(adj) 1. Willing to take risks; daring.
The students came up with an audacious plan to build a neighborhood park where there was currently a garbage dump.
2. Showing disrespect or a lack of courtesy.
Our teacher warned us that the audacious remarks were not appropriate in a civil debate.
audacity (n) Willingness to take risks by showing excessive boldness.
Olly was the only boy with the audacity to ask for more food.
(v) To seize, by force if necessary; to take possession of.
Ms. Martinez confiscated my phone and told me I could have it back when class was over.
(adj) 1. Thorough; careful.
Because of our conscientious preparations, the science fair was enjoyable and informative for everyone.
2. Honest; principled.
Several of the students made a conscientious effort to combat hunger by working with the food bank.
(v) To give a picture of; to describe.
These seafaring novels depict life aboard a navy sailing ship with great accuracy.
(v) 1. To go on board a ship or airplane at the start of a voyage.
Around nine o?clock, we embarked for a day of whale watching.
2. To start out; to begin.
Lewis and Clark embarked on their famous expedition across America in 1804.
(n) A slight suspicion; a vague idea.
As she opened the door, Shala had no inkling that her friends were hidden in the darkened room, waiting to shout, ?Surprise!?
(adj) Showing little spirit or enthusiasm.
When the students came after school to work on their reports, the librarian was quite lackadaisical about enforcing the no-talking rule.
(n) Deliberate refusal to obey orders given by those in command, especially by sailors.
The 1917 mutiny by French soldiers could have caused France to lose the war.
(v) To rebel openly against a commander.
We think the students might mutiny if the cafeteria does not start serving better food.
(v) To steal repeatedly small amounts or things that are of little value.
Pip pilfered bread and other bits of food from the kitchen to feed the injured mouse he was caring for.
(n) A plentiful supply; a great or generous amount.
Daffodils grew in profusion along the river bank.
profuse (adj) Given or occurring in generous amounts; abundant.
Jerry?s profuse apologies convinced me he was sorry he had hurt my feelings.
(adj) Very careful; showing judgment and wisdom.
Lost in the forest, Aadhya argued it was more prudent to wait until morning to find the trail than to continue wandering in the dark.
prudence (n) The avoidance of risk; carefulness in what one says or does.
Although the knight was shaking with anger, he exercised prudence, saying nothing to the king who had insulted him.
(v) To cause continuing anger or irritation.
The unfair criticism still rankled Deena, even though her friend later apologized.
(v) To criticize strongly; to reprimand.
Mrs. Meyer rebuked Ben for his insulting remark in class.
(n) A sharp criticism.
My mom?s rebuke seemed to include every mistake I had made since I was born.
(adj) Calm and untroubled; peaceful.
The nurse?s serene manner comforted the patients.
serenity (n) A calm and untroubled state.
My grandmother?s constant serenity has a calming effect during times of crisis.
(adj) Untidy; carelessly done.
My mother would not let me leave for the field trip until I cleaned my slovenly bedroom.
