Rules of the Game- Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Deftly ~  able to do something quickly and accurately

• Used in a sentence: He stopped at the last stall and deftly lifted the bucket over the gate, placing it on the floor with ease.

• In the photo example, he has to be able to juggle these balls “quickly and accurately,” which is the definition of deftly. 

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Relented ~ to soften in feeling, temper, or determination; become more mild, compassionate, or forgiving.

• Used in a sentence ~My sister, Grace, finally relented and allowed me to hang out with her.

• In this photo example, it represents a conversation. It’s like someone finally gave in/ relented.

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Plotted ~ a secret plan or scheme to accomplish some purpose

• Used in a sentence: Her plan, while brilliant when plotted the past month, didn't seem quite so wonderful right now.

• In the photo example, it shows that he was plotting something in his mind. Based off of his expression, I can infer that he is thinking of a plan of revenge.

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Concessions ~  Having to give in or give up many things.

• Used in a sentence:   I made many concessions to go to my friends house that night.

• This picture shows how to be concessional because it represents giving up money, time, and belongings.

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Word Study 

Connotation ~ the wide array of positive and negative associations that most words naturally carry with them
In my own words, it means another meaning you can associate the word with.

Denotation ~  the precise, literal definition of a word that might be found in a dictionary.
In my own words, it means the real definition that you know, not think.

Examples:

Screamed: In Paragraph 77, it says, “My white pieces screamed as they scurried and fell off the board one by one.” The word screamed causes a sense of worry and activity. It has a negative feeling to it because screaming usually is associated with danger or pain. The author may have decided on this word because it explains the sense of urgency and activity.

Weep: In Paragraph 52, it says, “I remember that his sweaty brow seemed to weep at my every move.”  The word weep means shedding tears in sadness. Its connotation is that it sends a thought of fear along with sadness which gives a negative look on things. Weeping refers to sadness instead joy so it puts more of a negative outlook on how the man was looking at her as she made her moves.

Sly: In Paragraph 9, it says, “One day, as she struggled to weave a hard- toothed comb through my disobedient hair, I had a sly thought. The word sly is having or showing a cunning and deceitful nature. Its connotation is more negative because sly usually implies mischievous and trouble. In this case, the author is saying that Waverly had a sneaky intention.