levee, bane, roster, blandishment, whelp: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Word Master set 75. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. levee · noun/ˈlɛvi/

   an embankment built along a river or other body of water to prevent flooding

   The town built a strong levee to stop the river from flooding the streets.

   Synonyms: dike, embankment, floodbank

   Origin: The word 'levee' comes from the French term 'levée', meaning 'to raise' or 'to lift up'.

2. bane · noun/beɪn/

   a cause of great distress or annoyance

   The loud noise outside was the bane of my study time.

   Synonyms: curse, plague, woe

   Origin: Old English 'bana' meaning 'killer' or 'murderer,' evolved to mean something that causes harm or distress.

3. roster · noun/ˈrɑːstər/

   a list of people who belong to a group or are assigned to a duty

   The teacher gave us the roster of students who would perform in the school play.

   Synonyms: list, schedule, lineup

   Origin: from Middle French 'roster' or 'roste', meaning 'a list or register'

4. blandishment · noun/ˈblændɪʃmənt/

   flattering remarks or actions intended to persuade someone to do something

   The manager used sweet blandishments to convince the employees to work late on the project.

   Synonyms: flattery, persuasion, cajolery

   Origin: from Middle French 'blandissement', from 'blandir' meaning 'to flatter'.

5. whelp · noun/wɛlp/

   a young offspring of a mammal especially a dog

   The mother dog took care of her new whelp and fed it every day.

   Synonyms: pup, puppy, cub

   Origin: Old English 'whelp' meaning 'puppy, young animal'