
     (di-plor')
     1550-60; Latin
     Synonyms: censure, complain
     Antonyms: approve, praise
    "Disability advocates deplore rising number of 'fake' service dogs" - http://www.news10.net/story/news/2014/02/24/fake-service-dogs-increasing/5794619/
     In this photograph, a protester deplores the government and fights for peace. - https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0w_IiViQVBKbwT1npeaVAs8Cyxw0H-jS1PWcLuVvu3VcONoXji8GGwHjYh-8zocbGhKzLpA9gJdM7TVHfG-tWUxfNaGTKqiOQcWUCQi4E7Hdpt2jVDg_ewb2ZqxFtnPm8pdtybctVlQk/s320/deplore.jpg
   

3. Deprivation
     deficiency
     noun
     (dep're-va'shen)
    1525-35; Medieval Latin
    Synonyms: denial, with holding
    Antonyms: gain, benefit
    "Saving daylight can worsen sleep deprivation for some." - http://www.jconline.com/article/20140308/NEWS/303080008/Saving-daylight-can-worsen-sleep-deprivation-some
     This worker has had sleep deprivation, or lack of sleep, and snoozed during work! - http://childrensmd.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/sleep-deprived1.jpg

4. Exacerbate
    to make worse
    verb
    (eg-zas'er-bat)
    1650-60; Latin
    Synonyms: worsen, provoke
    Antonyms: aid, help
    "Trader stress hormones "may exacerbate financial market crises" - http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/17/science-stress-markets-idUSL5N0LJ2U020140217
     Mary's allergies of pollen are exacerbated, or made worse, when she is outside near flowers. - http://a.abcnews.go.com/images/Health/gty_allergy_sneeze_pollen_wy_120402_wg.jpg

5. Imperative
    essential
    adjective
    (im-per'e-tiv)
    1520-30; Late Latin
    Synonyms: vital, crucial
    Antonyms: trivial, optional
    "Part 1: Arab integration; A 21st century development imperative." - http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2014/03/09/part-arab-integration-21st-century-development-imperative/
     This monarch believes it is imperative to do your homework so the kingdom may flourish! - http://www.scientificpsychic.com/grammar/emperor.jpg

6. Mitigate
    to relieve
    verb
    (mit'e-gat)
    1375-1425; late Middle English
    Synonyms: dull, lessen
    Antonyms: aggravate, agitate
    "How to mitigate climate change in AfricaPublish Date: March 06, 2014" - http://www.newvision.co.ug/news/653278-how-to-mitigate-climate-change-in-africa.html
     Theses medicines are proven to help mitigate pain and illness. - http://trialx.com/curetalk/wp-content/blogs.dir/7/files/2011/05/diseases/Pain_Relievers-1.jpg

7. Objective
    open-minded
    adjective
    (eb-jek'tiv)
    1610-20; Medieval Latin
    Synonyms: detached, unbiased
    Antonyms: involved, partial
    "Two-care finish remains objective for Hyunda Team after another loss." - http://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/two-car-finish-remains-objective-for-hyunda-team-after-another-solid-day-in-mexico/
     This man, Phil, is objective: he is always open to new ideas, people, and projects. - http://calibermag.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/open-minded.png

8. Panacea
    a universal remedy
    noun
    (pan'e-se'a)
    1540-50; Latin
    Synonyms: elixir, cure
    Antonyms: disease, pain
    "Prayer is Panacea to End Terrorism, Says Jonathan. " - http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/prayers-is-panacea-to-end-terrorism-say-jonathan/173319/
     Apples are sometimes called a panacea, or universal remedy, because eating one a day keeps the doctor away! - http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/15/Red_Apple.jpg

9. Unprecedented
    unheard-of
    adjective
    (un-pres'e-den'tid)
    1615-25; Latin
    Synonyms: uncommon, fantastic
    Antonyms: familiar, common
    "Valley wrestlers take unprecedented step at PIAA tournament." - http://triblive.com/sports/hssports/wrestling/5730778-85/valley-piaa-season#axzz2vVb4IMwY
     To build a snowman in summer and it not melt is unprecedented!  Unheard of! Blasphemy! - http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NS3lLXnWl6k/UZ-FygvNG_I/AAAAAAAAAMk/kaPFjiNTUsg/s1600/unprecedented.jpg

10. Utilitarian
    practical
    adjective
    (yoo-til'e-tar'e-en)
    1775-85; Late Middle English
    Synonyms: functional, sensible
    Antonyms: impractical, unnecessary
    "Worthless Russian thistle made beautiful, utilitarian by artist." - http://www.myplainview.com/news/article_fa807466-99c6-11e3-bc6c-0019bb2963f4.html
     Instead of a flashy, useless birthday gift, John gives Utilitarian gifts that have a purpose, such as watches, tools, and kitchen utensils.  John does not have many friends because of this.  - http://forums.watchuseek.com/attachments/f386/1168333d1374790344-armani-ceramica-vs-burberry-utilitarian-rsz_20130725_224956.jpg