| Word / Pronunciation |
Definition |
Sample Sentence |
antique
[an-TEEK]
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(adj.) very old, ancient
(n.) an object that has increased value because it is so old
(v.) to make something look very old
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1) The antique clock had been in the family for many generations, so everyone was surprised that it still worked.
2) Ron believes that furniture made a long time ago is better constructed than modern furniture, so when he needs a new table or chair, he looks for antiques in vintage stores.
3) Jerry antiqued the dresser by sanding it down and taking the paint off its edges until it looked worn, as though it had been built years ago.
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capital
[KAP-i-tl]
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(n.) a city where the government for the state or nation is located
(n.) property and wealth, especially for use in investing
(adj.) having to do with the death penalty
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1) Protesters from all over the country gathered in the nation's capital to demonstrate in front of the President's mansion, demanding an end to the war.
2) Henry had a terrific idea for a new company, but he needed the capital to get it started, so he found some wealthy investors who were willing to give him funds.
3) Frank knew that murder was a capital crime in his state, so he suspected that he would be sentenced to death by lethal injection for killing his wife.
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corner
[KAWR-ner]
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(n.) the place where two sides or edges meet at an angle
(n.) the place where two roads meet
(n.) a difficult situation
(v.) to force into a corner
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1) The toddler bumped his head on the sharp corner of the dining room table and burst into tears.
2) "Since I'm coming from Pine Street and you're coming from Maple Avenue, why don't we meet at the corner of Pine and Maple?" suggested Elsa.
3) When Carl's wife and daughter got into a fight and asked him to decide whose fault it was, he felt backed into a corner, since he didn't want to make either of them mad.
4) The photographers cornered the actress in the back of the restaurant and snapped pictures of her, until her bodyguard came over to push them away so that she could run out the door. |
entry
[EN-tree]
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(n.) the act of entering
(n.) the place where one enters
(n.) an inclusion of a note or item in a book or record
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1) The movie star's entry into the hotel provoked a huge rush of people to the lobby, as everyone hurried to take photographs of him and his bodyguards checking in for the night.
2) The entry to the church was decorated with wreaths and garlands on Christmas Eve, so all of the parishioners noticed the scent of pine as they walked in.
3) The explorer made an entry in his journal noting the date that he discovered the new island and describing the plants and animals he had found there.
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fold
[FOHLD]
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(v.) to bend so that one part rests over the other part
(v.) to give up, to surrender
(n.) the line or place at which a thing has been doubled over itself
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1) Joe folded the letter carefully and fit it into the small envelope before placing it in the mailbox.
2) After struggling financially for a year, the company finally folded when it went bankrupt.
3) Theresa had tried to pack her clothes carefully, so as not to wrinkle them, but when she unpacked her suitcase she saw that she would have to iron out the folds in her skirts and pants.
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honor
[ON-er]
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(n.) esteem, a mark of respect or dignity
(n.) a privilege, or a privileged position
(n.) integrity, a personal code of ethics
(v.) to show someone respect or to praise
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1) At the school assembly , Johnny received a special honor in the form of a small plaque for getting a perfect score on his SAT.
2) For winning the state championship, the basketball team had the honor of having dinner at the Governor's mansion with the Governor and his wife.
3) "I know you are a man of honor," said the farmer, "so I am sure you will treat my daughter with respect and honesty."
4) The Bible instructs people to honor their mothers and fathers, because respect for one''s elders will please God. |
master
[MAS-ter]
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(n.) a person who is in control of others
(n.) an artist or person who excels at a skill
(adj.) accomplished or proficient
(v.) to overcome or become proficient in
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1) Joby's dog is loyal only to his master, barking and snapping at everyone but Joby.
2) Yo-Yo Ma is truly a master of the cello: everyone agrees that he is one of the best musicians alive today.
3) Jean-Claude is a master chef, famous throughout the world for his delicious recipes and inventive cooking techniques.
4) Slowly, and with great diligence, Kim mastered the French language until she was able to read entire French novels without looking at the dictionary. |
parallel
[PAR-uh-lel]
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(adj.) relating to two things that are side by side, an equal distance apart, and never touch
(adj.) comparable, similar to
(n.) similarity, a person or thing that is comparable or similar to another
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1) Hemlock Street runs parallel to the railroad tracks, so people in town often drive alongside a passing train for several miles.
2) Jim and Howard's lives followed parallel courses after high school: both went on to college, studied economics, and eventually became involved in politics.
3) The story of Adam and Eve shares many parallels with the Greek myth of Pandora's box: in each, a curious woman unleashes evil onto the world by performing a forbidden act.
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slight
[SLYTE]
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(adj.) small and slender (of a person)
(adj.) insignificant, light or soft
(v.) to treat as though insignificant, in an insulting way, shun
(n.) a rude gesture or refusal of acknowledgment
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1) Because Tommy has such a slight build, his mother won't let him play football; she is worried that the other players, who are much bigger, could badly hurt him on the field.
2) The weatherman reported that there was only a slight chance of rain, so Fran left her umbrella at home.
3) When Mike arrived at the party, the hostess slighted him by not even saying hello to him, but graciously greeting all the other guests.
4) When Margot ignored Rita in the cafeteria, Rita felt wounded by the slight. |
warrant
[WAWR-uhnt]
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(n.) an official order that authorizes action
(v.) to make a formal promise or guarantee
(v.) to necessitate or justify
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1) The detective wanted to search the suspect's house, but he had to wait for the judge to sign a warrant for the search; otherwise, he would be breaking the law by entering the man's home.
2) The car dealership warranted Jose's purchase with a certificate; if the car broke down for any reason in the next two years, all the repairs would be free.
3) Although the suspect said that the police officer hurt him unnecessarily during the arrest, the officer insisted that the dangerous situation had warranted force.
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