Vocab Blog Week of March 31st

1. Analogy
    a comparison
    noun
    (e-nal'e-je)
    1530-40; Latin
    Synonyms: metaphor, parallel
    Antonyms: difference, unlikeliness
    "China angrily denouces Japan for Russia-Crimea analogy" - http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/03/28/us-china-japan-idUSBREA2R0FH20140328
     This picture makes an analogy, a comparison, between the highs and lows of modern gas price to the dips and peaks in the roller coaster ride.  - http://www.quiddlebee.com/stuff/192-analogy.jpg

2. Annihilate
    to wipe out
    verb
    (e-ni'e-lat')
    1350-1400; Middle English
    Synonyms: demolish, exterminate
    Antonyms: build, construct
    "West Indies annihilate Pakistan to enter semi-finals" - http://www.thatscricket.com/news/2014/04/01/west-indies-annihilate-pakistan-enter-semi-finals-wt20-071221.html
     During World War Two, the United States annihilated whole cities when it dropped the first atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. - http://vocabmadeeasy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/annihilate1.jpeg

3. Criterion
    a standard
    noun
    (kri-ter'e-en)
    1605-15; Greek
    Synonyms: benchmark, norm
    Antonyms: change, conjecture
    "AG nixes army service as criterion for VAT break when buying home" - http://www.haaretz.com/business/.premium-1.582006
     A common criterion for most jobs and college is to have a high school diploma. - http://www.schools.com/imagesvr_ce/7006/college_application_mistakes_1.jpg

4. Emanate
    to come out
    verb
    (em'e-nat')
    1780-90; Latin
    Synonyms: arise, derive
    Antonyms: conceal, hold
    "US resolutions on Sri Lanka emanate from politicized process and mandate: Ambassador Aryasinha" -
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/news/47773.html
     In this image, heaven's light is emanating, or coming out, from between the clouds, shining a little light on the dark places in the world.  - http://www.worldofstock.com/slides/NCL1736.jpg

5. Holistic
    concerned with the whole
    adjective
    (ho-lis'tik)
    1900s; American
    Synonyms: comprehensive, universal
    Antonyms: partial, incomplete
    "Mom of boy who died used holistic doctor for son." - http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/03/27/boy-unexplained-death-holistic-doctor/6986787/
     When it comes to pizza, I take a holistic approach to eating it; not by the slice, but as a whole pizza pie! - http://richthediabetic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Pizza.jpg

6. Placebo
    a fake medication
    noun
    (pla-se'bo)
    1175-1225; Middle English
    Synonyms: inactive drug, sugar pill
    Antonyms: elixir, cure
    "Three ways to use the placebo effect to have a better day." - http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/01/health/placebo-effect/
     Often when testing new medical drugs, doctors will give some patients the test drug and others placebo, as a constant variable.  - http://stevebmd.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/placebobottles.jpg

7. Proficient
    highly competent
    adjective
    (pre-fish'ent)
    1580-90; Latin
    Synonyms: adept, capable
    Antonyms: ignorant, immature
    "But learning a foreign language is hard and it takes years to become proficient enough to feel comfortable in a regular conversation" - http://www.southernminn.com/northfield_news/article_3cbd3940-734c-555c-9b52-ac93226c7603.html
     Dave is highly proficient at playing the guitar; he can sightread any piece laid in front of him and can play at a professional level. - http://web.ornl.gov/info/ornlreview/v38_2_05/images/a04_p04_ryan.jpg

8. Staunch
    faithful
    adjective
    (stonch)
    1375-1425; Late Middle English
    Synonyms: ardent, loyal
    Antonyms: disloyal, weak
    "Hawks buoyed by prospect of staunch home support." - http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/2183207/hawks-buoyed-by-prospect-of-staunch-home-support/?cs=302
     Dogs are considered staunch pets due to their loyalty and faithfulness. - http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Small_Munsterlander_on_staunch_point2.jpg

9. Subversive
    intended to destroy
    adjective
    (seb-vur'siv)
    1635-45; Latin
    Synonyms: insurgent, incendiary
    Antonyms: loyal, obedient
    "British journalist declared a 'subversive' faces deportation from Kenya." - http://www.theguardian.com/media/greenslade
     These protesters are boycotting KFC and voicing their dislike for the business through picket signs, subversive to the business.  -  http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9d/Boycott_KFC.jpg

10. Vindicate
    to prove innocent
    verb
    (vin'dic-ket')
    1525-35; Latin
    Synonyms: absolve, defend
    Antonyms: blame, charge    
    "Russia to Consider Repressed Crimean Tartars" Vindication" - http://www.plenglish.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2534751&Itemid=1
      Often, people will go to court to vindicate themselves for a crime they are being accused of, however they should be prepared to prove themselves innocent with a variety of evidence. -
   http://blog.powerscore.com/Portals/156640/images/lawyer.gif