To Kill a MockingbirdUNIT 2 VOCABULARY

1) Amiable adj.

Diffusing warmth and friendliness

2) Arbitrate v.

To act between parties with a view to reconciling differences

One of the most difficult things to do is to remain objective while arbitrating between two friends.

3) Compel v.

To force somebody to do something

After an exhausting lesson, it was necessary for the instructor to compel her student to leave the studio before the next class arrived.

4) Concede v.

To be willing to admit

Some of the most successful people in history have refused to concede defeat. Instead, they rethought, planned again, and attacked their problem from a different angle.

5) Condescend v.

To do something that one considers to be below one’s dignity

Some people would never condescend to pick up someone else’s trash, but I can’t help but stop. It is such a simple way to better your surroundings.

6) Consult v.

To seek information from

Consult not your fears, but your hopes and dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about you unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you have tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.

- Pope John XXIII

7) Erratic adj.

Liable to sudden unpredictable change

Because I chose the discount carrier, my cell phone signal was constantly erratic, and I dropped calls at least twice a day.

8) Exclusive adj.

Not divided or shared with others

While the sign was only cardboard and the door was actually a bed sheet draped across two chairs, the cousins’ clubhouse was exclusive – no adults allowed.

9) Expound v.

To add details, as to an idea; clarifying the meaning of

The salesman at the car dealership expounded on the benefits of purchasing the more expensive car.

10) Foray n.

A sudden short attack

As Macey, my cousin’s one year old learned to walk, each attempt was a brief foray into the new mode of transportation. Once she was comfortable, though, you couldn’t stop her from grabbing a hand and leading the person attached on an adventure.