Unit 5 Flashcards Preview

aggravate

make worse

worsen

If you walk on your sprained ankle, you’ll only aggravate the injury. The pain and swelling will get worse.

cease

1 stop

put an end to

discontinue

2 end

come to an end

After the police warned him twice, our landlord ceased burning trash in the backyard, an illegal activity in our town.

coincide

happen simultaneously

Our neighbor is getting married on the same day as my cousin. I wish the weddings were not going to coincide because I’d really like to go to both.

considerable

rather great

rather big

sizeable,
substantial

After two hours and considerable effort, I finally found Vernon’s apartment.

humane

compassionate,
kind,
kind-hearted

merciful,

gentle

When our cat developed a fatal blood disease, we didn’t want her to suffer.
We felt it was more humane to have her painlessly “ put to sleep.”

intentional

deliberate,
calculated,
done on purpose,
planned

The police believe the fire was intentional, although they don’t know why someone would purposely burn down the movie theater.

interference

meddling,

intrusion,
intervention

My mom rarely gets involved in my arguments with my brother and sister.
“ You must learn to settle your problems without my interference,” she says.

obnoxious

unpleasant,
disagreeable,
nasty,
distasteful,
disgusting

I won’t go to the party if Lester is there. He always makes himself obnoxious by insulting and making fun of people

unstable

unsteady;
wobbly;
not reliable

The young man’s personality was unstable. One minute he seemed quiet and satisfied, and the next minute he was angry about something.

utilize

make use of,
put to use

Don’t throw bread away just because it’s stale. Stale bread can be utilized to make bread crumbs and croutons.