Lesson 38

the cylindrical lower portion of a tree located above the roots and below the branches

The old oak tree had an enormous bole nearly 6 feet in diameter at its base.

a short, waist-length jacket with long sleeves that is open at the front and often worn by women

a specialized type of plant fruit or capsule containing seeds that splits open at maturity, such as cotton or flax

Farmers monitored the cotton fields closely as the bolls began to ripen, looking for signs they were ready to harvest.

to enhance the strength or effect of something

Recent scientific findings have bolstered the theory that climate change poses severe risks.

to enforce a type of payment, such as fees, taxes, or fines and collect them

The HOA levied $50 fines on homeowners who didn't shovel their sidewalks during the snowstorm.

a way of speaking, acting, or conveying information in a lighthearted style without gravity

The after-dinner speeches were delivered with a light levity to keep the mood cheerful.

to make something rise and float in the air, without any physical support or contact

Scientists claim they have developed a method to levitate small objects using sound waves.

the single most massive, formidable or mighty example of its kind

Assembling a supercomputer capable of handling quintillions of calculations per second, IBM has built a literal leviathan of processing might far beyond all others.

filled with grief and sorrow

The doleful wailing of the woman could be heard throughout the neighborhood as she mourned the loss of her child.

a person or entity that bestows something, such as property, rights, or privileges, to another through a legal document

In the property deed, Jane Smith is listed as the grantor who transferred ownership of the house to Michael Johnson.

an individual, organization, or other entity that receives funds or other resources through agreement or contract

The local homeless shelter was approved as the grantee for a $50,000 grant to fund their job training program.

to have doubts, reservations, or uncertainties about relying on someone or something

His suspicious nature causes him to instinctively mistrust people's intentions until they prove otherwise.

to portray imperfectly or incorrectly without deceitful intent

In retelling the story, Steve misrepresented a few minor details but meant no harm.

an imperfect or incorrect portrayal resulting from misunderstanding, incomplete data, or unintentional errors

In my haste to meet the deadline, my article likely contained some misrepresentations resulting from insufficient fact-checking.

to place an object in a location where one is unable to find it

I misplaced my wallet and tore the whole house apart but still couldn't find where I put it.

incompetent or ineffective governance of a country, organization, or domain

The province fell into disorder due to misrule by inefficient bureaucrats.

to use something improperly or incorrectly

The tool was misused by the apprentice who didn't understand its proper function.

to inadequately direct something due to negligence or poor decision-making

The previous CEO mismanaged the company's finances and drove it into bankruptcy.