Verbal Advantage

Unit 1.1

paraphrase -- verb

At the United Nations, Deborah will paraphrase the delegate’s debates for the Chinese representative.

paraphrase -- verb

to restate, or re-word speech or writing

paraphrase -- noun

The paraphrase of the poem does not reflect the original meaning.

paraphrase -- noun

A restatement of a text or passage in another form or other words, often to clarify meaning

ostensible -- adjective

His ostensible purpose was charity, but his real goal was popularity.

For all his ostensible wealth, he couldn’t feed his family.

ostensible -- adjective

1. Outwardly appearing to be true without being proven; pretended

2. appearing as such but not necessarily so

digress -- verb

Jessie’s mind wanders so when she tells a story, she will often digress which makes it hard to get the story straight; one minute she’s talking about Alaska, the next she’s on a tangent about hotdogs.

digress – verb

To lose clarity, especially from the main subject of attention or course of argument in writing, thinking, or speaking

uncanny -- adjective

Jessica and Lisa are sisters who were born five years apart. It’s uncanny how similar they look; if I didn’t know better, I’d think they were twins!

uncanny – adjective

Peculiarly unsettling, as if of supernatural origin or nature; eerie

candor -- noun

It’s good to tell the truth, but speaking with too much candor might hurt a friend’s feelings.

candor - noun

quality of being frank, open, and sincere in speech or expression

morose -- adjective

Since his father died, Jeremy—a class clown—appears morose. His friends wish they could somehow cheer him up.

morose -- adjective

gloomy or depressed

adept – adjective

Meghan is the most adept juggler I know because I have never once seen her drop a ball when the troupe performs.

adept - adjective

Very skilled, proficient; an expert

saturated -- adjective

Before this game is through, your clothes will be saturated with water from my Super Soaker.

The sponge is fully saturated and therefore cannot hold more liquid.

The bullion cube is saturated broth. Before you can use it you will need to dilute it with a cup of water.

saturated -- adjective

1. soaked with moisture; drenched

2. unable to hold or contain more; full

3. being the most concentrated solution possible

pragmatic -- adjective

Shooting villains from a cannon into outer space—while creative—is not a pragmatic response to the increase of crime.

pragmatic -- adjective

Dealing with facts or actual occurrences; practical

congenial -- adjective

The congenial host welcomed people to her home and let them eat and drink whatever they wanted and as much as they wished.

The congenial friends have a lot in common and similar values so they rarely argue.

A quiet classroom is a congenial study environment.

congenial -- adjective

1. Pleasant, friendly, sociable

2. Having the same tastes, habits, or temperament

3. Suited to one’s needs; agreeable