135 words every grade 10 speller should know, each with a kid-friendly definition. Hear them read aloud and practice for free with the Spellaroo spelling quiz.
High-frequency words students should recognize instantly.
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| analyze | to examine in detail |
| assess | to evaluate |
| assume | to suppose without proof |
| cite | to quote as evidence |
| coincide | to occur at same time |
| compose | to create; to write |
| concentrate | to focus attention |
| correspond | to match; to write letters |
| deduce | to conclude from evidence |
| derive | to obtain from source |
| determine | to decide or find out |
| differentiate | to show differences |
| examine | to look at carefully |
| exceed | to go beyond |
| explicit | clearly stated |
| formulate | to create or develop |
| imply | to suggest without stating |
| infer | to conclude from evidence |
| modify | to change slightly |
| outcome | result |
| parameter | boundary or limit |
| process | series of actions |
| qualitative | relating to quality |
| quantitative | relating to quantity |
| relevant | closely connected |
| theory | explanation based on evidence |
| valid | sound; acceptable |
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| aberration | departure from normal |
| abstracted | removed; theoretical |
| acquisition | act of gaining possession |
| adversity | difficult situation |
| allegory | story with hidden meaning |
| allusion | indirect reference |
| analytical | using logical analysis |
| anecdote | short amusing story |
| anticipate | to expect or predict |
| antithesis | direct opposite |
| arbitrary | based on random choice |
| articulate | to express clearly |
| assertive | confident and direct |
| belligerent | aggressive; hostile |
| benevolent | kind and generous |
| bourgeois | relating to middle class |
| camaraderie | friendship among group |
| candor | quality of being open and honest |
| catalyst | agent causing change |
| charisma | compelling attractiveness or charm |
| chronology | arrangement in time order |
| circumspect | wary and unwilling to take risks |
| cognizant | having knowledge or awareness |
| cohesive | forming united whole |
| compliance | conformity with rules |
| conciliatory | intended to placate or pacify |
| condone | to accept or allow |
| conducive | making likely or possible |
| connotation | implied meaning |
| conservative | holding traditional values |
| convergence | coming together |
| credibility | quality of being believable |
| criteria | standards for judging |
| decipher | to decode or interpret |
| decisive | settling an issue; conclusive |
| definitive | conclusive; final |
| delineate | to describe precisely |
| demographic | relating to population statistics |
| denotation | literal meaning |
| depreciate | diminish in value over time |
| detrimental | causing harm |
| dichotomy | division into two parts |
| discernment | ability to judge well |
| distribute | to give out |
| dynamic | characterized by constant change |
| economical | giving good value or return |
| eloquence | fluent speaking or writing |
| empirical | based on observation |
| ephemeral | lasting very short time |
| equitable | fair and impartial |
| erroneous | incorrect; mistaken |
| evaluate | to judge the value of |
| facilitate | make action easier |
| fallacy | mistaken belief |
| feasible | possible to do |
| formidable | inspiring fear through being powerful |
| gradual | taking place in stages |
| hierarchy | system of ranking |
| hypothesis | educated guess for testing |
| ideology | system of ideas |
| imperative | essential; urgent |
| incentive | thing that motivates action |
| incessant | continuing without pause |
| incorporate | take in as part of whole |
| indigenous | originating in particular place |
| inevitable | certain to happen |
| inherent | existing as natural part |
| innovate | make changes in something |
| integral | necessary to completeness |
| intensive | concentrated on single area |
| intermediate | coming between two things |
| intervene | come between to prevent |
| intrinsic | belonging naturally; essential |
| juvenile | relating to young people |
| kinetic | relating to motion |
| liberal | open to new behavior or opinions |
| mechanism | system of parts working together |
| meticulous | very careful and precise |
| minimal | smallest in amount or degree |
| monitor | observe and check progress |
| negligible | so small as to be unimportant |
| occupy | reside or have one's place of business |
| omniscient | knowing everything |
| option | thing that is or may be chosen |
| paradoxical | seemingly contradictory |
| peripheral | on the edge; minor |
| pertinent | relevant; applicable |
| plausible | seeming reasonable |
| precursor | something that comes before |
| protocol | official procedure or system |
| rational | based on reason or logic |
| refine | remove impurities from |
| regulate | control by means of rules |
| reliable | consistently good in quality |
| require | need for particular purpose |
| resource | stock that can be drawn on |
| restrict | put limit on; keep under control |
| reverse | move backward |
| significance | importance; meaning |
| simulate | imitate appearance or character |
| specific | clearly defined or identified |
| sufficient | enough; adequate |
| synthesis | combination of parts into whole |
| tension | mental or emotional strain |
| transform | make thorough change in character |
| ultimate | being last in series |
| utility | state of being useful |
| version | particular form of something |