Set 1 Question 2
StarCatching Words
hubris (n.)
If you show hubris, you display excessive pride or arrogance that often leads to downfall.
His hubris blinded him to the risks.
sinister (adj.)
If something is sinister, it appears threatening or evil.
She gave him a sinister smile that made him uneasy.
uncharacteristic (adj.)
If something is uncharacteristic, it is unusual or not typical of a person or thing.
It was uncharacteristic of him to arrive late.
drench (v.)
If you drench something, you soak it completely with liquid.
She drenched the plants with water during the heatwave.
fork over (phr.)
If you fork over something, you hand it over reluctantly, usually money or valuables.
He had to fork over a $400 fine for illegal parking.
dwindling (adj.)
If something is dwindling, it is steadily decreasing in size, number or strength.
Resources were dwindling as the expedition continued.
fester (v.)
If something festers, it becomes worse, often referring to wounds or feelings.
Resentment can fester if problems are ignored.
testimony (n.)
If you give testimony, you provide a formal statement of truth, often in court or public hearings.
The witness gave testimony about what he heard that morning.
perpetrator (n.)
If someone is a perpetrator, he / she committed a harmful or illegal act.
The perpetrator of the robbery was caught on camera.
invaluable (adj.)
If something is invaluable, it is extremely useful or priceless in worth.
She gave invaluable insights at the product’s development stage.
vigilant (adj.)
If you are vigilant, you stay watchful and alert to danger or problems.
Security guards remained vigilant throughout the night shift.
StarCatching Patterns
That was until…
I thought I could skip sleep without any consequences. That was until I collapsed from exhaustion during school.
… in turn…
The decline in bee populations threatens crop pollination, in turn jeopardizing food security for millions of people.
On a positive note, …
I am exhausted! I had a long day at the office. On a positive note, our project has made a lot of progress and it is close to being done.
