1. acquire (v) to gain ownership of
something; to get by one’s
own efforts or actions
[uh-kwahyuhr]
Clue: acquire = get
Most tourists acquire souvenirs
from the places they visit.
Ex: acquire knowledge; acquire
skills; acquire possessions;
acquire wealth

2. antagonize (v) to make an enemy of;
to stir up anger or dislike
[an-tag-uh-nahyz]
Clue: antagonize = irritate + anger
You will antagonize your classmates
if you make derogatory comments
about them.
Ex: antagonize smaller siblings;
antagonize an opponent

3. competent (adj) having the ability to
do what is needed
[kom-pi-tuhnt]
Clue: competent = able
The mechanic is competent to work
on the car’s brakes.
Ex: competent student; competent
doctor; competent repairman

4. comprise (v) 1. to form; to make up
2. to consist of or include
[kuhm-prahyz]
Clue: comprise = made + consist
A baseball team comprises nine
players.
Ex: six states comprise New England;
a class comprised of 25 students

5. correspond (v) 1. to match to be
equal to
2. to exchange letters
with another person
[kawr-uh-spond, kor-]
Clue: correspond = equal to
The two handwriting samples
correspond in every way.
Ex: correspond the numbers;
correspond through email

6. dilapidated (adj) in poor condition
from neglect or age
[dih-lap-i-dey-tid]
Clue: dilapidated = out dated
The shed was so dilapidated that it
wasn’t worth repairing.
Ex: dilapidated mansion; dilapidated
interior; dilapidated conditions

7. illustrious (adj) very famous;
outstanding
[ih-luhs-tree-uhs]
Clue: illustrious = best + well known
On 27 November 1895, Alfred Nobel
signed his last will and testament, giving
the largest share of his fortune to an
illustrious series of prizes known as the
Nobel Prizes.
Ex: illustrious writer; illustrious leader

8. incident (n) something that happens
in real life or in a story ; an
event, often of little importance
[in-si-duhnt]
Clue: incident = event
My car was struck from behind, but I
thought no more about the incident
until my neck began to hurt.
Ex: report the incident; describe the
incident; unexpected incident

9. inherit (v) 1. to receive something from
someone after that person’s death.
2. to receive, as part of one’s
physical or mental make-up, from
one’s parents
[in-her-it]
Clue: inherit = eye color + hair color
I inherited this house from my
grandparents.
Ex: inherited a fortune; inherited antique
furniture; inherit parents’ genes

10. latitude (n) 1. the distance north or south
of the equator; measured in degrees
2. a region as marked by its distance
from the equator
3. freedom from strict rules
[lat-i-tood, -tyood]
Clue: latitude = north + south
Students in high school are allowed some
latitude in choosing their courses.
Ex: degrees of latitude; parents gave child
some latitude

11. loath (adj) unwilling; reluctant;
adverse
[lohth, lohth]
Clue: loath = don’t like
I was loath to put my trust in such a
devious person.
Ex: loath eating liver and onions;
loath doing chores; loath
sharing the computer

12. maintain (v) 1. to declare something
to be true 2. to continue in the
same way or condition 3. to
keep in good condition
[meyn-teyn]
Clue: maintain = to keep up well
The state of Alabama maintains the
state highways.
Ex: maintain a healthy weight;
maintain the home; maintain
her grades

13. renovate (v) to make like new again
(n) the act of renovating; the
thing renovated
[ren-uh-veyt]
Clue: renovate = make like new
A group of concerned parents was
responsible for the renovation of the
dilapidated playground.
Ex: renovate the old house; renovate
the basement

14. reprimand (v) to scold in a harsh for
formal manner
(n) a strong scolding from
someone in authority
[n. rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd; v. rep-ruh-
mand, -mahnd, rep-ruh-mand, -mahnd]
Clue: reprimand = ream out
The manager reprimanded his employee
for being late to work.
Ex: reprimand the students; reprimand
the toddler; reprimand the workers

15. supervise (v) to direct or manage
activities
(n) the act of managing or
directing
[soo-per-vahyz]
Clue: supervise = watch over
Mrs. Wilson will supervise the
students in detention this week.
Ex: supervise classes; supervise
workers; supervise employees