Vocab A-C

hostile, aggressive, or pugnacious; The ____ gang was known for fighting.

to reduce in amount, degree, or severity; The headache ____ after taking medicine.

sharp, biting, or caustic in tone; She made an ____ retort.

a gradual buildup or growth by addition; An ____ of dust covered the furniture.

friendly, good-natured, and easy to talk to; He had an ___ _ manner that made everyone comfortable.

chosen at random, without reason; It seemed an ____ decision, without rationale.

showing little sympathy for others; insensitive; He acted in a ____ way toward those less fortunate.

to refrain or hold back voluntarily; He _____ from smoking.

a strong feeling of dislike, distaste, or hostility; He had a/an ____ to spinach since childhood.

to be in accordance with conscience, sense of right; governed by principle; a ____ decision after much deliberation.

very complicated or intricate; The ____ tax codes were impossible to decipher.

to give vital support, reinforce, or strengthen; Extra tutoring helped _____ the struggling math student’s skills.

cautious or prudent, especially in speech or action; We were _____ in sharing details because of the risk involved.

a blessing, timely benefit, or assistance; Winning the scholarship was a ____ that enabled her to attend college.

abrupt or offhand in speech or manner; rudely concise; My request was met with a ___ refusal.

to hate or detest; She ____ cruelty to animals.

keen insight or judgment; She has excellent business _____.

characterized by or subject to whim; impulsive; unpredictable; My ____ toddler was happy one minute, fussy the next.

to punish or criticize severely; The boss _____ the employee for repeated mistakes.

to caution or advise against; The teacher _____the students not to be late.