Page 273 - WEBSTER Essential vocabulary

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Essential Vocabulary
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correlate (KAW ril AYT) vt. to bring things into a mutual relation with each
other; to show the relationship between quantities —adj. closely related
• One’s salary should correlate with the hours one works.
• Sometimes it is difficult to correlate the amount of good someone does in
the world with his or her reward.
[-d, correlating]
cosmos (KAHZ mohs) n. 1. the universe seen as an orderly, harmonious whole;
2. any complete and orderly system
• Earth was once thought to be the center of the cosmos.
• The periodic table contains the cosmos of chemical elements.
counterpoint (KOWN tir POYNT) n. 1. a melody played or sung against a
different melody; 2. something set up to contrast with or counteract something
else
• Counterpoint melodies can be found in classical and popular musical
compositions.
• Political-opinion news shows often offer both a point and counterpoint
format to put forth both sides of an argument.
covert (koh VIRT) adj. concealed; disguised; hidden; surrreptitious
• A submarine is a covert weapon by design.
• Undercover organizations exist for covert operations.
[-ly adv.] [Syn. secret]
covetous (KUH vit uhs) adj. longing with envy for something belonging to
another person
• Mr. Jones was very covetous of Mr. Smith’s beautiful green lawn before he
discovered it was AstroTurf.
• Ginger was covetous of Mary Anne’s wavy hair.
[-ly adv.] [Syn. envious, greedy]
cower (KOW ir) vt. 1. to huddle up as from fear or cold; 2. to shrink with fear as
if avoiding someone’s anger or blows
• The Green family cowered in the cold, waiting for the furnace to be
repaired.
• Lou Costello’s cowering awaiting Bud Abbott’s angry blows was quite a rou-
tine, in light of the fact that straight man Abbott was actually Costello’s
employee.
[-ed, -ing] [Syn. cringe]
craven (KRAY vin) adj. deathly afraid of; very cowardly —n. a thorough coward
• Lloyd had a craven attitude toward bears.
• Some little children are craven about anything with four feet and fur.
• Minnie was craven and would not leave her house.
[-ly adv.] [Syn. cowardly]