Mrs. C. is such a fervent Green Bay Packers fan that she bought stock in the team a few years ago; when she dies, that stock will be passed down to her son, who is also a fervent Packer Backer.
Anthony lost himself in a fervent prayer for the recovery of his terminally ill son.
Julia’s reticence in class hid a brilliant mind; she was just too shy to offer any answers or opinions in discussion.
Even though it feels awkward to brag, you should not be reticent during a job interview; you have to make yourself stand out from all other applicants.
Definition
reluctant to draw attention to oneself
uncouth
(adj)
psychic
is to
as
is to
Relationship: description
animal
whisperers
Drunken football
fans
Words Used in Context
When she opened the door to her blind date, Lisa saw right away that she would not like this uncouth man; he wore a dirty t-shirt, had an unpleasant odor, and spit tobacco into her flower bed.
It is really uncouth and distasteful when female students store their cell phones in their cleavage.
After being hypnotized, Allison became strangely docile, agreeing to cluck like a chicken for a youtube video.
In her book, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, Amy Chua argues in favor of raising children to be docile and high-achieving, rather than giving them independence.
Definition
easily handled or managed
bluster
(verb; noun)
Logically argue
preach
is to
as
is to
Relationship: differences
Lead by example
Words Used in Context
The new president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, is becoming known for his blustery personality; he has joked about rape victims and flipped off the EU.
As we study argument, you will hopefully see that blusteris just noise; it is not logical, well-reasoned argument.
Definition
To be loud, noisy or swaggering
That’s it for today.
retinue
(n)
attendants
group of friends
is to
as
is to
Relationship: similarities
posse
Words Used in Context
The self-indulgent king’s retinue included not only his top advisors, but also his psychic, his food taster, and dog walker.
Once the singer became famous, she saddled herself with a retinue which became very expensive to support.