Vocabulary Expansion for Pupils in Grades 6 through 8: Definitions and Usage Examples
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As students progress through Classes 6-8, expanding their vocabulary becomes increasingly important for improving reading, writing, communication, and critical thinking skills. Here, we present a list of 50 challenging vocabulary words, complete with definitions and usage examples, to help students build their vocabulary and enhance their language skills.
- Abrasion (noun): the process of scraping or wearing away. Example: The rock caused an abrasion on his knee.
- Recur (verb): to occur again periodically or repeatedly. Example: The headaches tend to recur if I don't get enough sleep.
- Supersede (verb): to take the place of something previously in use. Example: This new model will supersede the old one next year.
- Quell (verb): to put an end to (a rebellion or other disorder) typically by the use of force. Example: The police were called to quell the disturbance.
- Unkempt (adjective): having an untidy or dishevelled appearance. Example: His hair was unkempt after a long night.
- Deteriorate (verb): to become progressively worse. Example: Without proper care, the old building began to deteriorate.
- Yield (verb): to produce or provide (a natural, agricultural, or industrial product). Example: The apple tree will yield a good harvest this year.
- Squalid (adjective): extremely dirty and unpleasant, especially as a result of poverty or neglect. Example: The old house was in a squalid condition.
- Taper (verb): to diminish or reduce in thickness toward one end. Example: The artist used a brush that would taper to a fine point.
- Obscure (adjective): not discovered or known about; uncertain. Example: The ancient text contained many obscure symbols.
- Quiver (verb): to tremble or shake with a slight rapid motion. Example: Her lip began to quiver as she tried to hold back tears.
- Keen (adjective): having or showing eagerness or enthusiasm. Example: She has a keen interest in science and loves to experiment.
- Ache (verb): to feel a continuous, dull pain. Example: After the long run, her legs began to ache.
- Commence (verb): to begin or start. Example: The ceremony will commence at 10 AM.
- Resilient (adjective): able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions. Example: Despite the setbacks, the team proved to be incredibly resilient.
- Zealous (adjective): having or showing great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective. Example: The zealous fans cheered loudly for their team.
- Absolve (verb): to declare someone free from guilt, obligation, or punishment. Example: The court decided to absolve him of all charges.
- Jubilant (adjective): feeling or expressing great happiness and triumph. Example: The crowd was jubilant after their team won the championship.
- Precarious (adjective): not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse. Example: The climber found himself in a precarious situation on the cliff.
- Falter (verb): to lose strength or momentum. Example: Her voice began to falter as she told the sad story.
- Dainty (adjective): delicately small and pretty. Example: The bird left tiny, dainty footprints in the snow.
- Serene (adjective): calm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquil. Example: The lake looked so serene in the early morning light.
- Nurture (verb): to care for and encourage the growth or development of. Example: It's important to nurture young plants to help them grow strong.
- Cautious (adjective): careful to avoid potential problems or dangers. Example: He was cautious when crossing the busy road.
- Timid (adjective): showing a lack of courage or confidence; easily frightened. Example: The timid deer ran away when it heard the approaching footsteps.
- Benevolent (adjective): well meaning and kindly. Example: The benevolent king was loved by his people.
- Jovial (adjective): cheerful and friendly. Example: His jovial nature made him popular with everyone.
- Opportune (adjective): well-chosen or particularly favorable or appropriate. Example: This is an opportune moment to start a new project.
- Venture (verb): to dare to go or do something dangerous or uncertain. Example: They decided to venture into the dense forest.
- Eloquent (adjective): fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing. Example: The speaker gave an eloquent speech about peace.
- Meager (adjective): lacking in quantity or quality; sparse. Example: They had only a meager amount of food left.
- Humble (adjective): having or showing a modest or low estimate of one's own importance. Example: Despite his success, he remained humble.
- Immaculate (adjective): perfect, clean, neat, or tidy. Example: Her kitchen was always immaculate.
- Luminous (adjective): emitting or reflecting light; shining. Example: The moon was luminous in the night sky.
- Yawn (verb): an involuntary opening of the mouth and deep inhalation of air. Example: He couldn't stop himself from letting out a big yawn.
- Idle (adjective): not active or in use; doing nothing. Example: It's important not to leave your bike idle for too long, or it might rust.
- Ponder (verb): to think about (something) carefully, especially before making a decision or reaching a conclusion. Example: He took a moment to ponder the difficult question.
- Xenophobia (noun): dislike of or prejudice against people from other countries. Example: Education can help to combat xenophobia and promote understanding.
- Linger (verb): to stay in a place longer than necessary. Example: The smell of fresh cookies seemed to linger in the air.
- Hasty (adjective): done with excessive speed or urgency; hurried. Example: Making a hasty decision can sometimes lead to mistakes.
- Zenith (noun): the time at which something is most powerful or successful. Example: He was at the zenith of his career.
- Grim (adjective): unpleasant or dreadful. Example: The news from the war zone was very grim.
- Radiant (adjective): emitting rays of light; shining or glowing brightly. Example: The bride looked radiant in her white dress.
- Fierce (adjective): having or displaying an intense or ferocious aggressiveness. Example: The tiger let out a fierce roar that echoed through the jungle.
- Eager (adjective): strong wanting to do or have something. Example: The students were eager to start their summer vacation.
- Kinetic (adjective): relating to or resulting from motion. Example: The sculpture was a kinetic artwork, moving with the breeze.
- Gleam (verb): to shine brightly, especially with reflected light. Example: The newly polished floor began to gleam under the sunlight.
- Brisk (adjective): quick and active; energetic. Example: We took a brisk walk in the cool morning air.
- Abrupt (adjective): sudden and unexpected. Example: The car came to an abrupt stop.
- Nimble (adjective): quick and light in movement or action. Example: The gymnast was incredibly nimble as she performed her routine.
Note: To create a list of 50 specific challenging vocabulary words with their definitions and example sentences, you can use the 20-word vocab list from this article as a foundation. Supplement with additional words from grade-appropriate “words of the day” or vocabulary word banks on educational dictionary sites. Optionally, download printable vocabulary worksheets that include definitions and example sentences tailored for grades 6-8 (though these may be segmented by prefixes, suffixes, etc.).
Would you like me to help curate a list of 50 specific challenging vocabulary words with their definitions and example sentences, combining these resources and my knowledge?
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