Lesson 2: Central Ideas 6-10

Let's uncover some words used for hiding, sneaking, and keeping things secret.

Key Words

• The spy, operating under an alias, conducted her clandestine meetings in secret locations.
• Why he quit the team remains an enigma; his motives are truly enigmatic.
• A detective may lurk in the shadows, waiting to observe a suspect’s stealthy movements.

These words all relate to the idea of hiding or secrecy. Whether it’s an assumed name (alias), a hidden talent (latent), or a mysterious action (clandestine), this group is all about what is not seen or known. They describe things that are kept under wraps, puzzling, or done without attracting attention.

Now, let's shed some light on words that mean to reveal, inform, or make things clear.

Key Words

• The detective tried to elicit a confession, but the suspect would not divulge any information about the crime.
• I must apprise you of the situation; the company's financial troubles are now overt and can no longer be hidden.
• After her avowal that she broke the vase, her guilt was manifest on her face.

In contrast to hiding, this group of words is all about bringing things to light. They are used when you want to inform (apprise), reveal a secret (divulge), or make something obvious (manifest). These terms describe the act of making information known, whether it's through a frank declaration or by drawing out a hidden truth.

These words help us talk about harmony, understanding, and coming together.

Key Words

• After weeks of negotiation, the two nations finally signed a compact and were in accord on all major issues.
• My roommate and I are very compatible; our daily schedules dovetail perfectly.
• The manager would not relent on the deadline, so the team had to conform to the schedule.

This set of vocabulary helps describe situations of harmony and understanding. From a formal agreement (compact, accord) to two things fitting together perfectly (dovetail), these words are positive. They are used when people or ideas are compatible, consistent, or when someone decides to accede to a request or relent in their position.

When things aren't so harmonious, you'll need this vocabulary for conflicts, disputes, and falling-outs.

Key Words

• Their friendship ended because of a simple discrepancy in their stories, which led to a bitter altercation.
• Try not to antagonize your sister; you don't want to get embroiled in another argument.
• The two parties were at variance on almost every issue, and their differences were sadly irreconcilable, leading to litigation.

This group is all about conflict and disharmony. It covers everything from a noisy quarrel (altercation, wrangle) to a deep split (cleavage) between former friends. When ideas clash (friction), when there are major differences (discrepancy), or when people are drawn into a fight (embroil), these are the words you need.

Get ready for a feast of words! This group is all about food, from delicious tastes to greedy appetites.

Key Words

• The hungry hiker was happy to find edible berries, which were succulent enough to slake her thirst.
• He's such a glutton; with his voracious appetite, he will devour the entire pizza if you let him.
• Adding a condiment like ketchup can make a simple sandwich much more palatable.

This delicious vocabulary group relates to food, taste, and eating. It includes words to describe mouth-watering foods (luscious, succulent) and whether something is fit to be eaten (edible). It also describes eating habits, from a huge appetite (voracious) to satisfying your thirst (slake). A glutton is someone who eats too much!