Vocab for high school students 4

commend (v)

praise; mention favorably

Our class was commended for having the best attendance for January.

despotic (adj.)

of a despot (a monarch having absolute power); domineering; dictatorial; tyrannical

The American colonists revolted against the despotic rule of King George IE.

edifice (n.)

building, especially a large or impressive building

The huge edifice under construction near the airport will be a hotel.

era (n.)

historical period; period of time

The atomic era began with the dropping of the first atomic bomb in 1945.

initiate (v.)

begin; introduce; originate

The Pilgrims initiated the custom of celebrating Thanksgiving Day.

multitude (n.)

crowd; throng; horde; swarm

There was such a multitude outside the store waiting for the sale to begin that we decided to return later.

perceive (v.)

become aware of through the senses, observe

When the lights went out, I couldn’t see a thing, but gradually I was able to perceive the outlines of the larger pieces of furniture.

portal (n.)

door; entrance, especially, a grand or impressive one

The original doors at the main entrance have been replaced by bronze portals.

reserved (adj.)

restrained in speech or action

Mark was reserved at first but became much more communicative when he got to know us better.