distinct= adj. clearly noticed; different
There was a distinct aroma of coffee in the restaurant.
The two theories are distinctly different
from each other.
dominant = adj. primary or principal; having
or exercising control over something
syn. major, main, principle
adv. dominantly
n. domination
n. dominance
v. dominate
The dominant life forms of the Paleozoic era lived in water.
The skyscraper dominates the city skyline.
dormant adj. not growing or producing; asleep
syn. inactive
n. dormitory
The volcano had been dormant for hundreds of years before its eruption last month.
Most seniors live in the new dormitory.
drab = adj. lacking color; uninteresting, boring
syn. pale, colorless
adv. drably
adj. drabness
Their clothing was quite drab.
The drabness of the desert made driving less
interesting.
dramatic = adj. something that captures the
imagination; exciting
syn. emotional, theatrical
adv. dramatically
v. dramatize
n. drama
The dramatic finish to the film left us speechless.
The hurricane dramatically changed the
coastline.
elaborate = adj. something with a large
numbers of parts parts; full of details
syn. complex (stress on the second syllable)
adj. elaborately
v. elaborate
n. elaboration
An elaborate headdress indicated rank within the Aztec community.
His elaboration of the issue was quite
thorough.
exceptional = adj. unusual in a positive
way
syn. phenomenal, superb, excellent
adv. exceptionally
n. exception
adv. except
The orchestra's performance was exceptional.
Compared to other heavenly bodies, the North Star is exceptionally
bright.
hazardous = adj. very risky, unsafe
syn. perilous, dangerous
adj. hazardously
n. hazardous
Handling flammable liquids is hazardous.
There are many hazards involved with starting
a business.
minuscule = adj. very small
syn. tiny
adj. minute (pronounced: mainuut)
n. minutia (pl. minutiae)
The sale of the building had a minuscule effect on the profits of the corporation.
Some leaves are covered with minute hairs.
prime = adj.. first in importance or in time
syn. chief, main
adj. primed
n. prime = the most vigorous or productive period
v. prime = to prepare (especially a pump by pouring a bit of water in, but also "to
train")
In the U.S., the prime lending rate is the rate the Federal Reserve Bank charges other banks to borrow money. It's like the Lombard rate in Germany.
The director primed the actors before the performance
Mozart passed away in the prime of his life.
rudimentary = adj. simple; not complex
syn. basic
n. rudiment
He has a rudimentary knowledge of computers.
The rudiments of grammar are taught in all
beginning English classes.
sensitive = adj. easily affected
syn. delicate
v. sensitively
n. sensitivity
This equipment is very sensitive to changes in temperature.
Film varies according to its sensitivity to
light.
superficial = adj. simple; not deep; near
the surface
syn. shallow
n. superficiality
adj. superficially
The inspector determined that the crack in the bridge was only superficial.
You should not try to answer the question superficially.
terrifying = adj. filling someone
with fear
syn. frightening, chilling
adv. terrifyingly
v. terrify
To be in a violent storm is a terrifying experience.
Some people are terrified of dogs.
vigorous = adj.
powerful, full of action
syn. forceful, energetic, spirited, strong
adv. vigorously
n. vigor
His vigorous defense of the issues impressed
everyone.
He approaches his work with vigor.