Essential Vocabulary - Noel's ESL eBook Library

52 Essential Vocabulary
comedic (kuh MEE dik) adj. of or having to do with comedy; humorous
• John Cleese had a comedic walk in Monty Python’s Ministry of Silly Walks
routine.
• Mike Meyers’ comedic portrayals appeal to some people more than they do
to others.
[-ally adv.]
commencement (kuh MENS mint) n. 1. the beginning or start; the time of
same; 2. the school or college ceremonies at which degrees or diplomas are awarded;
3. the day upon which this takes place
• The commencement of the show will be at 8 P.M.
• Lafayette High School’s commencement will be held at the field house.
• Yale’s commencement is often on a Thursday.
comment (KOM ent) n. 1. a note that explains, criticizes, or illustrates something
written or said; annotation; 2. a remark or observation made to express criticism
or opinion; 3. talk; chatter; gossip —vi. to comment on; to make remarks
• George just had to make a comment on Paul’s theories.
• When Sue remarked that it was hot in the room, Pam felt it necessary to
comment in her support.
• With gossips, it’s just one comment after another.
• Some people find it necessary to comment on practically anything and
everything.
[-ed, -ing] [Syn. remark]
commercial (kuh MER shil) adj. 1. of or connected to trade; 2. of or having to
do with stores, office buildings, etc.; 3. of a lower grade or for use in large amounts
in industry —n. paid radio or TV advertisement
• The ship was engaged in international commercial trade.
• Beth’s neighborhood was zoned for commercial use, so she had no recourse
when the grocery opened next door.
• The warehouse club sells mayonnaise in gallon jars, suitable for commercial
use but kind of large for use at home.
• Some of the most entertaining television these days is to be found in softdrink
commercials.
commitment (kuh MIT mint) n. 1. a delivering for safekeeping; 2. official
internment of a person to a prison or a mental institution; 3. a promise to do
something; 4. dedication to a long-term involvement; 5. a financial liability
• A burial service accompanied the commitment of the naval officer’s body to
the ocean depths.
• It’ll take a court order to affect the commitment of this book’s author to the
booby hatch.