Vocabulary lesson 50

Definitions and samples anticipate (v.) to expect; predict; to sense something before it happens – Officials anticipate the figure will climb to $8 million by the end of December. catastrophic (adj.) extremely harmful; causing financial or physical ruin; involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering – It was a complete foreign policy malfunction that…

Definitions and samples dismal (adj.) depressing; dreary; dark – Two weeks worth of dismal weather finally left the area at the end of last week. ability (n.) 1. being able; having power to do something; 2. skill, expertise, power – The characters are human, and some have the ability to use magic and some don’t….

Definitions and samples cruel (adj.) disregarding or taking pleasure in the pain or suffering of others – How could you be so cruel to someone who never did you any harm? dim (adj. & v.) (of a light, color, or illuminated object) not shining brightly or clearly – The room was very dim. cheerful (adj.)…

Definitions and samples postpone (v.) put off to a later time; delay – The young couple wanted to postpone their wedding until they were sure they could handle the burdens of marriage. gloomy (adj.) dark; dim; in low spirits – My cousin was gloomy because his best friend had moved away. mediocre (adj.) neither good…

baby (n) a very young child (birth to 1 year) who has not yet begun to walk or talk– The baby began to cry again. young (adj.) being in an early period of life or growth; not old– She’s married with two young children. child (n) a young person of either sex– He can’t understand…

Definitions and samples abase (v.) to humiliate, degrade – I could also see that she had abased another recipient. abate (v.) to reduce, lessen – Once the storm abated it took us three days to dig our way back into the fields. abdicate (v.) to give up a position, usually one of leadership – Victor…