Vocabulary #2

1.decree: authoritative order having the force of law

The king’s decree said that any who dared to disobey his order would be executed.

2. dejected: disheartened, sad, depressed, lowered spirits

I have felt dejected ever since Vince told me that I couldn’t look as good as he does.

3. brandishing : to wave or flourish menacingly

The airport security officer brandished a gun when he realized I had a Colt .45 strapped to my hip.

4. disposition: one’s usual mood or temperament

“Ms. Taylor has a sweet disposition,” said her kiss up student (Leo). Nevertheless, all of her students silently agreed.

5. notorious: known widely, usually unfavorably

The serial killer was notorious for his cruel wit and flagrantly apathetic attitude.

6. pretext: a reasonable excuse or professed purpose

The killer’s pretext for not murdering his wife was he was in the bathroom at the time.

The students pretext for not handing in his homework was the oldest in the book.

7. reproach: to express disapproval

Jason’s somewhat humorous and mostly disgusting folding of his eyelids provoked a look of reproach from Ms. Taylor

8. redeemed: cash in, compensate for

He redeemed his lottery ticket for 5 dollars.

9. unsurpassed: not capable of being of improved

The world record was unsurpassed.

10. reprieve: cancellation of a punishment

Moments before his death sentence, he received a reprieve from the judge. His innocence had been proved.

11. strife: conflict, angry disagreement

There was so much strife between the families that they'd been feuding for years.

12. defilement: descrecration or dirtying (of something sacred)

"My homework was defiled by my puppy, Ms. Taylor; I'm sure you don't want me to hand it in," said her student hoping for a reprieve.