1st Quarter
Fathom - is a verb meaning to understand fully, to penetrate the meaning of.  The jury found it hard to fathom how the defendant could commit such a terrible crime.  Christians throughout the world can not fathom the concept of racism.  Several students could not fathom the algebraic equations.

Muster - to collect or gather; the act of inspection or critical examination.  In 1836 the Texans
at the Alamo mustered all the troops available to defend against the invading Mexican Army.  The restaurant owner inspected the kitchen and said the eating utensils did not pass muster, and for the dish washer to wash them all over again.  He was mustered into the army at the age of 18.

Emulate - is a verb meaning to imitate, follow an example, to strive to equal.  Kelly tries to emulate Stacey's grace.  Many people like to emulate TV stars.  The student section at last weeks football game emulated class.

Blithe - is an adjective meaning cheerful, lighthearted, casual, carefree. It is difficult to deflate the blithe optimism of the young.  The blithe students cavorted throughout the hallways.  The students blithely collected can goods for the student hunger drive.

Sophomoric - is an adjective which means immature, overconfident and conceited.  Acting careless and sophomoric, the speeder ran his car into a ditch.

Surreptitious - is an adjective meaning stealthy, secretive, sneaky, underhanded.  The boy was very surreptitious when he approached the house because it was past his curfew.  The child was surreptitious when she tiptoed behind her mother to scare her.

Ameliorate - is a verb meaning to make better or more tolerable; to improve.  The annual AHS calendar sale ameliorates the amount of tuition paid by families of Alleman students.  In an effort
to ameliorate his GPA, Harold devoted two hours for homework and studying every night.

Abut - to align, border upon.  Texas abuts Mexico on its southern border.  In Hong Kong the skyscrapers so closely abut each other, in some cases they touch sides.  The abutting rocks formed a perfect wall for riflemen to defend the castle.

Glutton - one who eats or consumes a great deal; having capacity to receive or withstand something.  Every day at school lunch, the Pitts children behave in a gluttonous manner, so much so, it made one wonder if they were ever fed at home.  Jack was a glutton for punishment; no matter how many times he was knocked down in the fight, he kept getting up.

Dilatory - tending to cause delay, characterized by procrastination, tardy.  Because Ashley was dilatory in paying her bills, she now owes late fees.

Lackadaisical - is an adjective meaning: lacking energy; listless, lazy.  The students were lackadaisical because they stayed up too late last night.  The dog was lackadaisical because
of its advanced age.

The "Word of the Week" is brought to you by the Alleman English Department.