Page 62 - WEBSTER Essential vocabulary

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C: SAT Words
• The Heart Association is looking for a commitment to contribute and for 53
you to encourage your neighbors to do so, too.
• The U.S. has a commitment to defend the Americas.
• Getting a mortgage is a long-term financial commitment.
communication (kuhm YOO ni KAY shuhn) n. 1. a giving or exchanging of
information, messages, etc.; 2. the information so exchanged; 3. a medium for
exchanging information; 4. the art of expressing ideas; 5. the science of transmit-
ting information
• There was good communication among the jury members.
• The communication received from the spy satellite held obsolete plans for a
Spacely sprocket.
• Satellites permit almost instant communication by electronic signals any-
where on earth.
• Vera has less-than-admirable communication skills.
• The armed forces communication system is constantly being upgraded with
the latest bells and whistles.
comparative (kuhm PA ruh tiv) adj. 1. estimated by relating it to something
else; relative; 2. comparing one thing to another —n. 1. in grammar, the compara-
tive degree (words ending in er); 2. a word or form in this degree
• Height is one comparative way to relate buildings.
• Comparative linguistics notes similarities and differences between lan-
guages, both in grammar and vocabulary.
• The comparative degree in grammer goes from tall to taller, as opposed to
the superlative, which is tallest.
• Bigger, smaller, newer, and older are all comparatives.
[-ly adv.]
comparison (kuhm PAR is uhn) n. 1. estimation of similarities and differences;
2. sufficiently similar in likeness to make a relating of one to the other possible
• Apples and watermelons are two fruits with seeds, but any further compari-
son might prove fruitless.
•A comparison of lemons and limes might be made with respect to their col-
ors, tartness, and climatic habitats.
compassion (kuhm PA shin) n. sorrow for the suffering or problems of another
or others, often accompanied by an urge to help; deep sympathy; pity
• Tina had great compassion for the families of the victims of the earthquake.
• Rosita was driven by her compassion for the homeless to volunteer twice
weekly at the local shelter.
[-ate adj., -ately adv.] [Syn. pity]