Course Glossary
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY1Unless otherwise noted, this work is licensed under CC BY 4.0. Credit: “Glossary”, OER Project, https://www.oerproject.com/Key VocabularyThis guide provides a summary of key vocabulary for this COURSE. For each word, you will find the definition, part of speech, word forms (plurals/tenses), synonyms, and examples of how the word, or forms of the word, are used in a sentence.Unit 1Big History•a unified account of the entire history of the Universe that uses evidence and ideas from many disciplines to create a broad context for understanding humanity; a modern origin storyPart of speech:proper nounWord forms:Synonyms:In a sentence:Big History encourages students to see the connections between their lives and the history of the Universe.collective learning•the ability to share and preserve knowledge that builds over generationsPart of speech:nounWord forms:collective learnersSynonyms:oral and written historyIn a sentence:Collective learning is the human ability to build upon knowledge over generations by sharing information through the use of symbolic language.community•a group of people living close together or having shared experience and identityPart of speech:nounWord forms:communities, communitiveSynonyms:group, people, society, populationIn a sentence:The mayor held a public meeting to get opinions from the community concerning the new library.In a sentence:When I contextualize my grandmother's decision and consider the difficult circumstances she was in, I can sympathize with her better.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY2discipline•an area of study or learningPart of speech:nounWord forms:disciplines, disciplinarySynonyms:field, subject, majorIn a sentence:Astronomy and biology are scientific disciplines.distribution•the act or process of distributing (to spread over an area)Part of speech:nounWord forms:distribute, distributes, distributing, distributiveSynonyms:dole, give out, deliver, transportIn a sentence:Distribution of free t-shirts will occur at the front gate of the stadium.evidence•knowledge on which to base belief; that which constitutes proof of somethingPart of speech:nounWord forms:evident, evidenced, evidential, evidentlySynonyms:demonstration, proof, testimony, indicationIn a sentence:Scientists have been searching for evidence of life on distant planets.frame•a particular lens or perspective that information is perceived throughPart of speech:nounWord forms:frames, framed, framingSynonyms:context, perspectiveIn a sentence:In order tofind patterns, Diego had to read the articles with a particular frame in mind.narrative•an account, description, or story, or the oral or written work containing such materialPart of speech:nounWord forms:narratives, narration, narratively, narrational, narratorSynonyms:account, narration, story, taleIn a sentence:We listened to our grandfather's narrative of his time in the war until late into the night.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY3network•a system or process that involves a number ofpersons, groups or organizationsPart of speech:nounWord forms:networks, networking, networkedSynonyms:web, organizationIn a sentence:The CEO of the company relies on a network of employees all across the globe to advertise and sell her products to the general public.perspective•a visual or mental view, as of a scene or a subject and the interrelationships of its parts or factsPart of speech:nounWord forms:perspectives, perspectivalSynonyms:point of view, viewpoint, mindsetIn a sentence:Kelly's perspective on the new soccer team was biased because she used to play on the old one.production•the act or process of creating or manufacturingPart of speech:nounWord forms:productive, produceSynonyms:fabrication, generation, manufactureIn a sentence:The factory has exceeded its goals for production for this quarter.scale•the degree, extent, or level of somethingPart of speech:nounWord forms:scales, scalarSynonyms:size, extentIn a sentence:It is hard to imagine the sheer scale of the Universe when we only live on a blip of a planet.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY4scale switching•moving between events, people, details, questions, and narratives from different perspectives of time and space to develop useful pictures of our global pastPart of speech:nounWord forms:scale switch, scale switchedSynonyms:zooming in and outIn a sentence:By scale switching, the teacher was able to explain both the specifics of the American Revolution as well as its place in world history.sourcing•theact of understanding who wrote a document, where they wrote it, and why they wrote it, for the purposes of analysis or interpretationPart of speech:nounWord forms:source, sourcesSynonyms:contextualizationIn a sentence:Sourcing is crucial when writing a research essay because you want to understand the goals, purpose, and perspectives of your sources, not simply just what they've written.Unit 2agrarian•devoted to agriculture (farming and herding); rural; agriculturalPart of speech:adjectiveWord forms:agrarianism, agrariansSynonyms:agricultural, pastoralIn a sentence:In agrarian societies, most people cultivate the land to supply food for their families and society.agriculture•theraisingofcropsandlivestockPartofspeech:nounWordforms:agricultural,agriculturallySynonyms:farming,animalhusbandryInasentence:Withimproved methods of farming, agriculture flourished inthe rural society.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY5anthropology•the scientific study of human culture including beliefs, customs, and archaeological recordsPart of speech:nounWord forms:anthropologistSynonyms:sociologyIn a sentence:People who study anthropology often conduct research on modern foragers to discover how early humans may have lived. archaeology•a field ofstudy focused on prehistoric people and their culturePart of speech:nounWord forms:archaeologistSynonyms:classicist, excavatorIn a sentence:Archaeology has revealed information about how early humans lived and the tools they used.artifact•anyobjectmadeby humanbeingsPart of speech:nounWord forms:artifacts, artifactualSynonyms:fossil, remainsIn a sentence:The museum had an exhibit of ancient Mexican artifacts.authority•theright,power,orabilitytogiveorders,makedecisions,ordemandorcompelobediencePartofspeech:nounWordforms:authorities, authoritative, authoritativelySynonyms:command, control, powerInasentence:As the principal, she has the greatest amount of authority in this school.causation•the act or process of causing (to make happen; creating or influencing)Part of speech:nounWord forms:cause, causes, causalitySynonyms:reason, motivation, sourceIn a sentence:When looking through articles about the fall of the Han, you want to focus on causation as well as long-term effects.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY6claimtesters•strategiesto decidewhetherastoryorconcept shouldorshouldnot betrustedPart of speech:nounWord forms:claim tester, claim testingSynonyms:In a sentence:The four strategies for testing a claim that we use in OER Project are intuition, authority, logic, and evidence.climate•theweatherconditionsmostprevailinginaplace,averagedoverseveralyearsPart of speech:nounWord forms:climates, climaticSynonyms:weather patternsIn a sentence:Antarctica is known for its cold climate and penguins.cognitive•of,pertainingto,orinvolvingtheuseofthemindforacquiringknowledgeandprocessingthoughtPart of speech:adjectiveWord forms:cognitivelySynonyms:mental, intellectualIn a sentence:Thinking and memorizing are cognitive tasks that require a lot of mental concentration.culture•the sum of the language, customs, beliefs, and art considered characteristic of a particular group of peoplePart of speech:nounWord forms:cultures, cultural, culturing, culturedSynonyms:Civilization, folkwayIn a sentence:The Catholic Church has played a large role in the development of French culture.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY7domesticate•totame(ananimal),especiallyinordertokeepasapetortouseonafarmorranchPart of speech:verbWord forms:domesticates,domesticating,domesticator,domesticatedSynonyms:tame,subdue,trainIn a sentence:Manywildhorses ofthe Old Westwere domesticatedto fillthe needsof miners andranchers.forager•apersonwhosearchesforfoodorsuppliesPart of speech:nounWord forms:foragers, forage, foraged, foragingSynonyms:collector, searcher, gathererIn a sentence:The foragers went out early in the morning to collect berries in order to avoid the heat of day.hierarchy•abodyofpersonsorentitiesgradedaccordingtorankorlevelofauthorityPart of speech:nounWord forms:hierarchies, hierarchicalSynonyms:ranking, classificationIn a sentence:An admiral ranks at the top of the naval hierarchy.Homo sapiens•thescientific name forhuman beings or of mankind in generalPartofspeech:nounWordforms:Synonyms:human race, humanityInasentence:The term Homo sapiensdescribes humanity as we know it today as well as our ancestors from hundreds of thousands of years ago.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY8language networks•systems of communication, often including shared language, that make possible the exchange and collection of ideasPart of speech:nounWord forms:language networkSynonyms:In a sentence:The language networks of the Inca allowed for the ruling of a long, vast empire through the use ofmessengers and other forms of communication.migration•theactorprocessofmovingfromoneregionintoanotherPart of speech:nounWord forms:migrations,migrant,migratory,migrateSynonyms:journey,movement,exodusIn a sentence:Theirancestors'migrationfromtheeastfinallyledtothemsettlinginthissmallwesternminingtown.Neolithic•designatingthelatterpartoftheStoneAge,fromabout10,000BCEtoabout3000BCE,characterizedbytheuseof polishedstonetoolsandthebeginningsoffarmingPart of speech:adjectiveWord forms:Synonyms:New Stone AgeIn a sentence:Farming and the emergence of agrarian societies were key characteristics of the Neolithic Era.nomadic•pertaining to, being, or resembling a member of a group or tribe that has no permanent home and moves from place to placePart of speech:adjectiveWord forms:Nomad, nomadsSynonyms:migratory, vagabondIn a sentence:Thenomadic tribes moved as the weather changed and prey migrated.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY9Paleolithic•designatingtheearliestperiodoftheStoneAge,fromabout2millionBCEtoabout10,000BCE,characterizedbytheuse of primitive stone toolsPartofspeech:adjectiveWordforms:Synonyms:Old Stone AgeInasentence:During the Paleolithic Era, communication development was key to people's survival as they developed names for plants and instructions for how to find them.pastoralist•apersonwhoherdsanimalsPartofspeech:nounWordforms:pastoralists, pastoralizeSynonyms:herder, shepherdInasentence:Pastoralists often moved around with their animals in order to find areas to graze.petroglyph•acarving made in rock, usually prehistoricPart of speech:nounWord forms:petroglyphsSynonyms:rock carvingIn a sentence:A common petroglyph made by numerous Indigenous cultures is thought to represent a fingerprint.sedentism•theactoflivingorstayinginoneplaceforanextendedperiodoftimePartofspeech:nounWordforms:sedentary,sedentarily,sedentarinessSynonyms:stationary,immobileInasentence:ScholarsfoundthatsomeNeolithiccommunitiesthatlivedinlushareasfellintothetrapofsedentism,orstayingin one place wheretheyexhaustedtheirresources.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY10state•thepopulationofaspecificareaunifiedunderasinglegovernmentPart of speech:nounWord forms:statesSynonyms:nationIn a sentence:Theleadersofmanyforeign stateswillattendthemeeting.surplus•thequantitythatexceedswhatisneededorrequired;anextraamountPart of speech:nounWord forms:surplusesSynonyms:excess, oversupplyIn a sentence:The farmer had avery prosperous harvest and now has a large surplus of corn.symbolic•of,relatingto,orrepresentedbyasymbolPart of speech:adjectiveWord forms:symbol, symbolicallySynonyms:representativeIn a sentence:Drinking rice wine has a symbolic meaning in a Japanese wedding ceremony.Unit 3city-state•aself-governingstatemadeupofacityanditssurroundingterritoryPartofspeech:nounWordforms:city-statesSynonyms:commonwealth,communityIn asentence:Venicewasonceapowerfulcity-state.coercive•of orusingcoercion (powerto persuadesomeone usingthreats orintimidation)Partofspeech:adjectiveWordforms:coercively,coercivenessSynonyms:compulsory,involuntary,forcedIn asentence:Thecultleaderssometimesusedcoercivemethodstoobtainrecruits.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY11contextualize•to put into context, or provide a context for; context = the set of circumstances or events in which a particular event occurs; situationPartofspeech:verbWordforms:contextualizes, contextualizing, contextualized, contextualizationSynonyms:research, considerIn asentence:When I contextualize my grandmother’s decision and consider the difficult circumstances she was in, I can empathize with her better.cuneiform•of,concerning,orwritteninwedge-shapedcharacters,asweremanylanguagesoftheancientNearEast,suchas Sumerian and BabylonianPartofspeech:adjectiveWordforms:Synonyms:pictographs,hieroglyphicsIn asentence:Ateamof linguistsare studyingthe ancientcuneiformtextsin hopesoftranslatingtheminto English.divisionsoflabor•thebreakdownoflaborintoitscomponentsandtheirdistributionamongdifferentpersons,groups,ormachinesto increase productive efficiencyPartofspeech:nounWordforms:divisionoflaborSynonyms:delegateIn asentence:Afterimplementingdivisions of labor,thecompanybecamemore efficient atproducing products in atimelymanner.dynasty•asuccession,lastingseveralgenerations,ofrulersfromthesamefamilyorgroupPartofspeech:nounWordforms:dynasties,dynastic,dynasticallySynonyms:empire,regimeIn asentence:The 800-yeardynastycameto an end when rebel forces attackedthe royal palace, killingthe last ofthe imperial family.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY12elite•thosehavingthegreatestauthorityorprivilegeorhigheststatusPartofspeech:nounWordforms:elitesSynonyms:aristocrats,nobilityIn asentence:Theposh(fancy)restauranton9thAvenueonlycaterstotheelite.empire•territorycontrolledbyacentralgovernment,withonesupremeruler,whogovernsadiversepopulationPartofspeech:nounWordforms:empiresSynonyms:kingdom,domainIn asentence:TheOttomanEmpireruledoveravastterritorywithmultipleethnicitiesandbeliefsystems.government•thedirectionandcontrolexercisedpoliticallyoverpeoplelivinginacommunity,state,ornationPartofspeech:nounWordforms:governments,governmental,governmentallySynonyms:administration,authority,regimeIn asentence:Thegovernmentrecently decided toplaceaheavytaxon thepeople.inequality•the condition of being unequal,especiallyin naturaltalents orsocial oreconomic statusPartofspeech:nounWordforms:inequalitiesSynonyms:injustice,unfairness,disparityIn asentence:Oneofthemanyinequalitiesexperiencedbythelowerclassislackofaccesstoresources.infrastructure•thebasicstructuresandfacilities,suchasroadsandbridges,thatarenecessaryforasystemorstatetofunctionPartofspeech:nounWordforms:infrastructuresSynonyms:base,frameworkIn asentence:Thiscountryhasahighlydevelopedinfrastructureofhighwaysandbridges.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY13IronAge•thestageorlevelofdevelopmentofhumanculturethatfollowedtheBronzeAgeandthatwascharacterizedbytheuse ofirontoolsandweapons,beginningabout1000BCEPartofspeech:propernounWordforms:Synonyms:In asentence:TheIronAgemarkedaperiodoftechnologicaladvancementaspeoplebegantomaketheirtoolsandweaponsoutof iron,whichwasstrongerandmoredurablethanbronzeorstone.irrigation system•the supplyingofwatertolandbyman-mademeanstoaidingrowingcropsPartofspeech:nounWordforms:irrigationsystemsSynonyms:wellsystem,wateringsystemIn asentence:Farmersrelyheavilyonirrigationsystemstowatertheircrops.kinship•thestate orfactof being arelative orrelatives,especiallybybirthPartofspeech:nounWordforms:kin,kinshipsSynonyms:family,clan,relativeIn asentence:Mostofthepeoplelivinginthismountainregionareconnectedbykinship.legal code•a codeoflawsadoptedbyastateornation; “acodeoflaws”Partofspeech:nounWordforms:legalcodesSynonyms:codeoflaw,penalcode,writtenlawIn asentence:It has been difficultto establish a legal code forthe control of advertisements.matrilineal•pertainingto,derivedfrom,ortracingdescentthroughthemother’sfamilyPartofspeech:adjectiveWordforms:matrilineallySynonyms:maternallineageIn asentence:Jewishancestryis passed downthrough matrilineal descent.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY14merchant•onewhobuysgoodsandsellsthemforaprofitPartofspeech:nounWordforms:merchantsSynonyms:dealer,trader,vendor,salesmanIn asentence:Weorderourfoodfromwhichevermerchantgivesusthebestprice.oral tradition•thestories,beliefs,etc.,thatagroupofpeoplesharebytellingstoriesandtalkingtoeachotherPartofspeech:nounWordforms:oraltraditionsSynonyms:oralhistoryIn asentence:Talesofmygreat-great-greatgrandfather'sadventuresasaseacaptainhavebeenpasseddownthroughmyfamilyby oraltradition.patriarchal•relatingtoasocialsystemin whichafatherrules,and descentandsuccessionaretracedthroughthefatherPartofspeech:adjectiveWordforms:patriarchy,patriarchiesSynonyms:fatherlyIn asentence:When thequeen took the throne,sheended thecountry'spatriarchalsystemofgovernment.periphery•theouteredgeofanarea;thelessimportantpartofagrouporactivityPartofspeech:nounWordforms:peripheriesSynonyms:brink, perimeter, fringeIn asentence:Manywomenfeeltheyarebeingkeptontheperipheryofthearmedforces.ritual•anestablishedandprescribedprocedureforaceremony,especiallyareligiousonePartofspeech:nounWordforms:rituals,ritualisticSynonyms:ceremony,custom,practiceIn asentence:DrinkingsipsofricewineispartofthetraditionalmarriageritualinJapan.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY15sedentary•livinginafixedlocation;notmigratoryPartofspeech:adjectiveWordforms:sedentismSynonyms:stationaryIn asentence:Longhouses were built bymostlysedentarytribes becausetheytake a longtimeto build and migratorytribes do not haveenoughtimetobuildsuchornate structures.SilkRoad•anamegiventotheancienttraderoutesbetweenChinaandsouthernEurope,throughsouthernAsiaPartofspeech:propernounWordforms:Synonyms:In asentence:TheSilkRoadwasnotonlyanumberoftraderoutesforthebuyingandsellingofgoods,butalsofortheexchangeof religion and ideas.smelting•tomeltorfuse(ores)asameansofseparatingandobtainingthemetalcontentPartofspeech:verbWordforms:smelt,smelts,smeltedSynonyms:melt,extractIn asentence:Inordertoextractironfromoreyouneed tosmeltthemetalcompoundinafurnace.social hierarchy•thedifferentiation and categorization of people into different ranks based on factors such as wealth or powerPartofspeech:nounWordforms:social hierarchiesSynonyms:social stratification, social classesIn asentence:Often, social hierarchies can make it difficult for people of lower classes to find success because they do not have access to the same resources as do people of the upper classes.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY16society•acommunityorgroupofpeoplewholiveinthesamecountryorareaandarelinkedwitheachotherbysuchthingsas laws and customsPartofspeech:nounWordforms:societies,societalSynonyms:community,association,network,groupIn asentence:Everysocietyconsiderssomebehaviorsacceptableandothersunacceptable.specialist•apersonwhopursuesasingleinterestorareaofstudyPartofspeech:nounWordforms:specialists,specializationSynonyms:expert,authorityIn asentence:Themedicalspecialisthelped treatwoundsbecausenoofficialmedicalpracticeshadbeenestablishedyet.steppe•abroad,somewhataridgrassplain,especiallythegreatplainsinsoutheastRussiaandsouthwestAsiaPartofspeech:nounWordforms:steppesSynonyms:grassland,plainIn asentence:Pastoralistswandered thesteppes tolet their animalsto graze.taxes•asumofmoneyleviedbygovernmentonincome,property,orsalesandusedforitsservicesandadministrationPartofspeech:nounWordforms:tax, taxation, taxing,taxedSynonyms:tariff,surchargeIn asentence:TheEnglishmonarchyimposedmanytaxesontheAmericancolonistsforitemssuchassugarandstamps.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY17trade•theactof buyingand sellingcommodities, orallsuch actscollectivelyPartofspeech:nounWordforms:tradeable,tradelessSynonyms:commerce, business,exchangeIn asentence:The newtreatywill stronglyaffecttrade betweenthetwo countries.urban•oforpertainingtoacityortownPartofspeech:adjectiveWordforms:urbanizationSynonyms:metropolitanIn asentence:New York Cityis one ofthe most populous urban areas inthe United States.Unit 4animism•thebeliefthatspiritualbeingsorsoulscanexistwithoutabodytohousethemorinplants,animals,andotherobjectsPartofspeech:nounWordforms:animistic,animistSynonyms:In asentence:ImmigrantsfromvariousAsiancountrieshavebroughtthebeliefinanimismtovariousUScommunities.assimilate•toabsorbandincorporate(anethnicallydistinctgroup)intothedominantcultureofanareaPartofspeech:verbWordforms:assimilates,assimilating,assimilatedSynonyms:integrate,naturalizeIn asentence:Thevillagerswereforciblyassimilatedintothesocietyoftheconquerors.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY18beliefsystem•aset of principles ortenets whichtogetherformthe basis of a religion, philosophy,ormoral codePartofspeech:nounWordforms:beliefsystemsSynonyms:valuesystemIn asentence:Cheatingonatestviolatesherpersonalbeliefsystem.castesystem•asocialstructureinwhichone’sclassinsocietyisdeterminedbyheredityPartofspeech:nounWordforms:caste,castesystemsSynonyms:social hierarchy, social classesIn asentence:The Indiancaste systemwasveryrigidand madeitdifficult forsomeoneofa lowerclassto moveinto ahigherclass.convert•tochange orinfluencechange in someone else’s orone’s own faith orbeliefsPartofspeech:verbWordforms:converts,converting,convertedSynonyms:compulsory,involuntary,forcedIn asentence:ShebegantheprocesstoconverttoJudaismwhenshebecameengagedtosomeoneofthefaith.diaspora•ascatteringofanypeoplewithacommonculturePartofspeech:nounWordforms:diasporasSynonyms:exodus,dispersal,exileIn asentence:Whenwarbrokeoutintheirhomecountry,alargediasporasettledinaneighboringnation.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY19direct democracy•asystem of government in which citizens vote directly on policiesPartofspeech:nounWordforms:direct democraciesSynonyms:In asentence:Ancient Athens had a direct democracy in which male citizens could vote directly on issues.doctrine•abeliefor systemofbeliefsheldandpromoted by areligious,governmental,academic,orother group;dogmaPartofspeech:nounWordforms:doctrines,doctrinalSynonyms:dogma,creed,gospelIn asentence:ThisbookcomparesChristiandoctrinewithHindudoctrine.meritocracy•a system in which people attain power, influence, and wealth because oftheirintellectual abilities ratherthan because of their class status or family lineagePartofspeech:nounWordforms:meritocraciesSynonyms:meritsystemIn asentence:Inordertomoveupinthemeritocracy,allgovernmentofficialsmustpassaseriesoftestsusedtomeasuretheir intellectual abilities.monotheism•thebeliefthatthereisonlyonesupremebeingPartofspeech:nounWordforms:monotheist,monotheistic,monotheisticallySynonyms:In asentence:MonotheismisacorebeliefofJudaism,Islam,andChristianity.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY20originstories•anarrativeaboutthebeginningoftheUniverseorhumanityPartofspeech:nounWordforms:originstorySynonyms:narratives,oralhistoriesIn asentence:Spiderman'soriginstorybeginswithPeterParkerbeingbittenbyaradioactivespider.pantheon•allgodsofapeople,collectively;atemplededicatedtoallofapeople’sgodsPartofspeech:nounWordforms:pantheonsSynonyms:templeIn asentence:The AncientGreek pantheonincludesthe Olympianssuch asZeus andAthena.persecute•to subject (especiallythose belongingto a different political, religious, orracial group)to persistent harassment, punishment, or ill-treatmentPartofspeech:verbWordforms:persecutes,persecuting,persecuted,persecutionSynonyms:harass,oppressIn asentence:TheNaziswantedtopersecuteJews,Roma,Poles,andpoliticalopponents,aswellaspeoplewithdisabilities,by sendingthemto concentration camps.philosophy•thestudyofthenatureandprinciplesofknowledge,truth,existence,andmoralandaestheticvalues;anysystemofideas and theories based on such studyPartofspeech:nounWordforms:philosophies,philosophicalSynonyms:ideology,theory,doctrineIn asentence:Thephilosophy ofConfuciusemphasizedvirtuessuchasloyalty andtrustworthiness.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY21pilgrimage•alongtripundertakenforreligiouspurposes,suchastovisitaholyplacePartofspeech:nounWordforms:pilgrimagesSynonyms:journey,voyage,missionIn asentence:ThefamilyofMuslimssetoffontheirpilgrimagetoMecca.polytheistic•thebeliefinmorethanonegodPartofspeech:adjectiveWordforms:polytheist,polytheisticallySynonyms:In asentence:Christianityisnotapolytheisticreligionbecauseitonlyacceptstheexistenceofonegod.portable•capableofbeingcarriedortransportedPartofspeech:adjectiveWordforms:portably,portabilitySynonyms:mobile,movable,transportableIn asentence:She wasabletotakeherportable cameraeverywherewithherduring hertrip.prophet•ateacher,leader,orspokespersonofamovementorcause,especiallyareligiousone,whoisbelievedtobetherecipient of some special inspiration or revelationPartofspeech:nounWordforms:prophets,propheticSynonyms:guide,messengerIn asentence:TheHebrewprophetEzekielforetoldthedestructionofJerusalemanditstemple.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY22syncretism•anattemptedcombinationorreconciliationofdifferentprinciples,beliefs,orpractices,especiallyinreligionor philosophyPartofspeech:nounWordforms:syncretic,syncretistic,syncretistSynonyms:unification,consolidationIn asentence:Thesyncretismofthetworeligionswasmadepossiblebytheirsharedgoaltounitethepeopleoftherivervalley.Sinicization•the influence of Chinese culture on neighboring regions in AsiaPartofspeech:nounWordforms:Sinicize, SinicizedSynonyms:In asentence:Some scholars argue that Buddhism went through the process of Sinicization as it spread throughout China.Unit 5administrative•of orpertainingtoadministration ormanagementPart of speech:adjectiveWord forms:administration,administrativelySynonyms:managerial,bureaucraticIn a sentence:Whetherornotto hire moreworkers isan administrative decision.aristocracy•a high-ranking social class, having special privileges and influencePart of speech:nounWord forms:aristocraciesSynonyms:nobility, eliteIn a sentence:She was born into the aristocracy and was expected to marry someone of her own class.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY23barbarian•a person in a culture believed by those in another culture to be savage, primitive, or uncivilizedPart of speech:nounWord forms:barbarians, barbaricSynonyms:primitive, savageIn a sentence:The Romans fought the barbarians to the north.bureaucrat•an official in a government office, especially one who follows rules and routines rather than personal judgmentPart of speech:nounWordforms:bureaucrats, bureaucraticSynonyms:official, politician, civil servantInasentence:The government bureaucrat hosted a public forum to hear from citizen's about how the new healthcare law could affect them.canal•a man-made waterway for transportation or irrigationPart of speech:nounWord forms:canalsSynonyms:waterway, aqueductIn a sentence:The two lakes are connected by a canal.caravan•a band of people traveling together for safety, especially across a desertPart of speech:nounWord forms:caravansSynonyms:convoy, processionIn a sentence:The travelers rejoiced as their caravan neared the oasis.catastrophe•adisasterwithwidespreadeffectsPart of speech:nounWord forms:catastrophic, catastrophicallySynonyms:calamity, cataclysm, disasterIn a sentence:An earthquake represents a catastrophe not only for humans but for all forms of life.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY24chronology•theorderofeventsintimePartofspeech:nounWordforms:chronological,chronologiesSynonyms:chronicle,calendarInasentence:Shetriedtorememberthechronologyofthesevariousincidentsinordertohelpthepolicesolvethecrime.clergy•thegrouporbodyofpeopleauthorizedtoconductreligiousservices,suchasministers,priests,orrabbisPart of speech:nounWord forms:clergiesSynonyms:ministryIn a sentence:Nunswereanimportantpartoftheclergy.collapse•tofalldownorgiveway;tostopfunctioningorendsuddenly;failPart of speech:verbWord forms:collapses,collapsing,collapsedSynonyms:breakdown,fail,crumbleIn a sentence:Aftertherecentbombings,thepeacetalkscollapsed.Crusades•anyoftheseveralattemptsofmedievalEuropeanChristianstorecoverandthendefendtheHolyLandinandaround Jerusalem from the MuslimsPartofspeech:propernounWordforms:CrusadersSynonyms:Inasentence:PopeUrbanIIencouragedtheCrusadesbyurgingChristianstoreclaimtheHolyLandfromtheMuslims.decline•afallingofforloss,amovementdownwardPartofspeech:nounWordforms:declines,declined,declining,declinationSynonyms:deterioration,drop,loss,drop-offInasentence:Therapiddeclineinpopulationwasduetothespreadoftheplague.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY25feudalism•asystemofeconomicandpoliticalorganization,asinEuropeintheMiddleAges,inwhichonepersonwouldpledgeto supportanotherperson;forexample,aknightmightpledgetofightwhenneededinexchangeforlandfromthekingPart of speech:nounWord forms:feudal,feudalistic,feudalistSynonyms:manorialism,manorsystemIn a sentence:Serfswereamongthelowestclassduringtheageoffeudalism.immunity•thestateorconditionofbeingimmune(resistant)toadiseasePart of speech:nounWord forms:immunitiesSynonyms:resistance,exemptionIn a sentence:Igettheflushoteachyearinhopesofbuildingmyimmunityagainstthevirus.imperial•oforpertainingtoanempireoritsrulerPart of speech:adjectiveWord forms:imperiallySynonyms:royal, sovereignIn a sentence:Theimperialarmyfoughthardfortheiremperor.influx•acontinuouscominginofthingsorpeoplePart of speech:nounWord forms:influxesSynonyms:torrent,avalancheIn a sentence:Everyfallthereisaninfluxofstudentsinourtown.mosque•aMuslimplaceofworshipPart of speech:nounWord forms:mosquesSynonyms:temple,church,placeofworshipIn a sentence:TheMuslimfamilymadetheirwaytotheneighborhoodmosquewhentheyheardthecalltoprayer.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY26PaxRomana•Roman Peace; a 200-year-long period in Roman historyin which it experienced relative peacePartofspeech:propernounWordforms:Synonyms:Inasentence:ThePaxRomanaallowedRometoregularlytradeoverseas.PaxSinica•ChinesePeace; a period of relative peace during Han Dynasty Chinathat lasted until c. 200 CEPart of speech:propernounWord forms:Synonyms:In a sentence:ThePaxSinicaallowedthe Han Dynastytoregularlytradeacross the Silk Road routes.province•theadministrativedivisionsofacountryorempirePartofspeech:nounWordforms:provincesSynonyms:county,domain,territoryInasentence:Thewesternprovincesuppliesmostof thecountry'sfoodsource.religiouspluralism•anacceptanceofreligiousdiversityPart of speech:nounWord forms:Synonyms:In a sentence:The country adopted policies that favored religious pluralism in hopes of minimizing violence and conflict amongst the many different religious groups.restructure•to changethe structure ororganization ofPart of speech:verbWord forms:restructuring,restructured,restructuresSynonyms:reorganizeIn a sentence:AfterJamesfiledforbankruptcy,hewasforcedtorestructurehisbusinessandmakehisfinancialdecisionsmore transparent to investors.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY27Unit 6biological•of or pertaining to the growth, development, and functioning of living thingsPart of speech:adjectiveWord forms:biologic, biologicallySynonyms:In a sentence:Many studies have explored the biological differences between males and females.capitalism•aneconomicsysteminwhichthemeansofproductionanddistributionareprivatelyownedandpricesarechiefly determinedbyopencompetitioninafreemarketPart of speech:nounWord forms:capitalist,capitalSynonyms:freeenterprise,freemarketIn a sentence:The individual's rightto pursue material wealth with little interference from government is considered one ofthe defining principles of capitalism.caravel•asmall, lightweight ship developed by the Portuguese in the fifteenth century to explore the coast of West Africa and used by the Spanish to cross the Atlantic Ocean Part of speech:nounWord forms:caravelsSynonyms:In a sentence:Two of the three ships used by Christopher Columbus in his journey across the Atlantic Ocean were caravels.cashcrop•acropgrownforsaletoothersratherthanforpersonalusePartofspeech:nounWordforms:cashcropsSynonyms:In asentence:Duringthe1800s,tobaccowasoneofthebiggestcashcropsintheUnitedStates.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY28colonization•theactorprocessofformingcolonies(territoriesgovernedbyadistantcountry,oftenoccupiedbyanumberofcitizens of that country)Part of speech:nounWord forms:colonizer,colonize,colonySynonyms:In a sentence:Theearliestexplorationsandattemptsatcolonization ofFloridabyEuropeansweremadebytheSpanish.commodity•araw materialthatcan bebought andsoldPart of speech:nounWord forms:commodify,commoditiesSynonyms:goodsIn a sentence:CommoditieslikesugarandcacaowerecarriedacrosstheAtlanticOceantoEuropeancities.confederation•agroupofnationsorpeoplesjoinedtogetherinanallianceorleaguePartofspeech:nounWordforms:confederate, confederacy, confederatedSynonyms:alliance, coalitionIn asentence:The tribes formed a confederation to defend themselves against the invaders.conquistador•oneoftheSpanishconquerorsofthesixteenthcenturyPartofspeech:nounWordforms:conquistadores,conquistadorsSynonyms:In asentence:TheSpanishconquistador CortésmadeallianceswithindigenouspeoplestodefeattheAztecs.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY29demographic•oforrelatingtothestudyofhumanpopulations,involvingstatisticalanalysisofsize,distribution,density,migration, fertility, and the likePartofspeech:adjectiveWordforms:demographics,demographically,demographySynonyms:In asentence:Demographicinformationhelpsadvertisersdecidethebestlocations tolaunch theiradcampaigns.economic•oforpertainingtotheproductionanddistributionofgoods,wealth,andservicesPartofspeech:adjectiveWordforms:economy,economiesSynonyms:fiscal,commercialIn asentence:Women'seconomicpositionimprovedduringWorldWarII,astheytookoverjobspreviouslyheldbymen.enslave•tocausetobeaslaveortobeinaconditionofbondagePartofspeech:verbWordforms:enslavement,enslavedSynonyms:subjugateIn asentence:ThefirstSpanishadventurersintheAmericassoughttoenslaveindigenouspeoplesinordertosatisfytheirdesire for silver and gold.epidemic•anoutbreak,usuallyofdisease,thatspreadsrapidly,afflictingmanyindividualsPartofspeech:nounWordforms:epidemicsSynonyms:outbreak,plague,pandemicIn asentence:Withamortalityrateof70percent,themorecasesthatarise,thedeadlierthisepidemicbecomes.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY30exchange•theactorresultofgivingorreceivingonethingforanotherPartofspeech:nounWordforms:exchanges,exchangeable,exchangerSynonyms:bargain, interchange, trade, transactionIn asentence:Theexchangeofringsisapartofsomeweddingceremonies.finance•themanagementofmoneyorotherassetsPartofspeech:nounWordforms:finances,financialSynonyms:banking,businessIn asentence:Thetreasuryisthatpartofagovernmentthatisconcernedprimarilywithfinance.freemarket•an economic systemin which pricesare determinedbyunrestricted competition betweenprivatelyowned businessesPartofspeech:nounWordforms:Synonyms:capitalism,laissez-faireIn asentence:Muchofthe worldtodayoperateswithin afree-marketeconomy.hajj•the pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim is expected to make at least once during Dhul al-HijjahPartofspeech:nounWordforms:Synonyms:pilgrimageIn asentence:One of the Five Pillars of Islam is the hajj, or the journey to Mecca.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY31indenturedservant•apersonwhoisboundtoworkwithoutpayintheserviceofanotherforaspecifiedlengthoftime,especiallyin exchangeforthecostoftravel,food,andlodgingPartofspeech:nounWordforms:indenturedservitudeSynonyms:In asentence:Sheoriginallycametothecoloniesasanindenturedservant,butranawaybeforetheendofhercontract.indigenous•havingoriginin acountryorlocality; nativePartofspeech:adjectiveWordforms:indigenitySynonyms:aboriginal,endemic,nativeIn asentence:TheturkeyisindigenoustoNorthandCentralAmerica.innovation•anewmethod,approach,idea,orthelikePartofspeech:nounWordforms:innovations, innovator, innovativeSynonyms:creation, inventionIn asentence:Thanks to the innovation of the Wright brothers, we have aircraft that allow us to travel swiftly and safely today.invest•tospendwiththeintentionofgainingsomebenefitPartofspeech:verbWordforms:invests,invested,investing,reinvestSynonyms:devoteIn asentence:I'veinvestedtenyearsofmylifebuildingthisbusiness.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY32khanate•thearea or region ruled by a khan (a Mongol warrior chosen as leader)Partofspeech:nounWordforms:khanatesSynonyms:In asentence:Upon the death of Chinggis Khan (Genghis Khan), Mongol territory was divided into four khanates.labor•theentirebodyofworkers,especiallyasdistinguishedfrommanagementPartofspeech:nounWordforms:labors, laborerSynonyms:work forceIn asentence:The suggested compromise wasn't satisfactory to either labor or management.maritime•oforconcerning seagoingvessels, orintended foruse innavigation at seaPartofspeech:adjectiveWordforms:marinerSynonyms:marine, nautical, navalIn asentence:Ship captains must obey maritime laws.mercantilism•thedoctrine,developedintheWestafterthedeclineoffeudalism,thatanation’seconomycouldbestrengthenedby governmentalprotectionofhomeindustries,byincreasedforeignexports,andbyaccumulatinggoldandsilverPartofspeech:nounWordforms:mercantilistSynonyms:In asentence:Englanddevelopedmanycoloniesundertheeconomicpolicyofmercantilisminordertoincreaseitstradingterritory.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY33missionary•apersondesiringtoconvertotherstoaprincipleorsetofbeliefsPartofspeech:nounWordforms:missionaries,missionSynonyms:apostle,converter,evangelist,propagandist,proselytizerIn asentence:Variousmissionarysocietieshaveestablishedschoolstiedtoaparticularfaith.monsoon•predictable winds that indicated the arrival of the rainy season, facilitating fast sailing and assisting maritime travelersPartofspeech:nounWordforms:monsoonsSynonyms:deluge, rainstormIn asentence:Recurring monsoons allowed sailors to predict the direction of winds across the Indian Ocean.plantation•alargeestateusedforcultivatingcommercialcropssuchasrubber,tea,cotton,sugar,orcoffeePartofspeech:nounWordforms:plantationsSynonyms:estate,homesteadIn asentence:HaitiwasoncethemostprofitableislandintheCaribbeanwithmanysugarplantations.plantationsystem•acapitalisteconomicsystemdependentonenslavedlaborPartofspeech:nounWordforms:Synonyms:In asentence:Theplantation systemin America forcedthe enslavedto endureharsh conditions.Pax Mongolica•Mongol Peace; a 200-year-long period in Mongol history in which it experienced relative peacePartofspeech:proper nounWordforms:Synonyms:In asentence:The Pax Mongolicaled to an increase in trade along the Silk Road routes.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY34samurai•member of the warrior caste in feudal JapanPartofspeech:nounWordforms:Synonyms:In asentence:Samurai were usually members of the aristocracyand the title was passed down through the family line.tribute•payment givenbyasubordinatepersonorpowertoadominantone,oranobligationtodosoPartofspeech:nounWordforms:tributarySynonyms:taxIn asentence:TheKoreankingpaidanannual tributeto theMingemperorofChina.Unit 7abolitionist•oforpertainingtothefighttoendslavery;apersonwhofoughtfortheabolition(end)ofslaveryPartofspeech:nounWordforms:abolition,abolitionismSynonyms:In asentence:ManyformerlyenslavedpeoplelivinginthenorthernUStookpartintheabolitionistmovement.autonomy•freedomandindependence;self-governancePartofspeech:nounWordforms:autonomiesSynonyms:freedom,independence,libertyIn asentence:Mostteenagerswantautonomyeventhoughtheyarestillhighlydependentontheirparents.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY35capitalist•oforpertainingtocapitalism(aneconomicsysteminwhichthemeansofproductionanddistributionareprivately ownedandpricesarechieflydeterminedbyopencompetitioninafreemarket)Partofspeech:adjectiveWordforms:capital,capitalismSynonyms:freedom,independence,libertyIn asentence:TheUnitedStateshasacapitalisteconomy.citizen•apersonbelongingbybirthornaturalizationtoapoliticalandgeographicentity,especiallyanationPartofspeech:nounWordforms:citizens,citizenrySynonyms:national,native,inhabitantIn asentence:Hisfather emigratedfromRussiain1917andbecameaFrenchcitizen.colonialism•the practice ofaforeigngovernment exercisingpoliticaloreconomiccontrolof anothercommunityPartofspeech:nounWordforms:colonial,colonialist,colonizeSynonyms:expansionism,imperialismIn asentence:ColonialismimposedEuropeancontrolovermostofAfricainthenineteenthcentury.consumer•onewho purchases goodsorservices;a person orthingthat consumesPartofspeech:nounWordforms:consumersSynonyms:buyer,customer,purchaser,userIn asentence:Thefarmdependedonconsumerstobuytheircorntostayinbusiness.debt•somethingowedtoanother,suchasmoneyorservicesPartofspeech:nounWordforms:debtsSynonyms:liability,burden,obligationIn asentence:Yourdebt tothebankisnowtwentythousanddollars.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY36democratic•havingorpromotingsocial,economic,andpoliticalequalityPartofspeech:adjectiveWordforms:democracySynonyms:egalitarianIn asentence:Allcitizensareequalinatrulydemocraticsociety.theEnlightenment•aneighteenth-centuryphilosophicalmovementthatemphasizedtheuseofreasonPartofspeech:propernounWordforms:Synonyms:In asentence:TheEnlightenmentmarkedaperiodofsignificantsocialgrowthanddevelopment,resultinginadvancementsin philosophy,politics,literature,technology,andscience.enslavement•thestateofbeingaslaveorbeinginaconditionofbondagePartofspeech:nounWordforms:enslave, enslavedSynonyms:slavery,servitudeIn asentence:ThehorrifyingmassenslavementofimportedAfricanswasthebasisoftheAmericanagriculturaleconomyforovera century.factory•abuildingorsetofbuildingswhereproductsaremanufacturedPartofspeech:nounWordforms:factoriesSynonyms:plant,millIn asentence:Ipassbythebreadfactoryonmywaytoworkeverymorninganditalwayssmellsdelicious.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY37financier•apersonskilledinoroccupiedinfinancialoperationssuchasinvestments,usuallyonalargescalePartofspeech:nounWordforms:financiers,finance,financialSynonyms:capitalist,tycoonIn asentence:AlargenumberoffinanciersworkonWallStreetinNewYorkCity.imperialism•the policyof extendingthe rule orauthorityof one nation overothers usuallybytaking control oftheirterritoryor through economic or political dominancePartofspeech:nounWordforms:imperialist,imperial,imperialisticSynonyms:colonialismIn asentence:Becausethepeopleoftheareawantedtobeaself-governingstate,theyfoughtimperialismformanyyears.industrial•oforpertainingtotheproductionofgoodsandservicesbyindustry(theactivityorprocessofturningrawmaterialsinto finishedgoods,oraparticularbusinessthatdoesthis)Partofspeech:adjectiveWordforms:industry,industries,industrialist,industrialistsSynonyms:colonialismIn asentence:Thenumberofindustrial jobs such asthose in manufacturinghave been decreasinginthe region.industrialization•tointroduceindustryinto(acountry,region,orthelike);makeindustrialPartofspeech:nounWordforms:industrializes,industrializing,industrializedSynonyms:urbanizationIn asentence:Industrializationinnineteenth-centuryBritaindramaticallychangedthewayspeopleworkedandlived.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY38liberal•relatingtodemocraticformsofgovernmentratherthanmonarchiesoraristocraciesPartofspeech:adjectiveWordforms:liberalismSynonyms:democratic,progressiveIn asentence:Thenew leaderwishedtoestablish a liberalform of governmentin a countrythat hadneverknownpolitical freedom.manufacturing•theprocessorbusinessofproducingalargequantityofproducts,oftenfromrawmaterials,usingmachinesand human laborPartofspeech:nounWordforms:manufacturer,manufacture,manufacturedSynonyms:production, construction, assemblyIn asentence:Manyjobs in manufacturing were lost last year, when a large carmakerhadto close down.middleclass•thesocialclassbetweentheveryrichorthearistocracyandlower-classlaborers,thatincludesbusinesspeople, professionals,farmers,skilledworkers,andthelikePartofspeech:nounWordforms:Synonyms:bourgeoisieIn asentence:MostAmericansviewthemselvesasbeingapartofthemiddleclass,neitherpoornorrich.Unit 8alliance•aformalpactoragreementbetweenoramongnationsPartofspeech:nounWordforms:alliancesSynonyms:agreement, compact, pact, treatyInasentence:Thetwonations formed analliance inhopes ofdefeatingtheircommon enemyin war.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY39antisemitism•prejudice, discrimination,orhostilitytoward JewsPartofspeech:nounWordforms:antisemiticSynonyms:prejudice,discrimination,hateInasentence:Thegenocide oftheHolocaust was largelymotivated bythe Nazi's antisemitism.authoritarianism•a system of ruling that advocates forcompleteobedienceorsubjectiontoauthority,especiallypoliticalauthority,without concern for individual rightsPartofspeech:nounWordforms:authoritarianSynonyms:totalitarianismInasentence:Without access to non-governmental newspapers, the citizens living under authoritarianism could not learn much about international affairs.Bolshevik•amemberofthemajorityfactionofthepartythatseizedpowerin1917andformedtheCommunistparty intheSovietUnionPartofspeech:propernoun,nounWordforms:Bolsheviks,Bolshevist,BolshevismSynonyms:communistInasentence:The Bolsheviks wantedto revoltagainstthe Russian government insteadof waiting forchangeto happen overtime.casualty•amemberofthearmedforcesremovedfromactivedutyasaresultofbeingkilled,wounded,captured,ormissinginactionPartofspeech:nounWordforms:casualtiesSynonyms:victim,fatalityInasentence:Therewerethousandsofcasualtiesafterthebattle.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY40civilian•aperson who is not serving in the military or the policePartofspeech:nounWordforms:civiliansSynonyms:citizenInasentence:In addition to military personnel, many civilians were killed during the bombings.communism•thetheoryofaclasslesssocialsysteminwhichallpropertyandmeansofproductionareownedincommon;socialist theoryderivingfromtheworksofKarlMarxandFriedrichEngelsPartofspeech:nounWordforms:communistSynonyms:Inasentence:Thenationpracticedcommunismastheir politicalandeconomicsystem.concentration camp•aprisoncampinwhichlargenumbersofpoliticalprisoners,aliens,orthoseconsideredundesirableareconfinedand sometimes executedPartofspeech:nounWordforms:concentration campsSynonyms:Inasentence:Duringthe1940s, JapaneseAmericans onthe Westcoast wereforced intoconcentration campsbythe US military.containment•a government policy, enacted in a variety of ways, that is intended to curb the territorial growth, economic expansion, or ideological influence of a hostile nation, in particular communist nationsPartofspeech:nounWordforms:contain, containerSynonyms:control, constrainInasentence:Under the policy of containment, the US tried to extend its sphere of influence in order to curb the spread of communism.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY41decolonization•the process or act of freeing a colony of eliminating colonialismPartofspeech:nounWordforms:decolonizeSynonyms:freedom, overthrowingInasentence:The decolonization process left many previous colonies in shambles due to economic dependence and arbitrary borders made by colonizers.dependency•the condition of relying on another for help or supportPartofspeech:nounWordforms:dependenceSynonyms:relianceInasentence:Thebaby bird’s dependency on their parents for food required them to stay in the nest.ethnic•oforrelatedtoalargegroupofpeoplewhoshareadistinctiveculture,language,orreligion,orwhoareofthesamerace or national heritagePartofspeech:adjectiveWordforms:ethnicitySynonyms:Inasentence:TheschoolhadahighlevelofethnicdiversityastherewerelargeChinese,Indian,andEthiopianpopulationsinthe district.eugenics•thefalsescience,studyof,orbeliefinthegeneticimprovementofthehumanracethroughcontrolofbreedingPartofspeech:nounWordforms:Synonyms:Inasentence:PartofHitler'sinspirationfora"masterrace"camefromtheAmericansupportofeugenics,whichstatedthat Americawouldbeahealthiernationifthe"feeble-minded"didnotreproduce.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY42fascism•asystemofgovernmentcharacterizedbystrong,oftendictatorialcontrolofpoliticalandeconomicaffairs,andoftenby warlikenationalismandbrutalsuppressionofpoliticalprotestorsandethnicminoritiesPartofspeech:nounWordforms:fascist,Fascist(whenreferringtotheItalianpoliticalparty)Synonyms:tyrannyInasentence:Fascismbeganin Italywiththe partyofBenito Mussoliniand hisbrutaltakeoveroftheItalian government.genocide•theintentionalattempttoexterminateallmembersofacertainrace,nationality,religious,orethnicgroupPartofspeech:nounWordforms:genocides,genocidalSynonyms:massacreInasentence:WithinthebordersofRwanda,therewasamassgenocideagainstaminoritygroup.guerilla•one of an unofficial or loosely organized group of soldiers who stage unconventional or surprise attacks against an enemyPartofspeech:noun, adjectiveWordforms:guerillasSynonyms:Inasentence:The guerrillas were camped out in the forest, preparing for their next attack on government leaders.the Holocaust•thesystematic slaughter of Jews and members of other groups by Nazis during World War IIPartofspeech:propernounWordforms:Synonyms:genocide, annihilationInasentence:The Holocaust is remembered as one of history’s most atrocious crimes against humanity.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY43internationalism•a political principle that urges nations to cooperate to solve problems and end disputes in order to prevent warPartofspeech:nounWordforms:international, internationalistSynonyms:Inasentence:After World War I, leaders of many nations attempted to promote internationalism to prevent future wars.mobilization•theactofassemblingandpreparing(troopsorthelike)foractivemilitarydutyorservicetoacountry;theactof assembling,organizing,oradapting(industries,supplies,facilities,orthelike)forimmediateuseorserviceintimesof war or states of emergencyPartofspeech:nounWordforms:mobilize,mobilized,mobilizingSynonyms:assembling,preparingInasentence:Theprime ministerordered forthe mobilization oftroopsto prepare forthe upcoming battle.nationalize•to bring under government ownership or controlPartofspeech:verbWordforms:nationalizes, nationalized, nationalizing, nationalizationSynonyms:communalizeInasentence:The administration intends to nationalize the banks in order to control the supply of money.nonviolence•the policy or practice of refusing to use violent means to pursue political or social aimsPartofspeech:adjectiveWordforms:nonviolent, nonviolently Synonyms:peacefulInasentence:One of Gandhi’s main principles was nonviolence.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY44nuclear•of or having atomic or hydrogen bombsPartofspeech:adjectiveWordforms:nucleusSynonyms:atomicInasentence:The threat of nuclear war terrified people across the world during the 1960s.pacifism•refusal to use or acknowledge violence as a means for settling disputesPartofspeech:nounWordforms:pacifistSynonyms:Inasentence:The gang members had no regard for pacifism, as they settled all conflicts with violence.partition•the political division of a nation into two or more separate nationsPartofspeech:nounWordforms:partitionsSynonyms:division, separationInasentence:The partition of Germany during the Cold War was physically represented by the Berlin Wall, which was constructed in 1961.proliferation•the act or process of spreading quicklyPartofspeech:nounWordforms:proliferationsSynonyms:multiplication Inasentence:The leaders signed a treaty to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons.propaganda•informationoropinions thataremadepublictopromoteorattackamovement,cause,orpersonPartofspeech:nounWordforms:propagandist,propagandisticSynonyms:advertisement,disinformationInasentence:Boththe Alliedand AxisPowers inWorld WarIIused propagandatoencourage peopleto supporttheirsideinthewar.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY45security•freedom from dangerPartofspeech:nounWordforms:securities, secureSynonyms:safety, protectionInasentence:The security of the president depends on the skill of his bodyguards.self-determination•the freedom to make decisions for oneself without external pressure or influencePartofspeech:NounWordforms:self-determined, self-determiningSynonyms:independence, libertyInasentence:With autonomy came self-determination for this small nation that had long been dominated by foreign powers.sterilization•the act of rendering unable to reproduce, as by removing or damaging the reproductive organsPartofspeech:nounWordforms:sterile, sterilize Synonyms:Inasentence:The involuntary sterilization of people of color was a cruel and oppressive act.superpower•a country with great international power and influence, especially one that dominates the affairs of other countriesPartofspeech:nounWordforms:superpowersSynonyms:Inasentence:The global superpowers during the Cold War included the US and USSR.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY46totalwar•aglobalwarinwhichallwarringnationsmobilizeforthewareffortincludingsoldierandcivilianpopulations,whoare both participants andtargets; usuallydefined as meeting fourcriteria: mobilization, blurring of lines between soldierand civilian,totalcontrolofsociety,andrejectionofacompromisepeacePartofspeech:nounWordforms:Synonyms:Inasentence:SomehistoriansarguethatWorldWar1wasthefirstexampleoftotalwar.totalitarian•designating a system of government in which power and authority are highly centralized and intrusive into the lives of private citizens, and in which neither opposing parties nor individual differences in opinion are allowedPartofspeech:adjectiveWordforms:totalitarianismSynonyms:authoritarian, dictatorial, tyrannicalInasentence:A totalitarian government was established under the dictator.union•an organization of laborersPartofspeech:nounWordforms:unionsSynonyms:guild, labor union, trade unionInasentence:The union organized to demand higher wages and safer working conditions for their members.nation•a peoplelivinginthe samegeographicregionandhavinga commonhistory,language,andculturePartofspeech:nounWordforms:nations,nationless,nationhoodSynonyms:country,land,commonwealthIn asentence:Eventually,the 13 colonies cametogetherand formed a nation of 13 states, each connected bya common identityand ideology.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY47nation-state•themodernautonomous(self-governing)nation,consideredasaunitofpoliticalorganizationPartofspeech:nounWordforms:nation-statesSynonyms:country,sovereignstatesIn asentence:Albaniaisasmallnation-stateofaround3millionpeople.nationalism•concernforordevotiontoone’s ownnation, especiallydesirefornationalprogress, defense,orindependencePartofspeech:nounWordforms:nationalist,nationalisticSynonyms:patriotism,allegianceIn asentence:Awaveofnationalismsweptthecountryafteritscitizenswereattacked.naturalrights•basicrights,suchas lifeandliberty,thatare consideredinherent(essential)rights ofallhumanbeingsPartofspeech:nounWordforms:naturalrightSynonyms:innaterights,naturallawsIn asentence:Although freedom from persecution and discrimination is considered a natural right, manycontinueto face oppression and injustice on daily basis.popularsovereignty•thedoctrinethatastateissubjecttothewillofthepeoplewhocomprisethatstatePartofspeech:nounWordforms:Synonyms:democracyIn asentence:The ideaof popularsovereigntywas presentthroughouttheAmericanRevolution.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY48proletariat•theworkingclass,especiallythosethatlackwealthandmustselltheirusuallyunskilledlaborinordertosurvivePartofspeech:nounWordforms:Synonyms:workingclassIn asentence:Therevolutionariesdeclaredthatfactoriesandothermeansofproductionshouldbehandedovertotheproletariat.racism•thetheoryoropinionthatacertainraceorracesofpeople,usuallyone’sown,aresuperiortoothersbecauseofcertain inborncharacteristicsandanypolicyorpracticebasedonsaidbeliefPartofspeech:nounWordforms:racistSynonyms:discrimination,prejudiceIn asentence:West Indian psychiatrist Frantz Fanon emphasizedthe different forms of racismthat exist, asthose facing colonialism inAfricafacedifferentissuesthanthoseenslavedintheUnitedStates.reform•theimprovementofwrongorbadconditionsPartofspeech:nounWordforms:reformsSynonyms:improvementIn asentence:Peoplewithawidevarietyofoccupationsdemandedlaborreforms.revolution•a massive upheaval in ideas orways of doing something, orthe widescale change ortransformationthat occurs because of itPartofspeech:nounWordforms:revolutions,revolutionarySynonyms:cataclysm,upheavalIn asentence:Thedevelopmentofthemicrochipcausedarevolutioninthecomputerindustry.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY49socialism•apoliticaloreconomictheoryinwhichcommunitymembersownallproperty,resources,andthemeansofproduction, and controlthe distribution of goodsPartofspeech:nounWordforms:socialist,socialistsSynonyms:In asentence:Individuals whothink communitymembers should own and control property, production and distribution prescribeto socialism.sovereignty•freedom from the control of others, usually freedom from an authority such as a monarchPartofspeech:nounWordforms:sovereignSynonyms:autonomyIn asentence:Enlightenment philosophers wrote about both personal and popular sovereignty as they believed that people should have a say in their lives and in their governments.suffrage•therighttovoteinapoliticalelectionPartofspeech:nounWordforms:suffragist,suffragetteSynonyms:votingrightsIn asentence:SomestatesimposedobstaclestorestrictthesuffrageofBlacks.urbanization•the process by which the population of cities increases, usually characterized by the shift of the population from rural to urban settingsPartofspeech:nounWordforms:urban, urbanize, urbaniteSynonyms:In asentence:During the Industrial Revolution, urbanization increased as more people relocated from the countryside to factory cities.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY50Unit 9Anthropocene•the most recent geological epoch in which humans have made the largest impact on the environment through land use, the burning of fossil fuels, and other mostly harmful activitiesPartofspeech:propernounWordforms:Synonyms:In asentence:ThetermAnthropocenewascoinedin2000byanatmosphericchemistwhowasworriedaboutoureffectonthe environment and climate.automation•operation by machinery rather than by peoplePartofspeech:nounWordforms:automateSynonyms:mechanization,computerizationIn asentence:Theautomation ofthemanufacturing workforcethreatens people'sjobs but can also increaseproduction.biodiversity•the diversity of life forms on Earth or part of the Earth, including diversity of species, genes, and ecosystems, especially when regarded as providing the optimal conditions for evolutionPartofspeech:nounWordforms:Synonyms:biological diversityIn asentence:Climatechangethreatensthecurrentbiodiversitythatexistsonourplanet.climate change•a change in global and regional climate patterns attributed to an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuelsPartofspeech:nounWordforms:Synonyms:globalwarmingIn asentence:Whileclimatechangeterrifiesmostscientists,therearestillsomewhorefusetobelievethatthesechangesare taking place.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY51consumption•the purchase of goods and servicesPartofspeech:nounWordforms:consume,consumer,consumerismSynonyms:In asentence:ConsumptionintheUSisgenerallyhighestduringtheholidayseason.deforestation•the removal of forest or trees from an area of landPartofspeech:nounWordforms:deforestSynonyms:logging,clear-cuttingIn asentence:Producingpaperencouragesdeforestationandothernegativeenvironmentalimpacts.drought•an unusually prolonged lack of rainPartofspeech:nounWordforms:droughtsSynonyms:In asentence:Inthe1930s,therewereaseriesofseveredroughtsinAmericathatledtoadustbowlinthenation'sinterior.economic liberalization•the state or act of decreasing government control of the economy in order to increase the role of private entities in the marketPartofspeech:nounWordforms:Synonyms:In asentence:TheeconomicliberalizationofChinahasbeenkeptincheckpartiallybyitscommunistgovernment.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY52emission•that which is discharged or released, usually relating to such things as car exhaust and factory fumesPartofspeech:nounWordforms:emissionsSynonyms:discharge,release,secretionIn asentence:Thecountryisworkinghardtoloweritsgreenhousegasemissions.environment•the sum of everything that surrounds animals and humans in the natural world, including the air, water, and soil; the sum of things, circumstances, and conditions that surround one and may have an effect on onePartofspeech:nounWordforms:environments,environmental,environmentalistSynonyms:surroundings,setting,habitatIn asentence:Climateactivistsareworkinghardtopreserveourenvironment.eradication•the process by which something is completely destroyed, such as the destruction of small poxPartofspeech:nounWordforms:eradicateSynonyms:destruction, extermination In asentence:Theeradication of small poxcame as a result of global cooperation to launch a vaccination campaign to destroy the disease.exploitation•the act of taking unfair advantage of someone or somethingPartofspeech:nounWordforms:exploitSynonyms:mistreatment, abuseIn asentence:Theexploitation of workers by factory owners during the Industrial Revolution led to calls for labor reforms.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY53globalization•the process or idea of the world becoming more like that of a single nation with one shared economy and culture rather than separate, distinct countriesPartofspeech:nounWordforms:globalizeSynonyms:In asentence:TheglobalizationofoursystemsoftradehaveledtomostofthegoodsfoundintheUSbeingproducedinChina.grossdomesticproduct(GDP)•the total market value of the goods and services produced by a country’s economy during a specified period of timePartofspeech:nounWordforms:Synonyms:In asentence:Acountry'sGDPisagoodmetricforthestrengthofitseconomy.humanitarian•characterized by concern for improving the welfare of humanityPartofspeech:adjectiveWordforms:humanitarianismSynonyms:altruistic,humaneIn asentence:Thecompanywasmotivatedmorebythedesireforprofitsthanbyhumanitarianconcerns.human rights•rights that belong to all human beings regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, religion, or other statusPartofspeech:nounWordforms:human rightSynonyms:civil rights, civil libertiesIn asentence:Human rights were defined and protected under the United Nations “Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” adopted in 1948.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY54injustice•a quality relating to unfairness, as in when the rights of a person are ignoredPartofspeech:adjectiveWordforms:unjustSynonyms:unfairness, inequityIn asentence:In Nelson Mandela’s fight against apartheid in South Africa, he wrote, “I fought only against injustice, not my own people.”institution•an organization, usually founded for a specific purpose or functionPartofspeech:nounWordforms:institute, instituting, institutedSynonyms:organization, establishmentIn asentence:The university was a well-respected institution and famous for its pre-med program.liberalize•to make or become more liberal (relating to a theory in economics emphasizing individual freedom from restraint and usually based on free competition, the self-regulating market, and the gold standard)Partofspeech:verbWordforms:liberalizes,liberalized,liberalizingSynonyms:In asentence:Therulingpoliticalpartyliberalizedthecountry'seconomicpolicy.monoculture•the cultivation or growth of a single crop or organism especially on agricultural or forest landPartofspeech:nounWordforms:Synonyms:In asentence:Ireland'smonocultureinthenineteenthcenturyprovedtobedisastrouswhenafunguswipedoutthecropandledto the Irish potato famine.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY55multinational•relating to or involving several countriesPartofspeech:adjectiveWordforms:Synonyms:global,intercontinentalIn asentence:The multinational corporation had offices in San Francisco, Tokyo, and Dubai.non-governmental organization (NGO)•any non-profit organization or body that operates independently of governmentPartofspeech:nounWordforms:non-governmentalorganizations(NGOs)Synonyms:non-profitIn asentence:Thenon-governmentalorganizationyour cousinworksfor raisesmoneytolobby for prisonreform.outsource•to acquire something, such as some goods or services needed by a business or organization from outside sources and especially from foreign or nonunion suppliers; to contract for work, jobs, etc., to be done by outside or foreign workersPartofspeech:verbWordforms:outsources,outsourced,outsourcingSynonyms:In asentence:Thecompanyoutsourcedmanyofitsjobstoforeigncountrieswherethecostoflaborwascheaper.pesticide•a chemical substance used to kill pests, especially insects that harm cropsPartofspeech:nounWordforms:pesticidesSynonyms:poisonIn asentence:The cropsare repeatedlytreatedwith pesticideto killorganismsthat mightharmthem.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY56privatize•to change from governmental control or ownership to privatePartofspeech:verbWordforms:privatizes,privatizing,privatizedSynonyms:In asentence:Therailwaysinthatcountrythatwereoncegovernmentownedarenowbeingprivatized.regulation•a principle, rule, or law designed to regulate behavior and conductPartofspeech:nounWordforms:regulations,regulatorySynonyms:law,ruleIn asentence:Fire departmentregulationsrequirepublicbuildingstobeequipped withsprinklers.socioeconomic•of, related to, or characterizing the social and economic aspects of somethingPartofspeech:adjectiveWordforms:socioeconomicallySynonyms:In asentence:Mygrandparents came fromverydifferent socioeconomic backgrounds, mygrandfathercoming from a poor, Jewish familyfromPolandandmygrandmothercomingfromawealthy,Irish-Catholicfamily.transnationalism•the spread of culture and identity across national bordersPartofspeech:nounWordforms:transnationalSynonyms:internationalism, globalizationIn asentence:Scholars argue that we live in a world of transnationalism because many people share in a global culture thanks to the Internet and social media.
WHP ORIGINSGLOSSARY57universal•something experienced or done by all people everywherePartofspeech:nounWordforms:universallySynonyms:worldwide, widespreadIn asentence:Thecomputer and smartphone are considered universal tools that everyone uses.unsustainable•not capable of being prolonged or continued; not sustainablePartofspeech:adjectiveWordforms:unsustainably,unsustainabilitySynonyms:In asentence:Theunsustainablefishingpracticesledtothegovernmentimposingstrictquotalimitsontheamountoffishaperson can catch.vaccination•the administration or injection of a vaccine to aid in the immune system’s fight against certain diseasesPartofspeech:nounWordforms:vaccineSynonyms:immunization, inoculation In asentence:A global vaccination effort took place in the twentieth century to rid the world of small pox.