Vocab for high school students 11

abate (v.)

become less; decrease; diminish

The water shortage is abating, but it is still a matter of some concern.

accord (n.)

agreement; understanding

If both sides to the dispute can be brought to the conference table, perhaps they can come to an accord.

aggravate (v.)

make worse; intensify

If your sunburn itches, don’t scratch; that will only aggravate it.

belligerent (adj.)

fond of fighting; warlike; combative

Bert still has a tendency to settle his arguments with his fists. When will he learn that it’s childish to be so belligerent?

conspicuous (adj.)

noticeable; easily seen; prominent; striking

Among Manhattan’s skyscrapers, the World Trade Center is conspicuous for its superior height.

craft (n.)

skill; art

The weavers of Oriental rugs are famous for their remarkable craft.

deter (v.)

turn aside through fear; discourage; hinder; keep back

The heavy rain did not deter people from coming to the play. Nearly every seat

was occupied.

duplicate (n.)

one of two things exactly alike; copy

If I had had carbon paper, I could have made a duplicate of my history notes for my friend who was absent.

fictitious (adj.)

made up; imaginary; not real

In johnny tremain, there are fictitious characters like Johnny and Rab, as well as real ones, like Samuel Adams and Paul Revere.