Vocab+Ch.+6

Word: In medias res Definition: (adj.) in or into the middle of a plot; into the middle of things Etymology: Latin, lit. "in the midst of things" Memory Aid: media means half in spanish Sentence: The story of //The Odyssey// begins in medias res.

Megan Kane

Word- Vitiate Definition- to weaken, debase, or corrupt; to impair the quality or value of Synonyms- degrade, undermine Antonyms- purify, fortify, strengthen, enhance Etymology- Latin //vitiatus,// past participle of //vitiare,// from //vitium// fault, vice. First Known Use: 1534 Memory aid: opposite of vitalize Sentence: The chemicals vitiated the waters, harming all of the innocent fish. Raymond To

Word- Maladroit Definition- lacking skill or dexterity;lacking tact, perception, or judgement Synonyms- inept, awkward, clumsy, gauche Antonyms- skillful, dexterous, deft, tactful Etymology- 1665–75; < F, MF; see [|mal-], [|adroit] Memory Aid- Sentence- His maladroit handling of the valuable objects resulted in him being fired from the store. Nikita Lewis

Word: Iconoclastic (adj.) Definition: attacking or seeking to overthrow popular or traditional beliefs, ideas, or institutions Synonyms- image breaking, irreverent, heretical Antonyms: orthodox, conservative Etymology: 1590–1600;  < ML // īconoclastēs // < MGk //eikonoklástēs,// equiv. to Gk //eikono-// [|icono-] + //-klastēs// breaker, equiv. to //klas-// (var. s. of //klân// to break) + //-tēs// agent n. suffix Memory aid: An ICON typically goes against the traditional ways of others around them Sentence: Lady Gaga, whom most find iconoclastic, is know for her music and outrageous fashion sense.



Haley Jacob

Word: bruit Definition: to spread news, reports, or unsubstantiated rumors Synonyms: noise abroad, broadcast, blazon Antonyms: cover up, conceal, hush up Etymology: "to  report," 1520s, from bruit (n.) "rumor, tiding" (mid-15c.), from Fr. bruit (n.), from bruire "to make noise, roar," of uncertain origin. Memory aid: it’s rude to spread rumors, so the “ru” in rude matches the “ru” in bruit. Sentence: The girls bruited about the new girl, broadcasting that she dyed her hair purple. Pictures Melissa Belanger

Word: internecine Definition: (adj) mutually destructive; characterized by great slaughter and bloodshed Synonyms: murderous, savage, ruinous Antonyms: peaceful, harmonious, constructive Etymology: 1655–65; < L internecīnus, internecīvus murderous, equiv. to internec ( āre ) to kill out, exterminate ( inter- [|inter-] + necāre to kill) Memory aid: -inter means between, an internecine conflict occurs between two individuals or groups Sentence: Around Halloween, many people enjoy watching internecine movies such as “Saw.” Pictures: Emma Kurfis

Portentous Definition: (adj) foreshadowing an event to come; causing wonder or awe; self-consciously weighty, pompous Synonyms: foreboding, ominous, pretentious Antonyms: auspicious, propitious, encouraging Etymology: First Known Use of //PORTENTOUS// 15th century Memory aid: portentOUS ominOUS Sentence: The portentous event caused everyone to stop and think about their future actions.

David Morse

Saturnalian Definition: (adj.) characterized by riotous or unrestrained revelry or licentiousness. Synonyms: Dissipated, debauched, orgiastic Antonyms: Sedate, prim, decorous, seemly Etymology: "time of merrymaking," 1591, from L. Saturnalia, ancient Roman festival of Saturn (held in December), a time of merrymaking for all, from neut. pl. of adj. Saturnalis "pertaining to Saturn," from Saturnus (see [|Saturn]). The extended sense of "period of unrestrained revelry" is first attested 1782. Memory aid: Satumalian is kind of like saturn or alien, which are both characterized as "out there" or crazy Sentence: The satumalian girls created a tv show, Girls Gone Wild to show off their talents. Jacqueline Pyros Word: Quid pro quo Definition: something that is given or taken in return for something else; substitute. Synonyms: equal exchange, equal substitution, equivalent, eye for an eye, like for like, measure for measure, something in return, substitute, tit for tat, trade-off Etymology: 1565, from L., lit. "something for something, one thing for another." Memory aid: Bill Clinton pardoned Mark Rich Sentence: I proposed a quid pro quo to my teacher Mr. Toner, I wanted to exchange money for an A, but he hastily declined. Pictures:

Word: Dictum Definition: a short saying; an authoritative statement. Synonyms: Maxim, precept, aphorism, axiom Etymology: Latin, from neuter of //dictus//, past participle of //dicere//. First known use 1599 Memory aid: Sentence: The team, getting ready for their very last meet, chanted their dictum to get pumped up.

Shelby Friend

Word: salubrious Definition: (adj.) conductive to health or well-being; wholesome Synonyms: beneficial, healthy, invigorating Antonyms: harmful, unhealthy, deleterious, noxious Etymology: 1547, from L. salubris  "promoting health, healthful," from salus (gen. salutis ) "welfare, health" Memory Aid: SALubrious....SALad Sentence: The dietitian suggested a more salubrious diet for my mom if she wanted to maintain her new healthy lifestyle. Pictures: Jackie Plevelich

Abortive (adj.) Definition- failing to accomplish an intended aim or purpose; only partially or imperfectly developed. Synonyms-miscarried, fruitless, premature Antonyms- successful, realized, consummated Etymology- late 14c., from L. abortivus "causing abortion," from abortus, pp. of aboriri "disappear, miscarry," Memory Aid- abort a plane Sentance: The student turned in the abortive homework, hoping he would get at least half credit.  // Ioana Blidaru //