Educational

diphthong

[dif-thawng]

a sound formed by the combination of two vowels in a single syllable, in which the sound begins as one vowel and moves toward another (as in coin, loud, and side)

basilica

[buh-sil-ih-kuh]

a large church or building with a central nave and aisles, often used as a christian place of worship.

dissonance

[dis-uh-nuhns]

inharmonious or harsh sound; discord; cacophony

consolidate

[kuhn-sol-i-deyt]

to bring together (separate parts) into a single or unified whole; unite; combine

cerebral

[suh-ree-bruhl]

intellectual rather than emotional

occlude

[uh-klood]

to close, shut, or stop up (a passage, opening, etc.)

ferment

[fer-ment]

to be fermented; undergo fermentation

portend

[pawr-tend]

to indicate in advance; to foreshadow or presage, as an omen does

kismet

[kiz-met]

fate; destiny

crestfallen

[krest-faw-luhn]

dejected; dispirited; discouraged

tergiversate

[tur-ji-ver-seyt]

to repeatedly change one's attitude or opinions with respect to a cause, subject, etc.

accretion

[uh-kree-shuhn]

an increase by natural growth or by gradual external addition; growth in size or extent

afford

[af-for-ord]

have enough money to pay for.

commemorate

[kuh-mem-uh-reyt]

to serve as a memorial or reminder of

congeal

[kuhn-jeel]

to change from a soft or fluid state to a rigid or solid state, as by cooling or freezing

undulate

[uhn-juh-leyt]

to move with a sinuous or wavelike motion; display a smooth rising-and-falling or side-to-side alternation of movement

gallant

[gal-uhnt ]

brave, spirited, noble-minded, or chivalrous

tally

[tal-ee]

a total count or score

fortuitous

[fawr-too-i-tuhs]

happening or produced by chance; accidental

skittish

[skit-ish]

restlessly or excessively lively

fatuous

[fach-oo-uhs]

foolish or inane, especially in an unconscious, complacent manner; silly; witless

glean

[gleen]

to gather slowly and laboriously, bit by bit

pylon

[pay-lon]

a marking post or tower for guiding aviators, frequently used in races

passion

[p-aszhun]

intense emotion, enthusiasm, or desire, often for something or someone.