sat vocabulary book

Word List 1

Introduction

Assiduous

Comprehensive

Condone

Contrive

Cursory

Derelict

Dilatory

Enervated

Fabricate

Fastidious

Fatigued

Idle

Incredulous

Indefatigable

Indolent

Industrious

Inert

Languid

Lethargic

Listless

Malinger

Meticulous

Painstaking

Perfunctory

Phlegmatic

Procrastinate

Punctilious

Remiss

Sedentary

Sedulous

Skeptical

Slothful

Superficial

Thorough

Torpid

Truancy

172 Word List 1

© Kattan Test Prep, Inc.

Key Words and Definitions

Mourad’s Comprehensive Word Lists

Comprehensive – covering a wide range

Comprehensible – able to be understood

Please study these lists thoroughly…

Thorough – Complete with regard to every detail

Meticulous – paying close attention to detail

Punctilious* – showing great attention to detail

Painstaking – done with or employing great care and thoroughness

Fastidious – very concerned about accuracy and detail

… and industriously.

Industrious – diligent and conscientious

Sedulous – hard-working

Assiduous – showing great care and perseverance

MNEMONIC: Working your ass-iduously off

Please don’t perform a superficial, perfunctory, cursory job.

Superficial – on the surface, not in depth

Perfunctory – carried out with minimum effort, superficial

Cursory – hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed

Don’t be remiss, derelict in completing your assignments.

Remiss – neglectful, negligent

Derelict – shamefully negligent in not having done what one should have done; dilapidated

When assigned homework, don’t be dilatory.

Procrastinate – to push off until the deadline approaches

Dilatory – tending to delay or push off

We cannot condone indolence or lethargy.

Condone – allow or forgive

Indolent, Slothful – lazy

Idle – not working, inactive

Inert – not moving, lacking vigor

Sedentary – characterized by much sitting

Listless – lacking energy or enthusiasm

Lethargic – no energy

Languid – slow and relaxed

Torpid – mentally or physically inactive, lethargic

Phlegmatic – calm, unemotional

Introduction 173


Fatigued – extreme tiredness, typically resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness

Indefatigable – cannot be tired, persisting tirelessly

Enervated* – from e meaning out. To have the life drained from you

Please do not fabricate any excuses for why you cannot attend…

Fabricate – to invent or concoct

Contrive – to create or bring about by deliberate use or skill and artifice

Malinger – to exaggerate or feign illness to escape duty or work.

Truancy – cutting school

… because I will look at you incredulously

Incredulous* – Unwilling or unable to believe something

Skeptical – hesitant to believe, dubious

Etymology

From the root punct, meaning point

Punctilious – caring about every point and detail

Punctual – coming at the starting point

Puncture – to make a hole, or a point, through something

From the root e, meaning out

Enervated – to have life drained out of you

From the root cred, meaning to believe

Incredulous – unwilling to believe something

Credulous – willing to believe; gullible, naïve

Credo, Creed – a belief

Credence – giving belief or acceptance to something as if it were true

When All the Little Ants Are Marching

A cursory look around the man’s apartment revealed the obvious - its owner was lazy. It could only take

a few seconds to see how dilapidated the apartment was. The blinds hadn't been drawn in ages, and blankets

and dirty dishes were strewn upon floor.

The owner was a fat, sedentary man that spent most of his life sitting on a couch in his house. Some

accused him of procrastinating and simply putting off his responsibilities until a later time. He, however, was

adamant that he was only idle because he did not believe in the industrious way in which others chose to live.

He saw all of the hustle and bustle, the painstaking work they involved themselves in everyday, as a waste of

time and energy. He claimed he was happier with his phlegmatic and calm approach to life.

174 Word List 1


The hard working, sedulous, people of the town met his claims, with extreme skepticism and accused

him of being slothful and lazy. They thought he was contriving this ridiculous, dubious, story of his “ideal”

life in order to justify his indolence.

But was this fat man really wrong? The people in the town were extremely superficial and only cared

about how they appeared on the outside. The only purpose they worked for was to be envied. On top of that,

the meticulous attention they paid to the smallest details at work left them so enervated that when they got

back home they were so tired they just collapsed on the couch too fatigued to actually appreciate the things

that give their lives real meaning—their families. So while the sedentary man's claims may seem incredible,

perhaps we should give them some credence.

Introduction 175


Review Exercises

I Fill in the blank with the proper form of the bolded word

1. The speaker’s speech was barely comprehensible.

The audience could barely ____________________ (verb) what the speaker was saying.

His speech lacked ____________________ (noun).

2. Sarah’s punctilious nature makes her a great wedding planner.

She uses ____________________ (noun) to perform her job.

3. As a sedulous student, Keith studied law for hours and passed the bar exam.

His ____________________ (noun) helped him pass the bar exam.

4. The accountant was assiduous in preparing all the financial reports.

The ____________________ (noun) of the accountant helped him prepare the reports.

5. Because of Stefan’s superficial knowledge of the subject matter, he failed the test.

The ____________________ (noun) of his knowledge caused him to fail.

6. The property manager was derelict in his duties, and the building is in shambles.

His ____________________ of duty made the building be in shambles.

7. When I procrastinate, I do my work at the last minute, which is stressful.

My ____________________ (noun) makes me stressful.

8. Wendy’s was an indolent and exhausted her parents because she didn’t do chores.

Her ____________________ (noun) exhausted her parents.

9. Jonathan remained idle and annoyed the crew because they were all working hard.

He stood ____________________ (adverb) by.

His ____________________ (noun) annoyed the crew.

10. Jessica remained inert with her career, which prevented her from getting a better one.

Her ____________________ (noun) prevented her from getting a better job.

11. Because Paul is sick with pneumonia, he is feeling weak and lethargic.

Weakness and ____________________ (noun) are symptoms of pneumonia.

12. Due to the hot weather, the children played at a languid pace and were ready for a nap.

They were ____________________ (verb) through the hot and humid day.

They played through the ____________________ (noun) of the day.

13. Due to Melody’s surgery, her body remained torpid and sluggish during recovery.

She remained in a state of ____________________ (noun).

14. Zack worked out for the first time and felt fatigued after so much physical exertion.

He was ____________________ (adj) because he hadn’t worked out in so long.

He would more likely be ____________________ (adj) if he had worked out more regularly.

15. After a long trip, the ladies were enervated and a spa session helped them relax.

To relieve their ____________________ (noun), they went to the spa.

176 Word List 1


16. Journalists shouldn’t fabricate stories but use reliable sources instead.

They shouldn’t use ____________________ (adj) information.

The ____________________ (noun) of information shouldn’t be allowed.

17. The thieves contrived a plan on how to pickpocket the people.

They used ____________________ (noun) to pickpocket the people.

18. The schoolboys all decided to malinger by pretending to have food poisoning.

They are guilty of ____________________ (verb).

19. When students don’t go to class, they are guilty of truancy.

A ____________________ (noun) is one who doesn’t go to class.

20. Sharon’s boss gave an incredulous smirk when she was late for a third time.

Her boss smiled at her with ____________________ (noun).

21. The team’s fans were skeptical that they could rebound from their losing streak.

The fans had a sense of ____________________ (noun) about the team rebounding.

A ____________________ (noun) is one who is skeptical.

II Match the definition with the word in the box

SET 1

1. Allow or forgive ____________

2. Cannot be tired _____________

3. Contrive, concoct ____________

4. Cursory ____________

5. Feign an illness ____________

6. Indolent, lazy ____________

7. Industrious ____________

8. Lethargic, languid ____________

9. Unwilling to believe _____________

10. Poor condition because of neglect _____________

11. Procrastinate ____________

12. Thorough _____________

Assiduous, Condone, Dilatory, Fabricate, Incredulous, Indefatigable, Malinger, Meticulous,

Perfunctory, Slothful, Torpid, Derelict

Introduction 177


SET 2

1. Industrious _____________

2. Extensive, complete _____________

3. Punctilious _____________

4. Fatigued _____________

5. Not moving _____________

6. Life drained out _____________

7. Gullible _____________

8. What you believe in _____________

9. Dubious _____________

10. Inactive _____________

11. Dingy _____________

12. Neglectful _____________

Comprehensive, Credulous, Credo, Enervated, Dilapidated, Inert, Idle, Painstaking, Phlegmatic,

Remiss, Skeptical, Sedulous

178 Word List 1


III Write S for synonym or A for Antonym

1. Superficial – Thorough ______

2. Cursory – Hasty ______

3. Assiduous – Slothful ______

4. Industriousness – Diligence ______

5. Torpor – Zealousness ______

6. Indefatigable – Enervated ______

7. Fabrication – Truthfulness ______

8. Indolence – Conscientiousness ______

9. Idleness – Activeness ______

10. Fastidious – Punctilious ______

11. Comprehensible – Lucid ______

12. Perfunctory – Mindless work ______

13. Incredulous – Skeptical ______

14. Naïve – Gullible ______

15. Credulous – Dubious ______

16. Inertia – Stationary condition ______

17. Contrive – Concoct ______

IV Answer Yes or No

1. Does the SAT measure your reading comprehension skills? ______

2. Would a 50-word dictionary be considered comprehensive? ______

3. If you completed your homework in 5 minutes, did you do it thoroughly? ______

4. If you searched one place for a lost wallet, did you conduct a perfunctory search? __

5. Would a neglectful person be remiss in fulfilling his obligations? ______

6. Would an industrious student quit easily? ______

7. Would an enervated employee want to continue working? ______

8. If you said you saw a unicorn, would I look at you incredulously? ______

9. Is a credulous person easy to trick? ______

10. Would you believe the testimony of a credible witness? ______

11. Is “don’t steal” part of the Jewish credo? ______

12. Should forensic scientists conduct a superficial search of a crime scene? ______

13. Is an indolent student likely to complete his homework? ______

14. Is an assiduous student likely to complete his homework? ______

15. Would an indefatigable employee complete his job without getting tired? ______

16. Would a liar fabricate a story to get out of trouble? ______

17. Would a football player feel torpid after playing double overtime? ______

18. Does a truant attend school regularly? ______

19. Would a fastidious employee overlook details? ______

Introduction 179


20. Would a derelict home owner build a house with an innovative ‘feel’? ______

21. Would you be pleased to see your employee sitting idly? ______

22. Would you be skeptical if a stranger offered you $100? ______

V Write the word(s) that begin with the letter given

1. To invent or makeup: F__________, C__________, C__________

2. Hard-working: A__________, S__________, I__________

3. Paying close attention to detail: M__________, T__________, P__________,

4. Unenergetic and tired: L__________, L__________, F__________, P__________,

T__________

5. Life drained out: E__________

6. Lazy: I__________, S__________

7. Feign an illness: M__________

8. Cut school: T__________

9. Allow or forgive: C__________

10. Tending to delay or procrastinate: D__________

11. On the surface, not in detail, hastily: S__________, C__________, P__________

12. Not in good condition (dilapidated) because of neglect: D__________

13. Covering a wide range: C__________

14. Able to be understood: C__________

15. Cannot be fatigued – persists tirelessly: I__________

16. Unwilling to believe something: I__________, D__________, S__________

17. Willing to believe anything: N__________

18. Belief: C__________

19. Law that states that an object at rest will stay at rest – law of: I__________

180 Word List 1


Word List 2

Skilled and Unskilled

Acme

Adept

Adroit

Ambidextrous

Anecdotes

Apex

Archetype

Boorish

Bungler

Connoisseur

Consummate

Crest

Crude

Dabbler

Decorous

Deft

Dexterous

Dilettante

Epitome

Exemplary

Gauche

Gourmand

Greenhorn

Indecorous

Inept

Innovation

Inveterate

Layman

Maladroit

Nadir

Neophyte

Novel

Novelty

Novice

Paragon

Peak

Pinnacle

Prodigy

Proficient

Prototype

Pundit

Quintessence

Raconteur

Renovate

Sophisticated

Suave

Summit

Tyro

Uncouth

Urbane

Veteran

Virtuoso

Vulgar

Zenith

182 Word List 2



Highly Skilled or Experienced Adept, Deft, Adroit, dexterous* – highly skilled

Ambidextrous* – skilled with both hands

Inept – opposite of adept

Consummate* – highly skilled

Summit* – highest point of hill or mountain

SYNONYMS: Peak, Apex, Acme, Pinnacle, Zenith, Crest

Nadir – lowest point

Proficient – competent or skilled

Pundit – an expert

Veteran – someone who’s been doing something for a long time

Inveterate – having a particular habit that is long-established and unlikely to change

Specialized Skill

Virtuoso – skilled in music (or another artistic pursuit)

Connoisseur – expert in matters of taste (usually wine)

Gourmand, Gourmet – an expert of good food

Raconteur – skilled at telling anecdotes (short stories)

Prodigy – a person, especially a young one, endowed with exceptional qualities or abilities

Serving as the model

Exemplary – serving as a desirable model; representing the best of its kind

Paragon – person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality

Archetype – typical example of a certain person or thing

Epitome – perfect example

Quintessence – perfect or typical example

Prototype – an original model

No skill

Maladroit* – ineffective or bungling

Novice* – a beginner.

Neophyte, Greenhorn – person who is new to a subject, skill or belief

Tyro – beginner

Layman – without professional or specialized knowledge in a particular subject

Dabbler – to partake in a hobby or activity in a superficial way

Dilettante – someone who never gains expertise, dabbles for enjoyment

Gauche – lacking ease or grace, socially awkward

Bungler – someone who is clumsy or inept.

Skilled & Unskilled 183


Polished & Refined

Urbane – suave, courteous, and refined in manner

Suave – charming, confident and elegant

Sophisticated- worldly wise (as opposed to naïve)

Decorous – keeping with good taste, polite and proper

Rude & Unrefined

Uncouth – lacking good manners, refinement, or grace

Vulgar – disgusting

Crude – rude, unrefined; coarse, crass

Boorish – rude, unmannerly person

Indecorous – impolite and improper

Etymology

From the root nov meaning new

Novel – new story

Innovation – new method, idea, or product

Novelty – the quality of being new

Renovate – to make new again

From the root summ meaning highest

Consummate – highly skilled

Summit – the highest point of a mountain

From the root ambi meaning both

Ambiguous – both meanings can be correct

Ambidextrous – skilled with both hands

Ambivalent – wishing for both

From the root mal meaning

Maladroit – bad skill

(see chapter 4 for more examples)

"Did I raise my son acts in such a boorish manner?" shouted my mother, as her spit flew out all over me and her nostrils flared. Boy, was she a hypocrite. Could you think of anything more indecorous than spitting while you talk? And anyway, it honestly wasn't my fault. It all started two months ago when I decided to pursue catering. I was kind of a dilettante like that, dabbling in anything and everything. I had phases where I surfed, skydived, and programmed computers, and I even entered hot dog eating contests for a period.

184 Word List 2


As a novice caterer, it is really tough to get everything right. I was new to the cooking game, so I really couldn’t be expected to be as good as the veteran caterers. However, I was confident and acted like I was a wine and food connoisseur. In reality I was inept. I barely knew how early to put the chicken in the oven or how much salt to put on the vegetables. My boss was widely respected as a pundit in the field of catering, but he really was a jerk. Sure, he was a proficient caterer and very skilled at making food, but I just didn't think he was the prodigy everyone made him out to be. The guy was always yelling at me for the most minor mistakes, and one day he just went too far. He had just concluded making soup and after washing the enormous ladle, he put it down next to me, and instructed me to put 5 spoonfuls of whipped cream on top of the wedding cake. It seemed like an excessive amount, but who was I, the tyro, to question the gourmand? I filled the ladle to the top and spooned it on to the cake five times. When he saw the wedding cake completely submerged in whipped cream a few minutes later, he erupted. "I said 5 spoonfuls! Not 1000! You fool, you've bungled everything." "I put 5!" I yelled back. "5 teaspoons?" he asked. What? Teaspoons? How would I know that, especially when he had put a ladle down right next to me? "Your instructions were nebulous sir. It was unclear what you meant. You gave me a ladle and said 5 spoonfuls, not 5 teaspoonfuls. " He looked at me with malice in his eyes and said, "Allow me to be unambiguous. You’re fired!" Honestly, I was ambivalent about being fired. On one hand of course it’s unpleasant to be fired, but on the other, I had enough of working for this guy. This last incident epitomized everything I hated about this controlling, arrogant creep. It was a quintessential example of how he could never admit when he screwed up. So, I grabbed his head and shoved his face into the cake. Then they called my mom, which explains the spit that was currently flying out of her mouth.



Review Exercises


1. Chandra is an adept chess player and is always five steps ahead of her opponents.

She’d be ____________________ (opposite) if she were five steps behind her opponents.

2. The gymnast was dexterous and able to maneuver her body well.

The gymnast moved with ____________________ (noun).

3. Cannan is ambidextrous and able to write with both his hands equally.

He writes with ____________________ (noun).

4. Kevin was a proficient baseball player who could play almost any position skillfully.

He showed ____________________ (noun) with baseball.

5. Stella is a technology industry pundit who expertly reviews new computer gear.

She is part of the technology ____________________ (noun).

6. Camilla is an inveterate liar who has always made up stories.

She tells lies with ____________________ (noun).

7. Ludwig van Beethoven was a talented piano player and virtuoso.

He was a ____________________ (adj) piano player.

He played with ____________________ (noun).

8. After many years of training, Ryan has become a connoisseur of wine.

Ryan has reached a level of ____________________ (noun).

9. The 5 star hotel has exemplary service such as free dry cleaning and valet.

It ____________________ (verb) great service.

10. Niko is the archetype of a successful entrepreneur.

He is an ____________________ (adj) entrepreneur.

11. With high marks and hard work, Tiffany is the epitome of a good student.

She is an ____________________ (adj) representation of a good student.

She ____________________ (verb) a good student.

12. The unselfish consideration of others before one’s self is the quintessence of altruism.

The ____________________ (adj) component of altruism is unselfishness.

13. Carl knows very little about preparing food and is a novice at cooking.

He is a ____________________ (noun) in the world of cooking.

14. Joan was a dabbler who liked learning new skills, but never mastered any.

She liked to ____________________ (verb) with new skills.

15. Kellan, the dilettante, enjoys playing many instruments but isn’t the best player.

He is a ____________________ (adj) instrument player.

He plays three instruments with great ____________________ (noun).

16. Laura is somewhat of a bungler considering she is constantly tripping over things.

She ____________________ (verb) when she walks.

She is ____________________ (adj).

17. Denise is sophisticated because she travels the world and speaks five languages.

186 Word List 2


She has ____________________ (noun).

18. Being that it was a formal affair, the gentlemen behaved in a decorous manner.

He behaved with ____________________ (noun).

19. Charles was uncouth and did not know how to behave correctly in a fancy restaurant.

If he did know how to behave, he’d be ____________________ (opposite).

20. Henry is a vulgar man who speaks coarsely and lacks taste.

He speaks with ____________________ (noun).

21. Mia is not a refined woman, but is instead crude.

Her ____________________ (noun) makes her unrefined.

22. Rachel is loudmouthed and boorish.

A ____________________ (noun) is one who is boorish.

23. Leon just wrote his fifth novel.

A ____________________ (noun) is one who writes novels.

He is a ____________________ (adj) writer.

24. Steven has created many new innovations with computer technology.

He is an ____________________ (adj) man.

25. Amy loves to renovate old homes.

She loves making ____________________ (noun).


SET 1

1. Adroit __________

2. Apex __________

3. Beginner __________

4. Dabbler __________

5. Expert in food __________

6. Impolite and repulsive __________

7. Long outstanding habit __________

8. Original model __________

9. Perfect example __________

10. Socially awkward __________

Adept, Dilettante, Epitome, Gauche, Gourmand, Inveterate, Novice, Prototype, Summit,

Uncouth



SET 2

1. Suave __________

2. Skilled musician __________

3. Skilled storyteller __________

4. Highest level of skill __________

5. Lowest point __________

6. Typical example __________

7. Ineffective or bungling __________

8. A beginner __________

9. Keeping with good taste __________

10. New method, idea, or product __________

Consummate, Decorous, Innovation, Maladroit, Nadir, Novice, Quintessence, Raconteur, Urbane,

Virtuoso

SET 3

1. Skilled child __________

2. Coarse __________

3. Beginner __________

4. Skilled with both hands__________

5. Highest point __________

6. Polished, refined __________

7. Vulgar, disgusting __________

8. Perfect example __________

9. Unskilled __________

10. Having a long outstanding habit __________

Ambidextrous, Archetype, Crude, Greenhorn, Inept, Inveterate, Prodigy, Suave, Uncouth, Zenith

188 Word List 2



1. Gauche – Awkward _____

2. Apex – Zenith _____

3. Nadir – Pinnacle _____

4. Uncouth – Refined _____

5. Veteran – Novice _____

6. Boorish – Urbane _____

7. Inept – Clumsy _____

8. Adept – Deft _____

9. Consummate – Layman _____

10. Pundit – Expert _____

11. Layman – Highly skilled _____

12. Suave – Repulsive _____

13. Veteran – Experienced _____

14. Maladroit – Bungling _____

15. Archetype – Epitome _____

16. Gourmet – Food expert _____



IV Answer Yes or No

1. Does a dilettante gain expertise in his hobbies? ______

2. Is an ambidextrous person skilled with only his right hand? ______

3. Would you trust a novice to perform your surgery? ______

4. Would you expect your surgeon to be dexterous with his hands? ______

5. Would a consummate liar get away with his lies? ______

6. Would you prefer to date a boor? ______

7. Would you prefer to date an urbane person? ______

8. Would you trust a pundit for advice? ______

9. Could the pinnacle of a politician’s career be becoming president? ______

10. Could donating millions of dollars to charities be considered the paragon of generosity?______

11. Does Apple test a prototype before releasing the product? ______

12. Would you attend a concert performed by a virtuoso? ______

13. Would stealing from a child be an archetypal case of honesty? ______

14. Is a greenhorn ready to practice professionally in his or her field? ______

15. Would being convicted of a white-collar crime be the nadir of a financier’s career? ______

16. Would you take a wine-tasting tip from a connoisseur? ______

17. Would an anecdote from a raconteur be soporific (sleep-inducing)? ______

18. Would you prefer the advice of a layman to a pundit? ______

190 Word List 2



1. Highly skilled: A_____________, D______________, A_____________, D_____________,

C_____________.

2. Skilled with both hands: A_____________

3. Someone who has been doing something for a long time: V_____________

4. An I_____________ gambler has been gambling for a long time.

5. Having the necessary skills: P_____________.

6. The top: S_____________, P_____________, A_____________, A_____________,

P_____________, Z_____________, C_____________.

7. Lowest point: N_____________.

8. Expert in wine: C_____________.

9. Expert in food: G_____________, G_____________.

10. Skilled at story telling: R_____________.

11. A short story about a real incident: A_____________.

12. Gifted child: P_____________.

13. Talented musician: V_____________.

14. Expert: P_____________.

15. Socially awkward: G_____________.

16. Someone who never gains expertise, practices for enjoyment: D_____________,

D_____________.

17. Polished, from the root-meaning city: U_____________.

18. Keeping with good taste, polite and proper: D_____________.

19. Rude and vulgar: I_____________, B_____________, U_____________, C_____________,

C_____________, C_____________.

20. The first model or original design: P_____________.

21. Serving as the model: E_____________, E_____________, Q_____________,

A_____________, P_____________.

22. Ineffective or bungling (containing the root meaning bad): M_____________.


Word List 3

Talking

Antiquated

Archaic

Articulate

Banal

Brevity

Brusque

Circumlocution

Cliché

Cogent

Coherent

Colloquial

Compelling

Concise

Curt

Curtail

Derivative

Eloquent

Eloquent

Exhort

Explicit

Fluency

Formal

Garrulous

Grandiloquent

Gruff

Hackneyed

Implicit

Interlocutor

Laconic

Loquacious

Magniloquent

Mundane

Obsolete

Outdated

Persuasive

Pithy

Platitude

Prattle

Prosaic

Reticent

Rhetorician

Succinct

Superfluous

Tacit

Taciturn

Terse

Trite

Vapid

Verbatim

Verbiage

Verbose

Vernacular

Voluble

192 Word List 3



Quiet or concise

Brevity – to the point; concise

Laconic – saying little, but packed with meaning

Pithy – brief and full of meaning and substance

Reticent*, Taciturn* – quiet, shy, reserved

Tacit – understood or implied without being stated

Implicit – implied, not directly stated but understood

Explicit – stated clearly, leaving no room for confusion or doubt

Succinct – briefly and clearly expressed

Rudely brief

Terse – sparing in the use of words; abrupt (usually in a rude way)

Curt – rudely brief

Curtail – to shorten

Gruff – abrupt or taciturn (in a rude way)

Brusque – abrupt or offhand in manner

Speaks a lot

Garrulous – excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters

Verbose* – swollen with words

Verbatim* – word for word

Verbiage* – wordiness; language of a certain group of people

Voluble – words roll of the tongue with ease and fluency

Loquacious* – speaks a lot

Superfluous – unnecessary, especially through being more than enough

Prattle – to speak on and on in a senseless matter

Convincing or speaks well

Cogent – clear, logical and persuasive

Compelling – evoking interest and attention in a powerful way

Eloquent – speaks clearly and convincingly

Articulate – able to join thoughts/words together

Coherent – able to be understood

Rhetorician – an eloquent writer or speaker

Exhort – strongly encourage or convince someone to do something; implore, beg, urge

Talking 193


Been said or done before

Cliché – a phrase or thought that has been overused

Banal – so lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring

Hackneyed – lacking significance through having been overused

Mundane – lacking interest or excitement, dull; relating to the everyday activities

Prosaic – having the style or diction of prose (lacking poetic beauty); commonplace or ordinary

Platitude – a remark that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful

Trite – overused and unoriginal

Derivative – something that comes from something else

Obsolete – no longer produced or used, outdated

Antiquated – old-fashioned, archaic

Vapid – dull and uninteresting

Etymology

From the root taceo, meaning to be silent.

Reticent – quiet, shy, reserved

Taciturn – saying little

Tacit – understood or implied without being stated

From the root loquor meaning to speak

Eloquent – fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing

Colloquial – everyday language

Formal – to speak professionally

Vernacular – language or dialect spoken by people of a country or region

Circumlocution – to speak around the point

Grandiloquent/Magniloquent – pompous or extravagant in style, especially to impress

Interlocutor – someone who takes part in a conversation

From the root verb meaning word

Verbose – swollen with words

Verbatim – word for word

Verbiage – wordiness; language of a certain group of people

194 Word List 3


The Water Boy

"Coach, I ain't gonna be readin’ this textbook—it’s way too verbose, son. There is a surfeit of words

with no purpose. A textbook has gotta be bein’ concise, straight and to the point."

Demarcus really seemed ticked, but we all were. Why should we have to pass our classes to play? We

were football players.

The coach was terse in his response, in that way that you say very little to show how upset you is, and

said, "Demarcus, shut up and get out of my office."

In a way it was refreshin’ to hear him talk in such an abrupt way. It was way betta’ than those coaches

who spoke only in clichés. There’s that platitude they always be sayin’ – “If at first you don't succeed

try again.” Phrases like those are way overused. They are what we call hackneyed back in the ‘hood.

Demarcus curtly turned and stormed out, and I followed. That’s when Demarcus dropped the biggest

idea—to come up with what he call the succinct textbook. I wasn't knowin’ what that word meant, but

he said it just means the textbook only has the important stuff. He said it would still be comprehensive

and include all the key details, but it just wouldn't have any superfluous and unnecessary points.

He said he would be doin’ the promoting, giving speeches about the product and stuff. He was real

articulate, spoke real nice, so I thought that would be a good idea. His ideas are always bein’ good.

I nicknamed him eloquent Demarcus in my head because of how nice he spoke, but I never told him

that. He once told me never to let my life get banal or boring. He said if we keep doing the same thing

again and again, even exciting stuff would feel mundane.

I thought that was a smart idea too. Demarcus and me are best friends. We never said it outright, but it

was a tacit understanding we had. I hope one day I can be on the team so I can spend more time with

Demarcus.

Talking 195


Review Exercises


1. The brevity of the graduate’s speech was refreshing considering they are usually long.

The graduate’s speech was ____________________ (adj).

2. Presenters must be laconic in speech or the audience will lose interest.

His ____________________ (noun) keeps the audience interested.

3. Mark gave a pithy, yet negative review of the film.

The ____________________ (noun) of the review was negative.

4. Julianna is reticent in comparison to her extroverted brother.

Her ____________________ (noun) contrasts her brother’s demeanor.

5. Genevieve is taciturn by nature and doesn’t speak much.

Her ____________________ (noun) makes her quiet.

6. The nod of Jen’s head was meant to be an implicit direction to Nancy.

However, Nancy needs ____________________ (antonym) directions.

7. The principal had to curtail the senior trip due to lack of funds.

The ____________________ (noun) of the trip is due to lack of funds.

8. The instructor was brusque and intolerant.

The ____________________ (noun) of the instructor was intolerable.

9. The lawyer was particularly verbose and took an annoyingly long time to get to the point.

The lawyer’s ____________________ (noun) was annoying.

10. Maria is voluble while speaking English, her second language.

She speaks English with ____________________ (noun).

11. Kenny is loquacious by nature and likes to tell drawn out stories.

His ____________________ (noun) makes him prone to tell drawn out stories.

12. Lupita tidied her room, throwing away all superfluous items.

She had a ____________________ (noun) of items in her room.

13. The lawyer provided cogent evidence that easily convinced the jury.

The ____________________ (noun) of the evidence convinced the jury.

14. The child wrote a compelling argument that convinced his parents to let him go to camp.

He tried to ____________________ (verb) his parents.

15. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was an eloquent writer and speaker.

He spoke with ____________________ (noun).

16. The author, Dr. Leeman, is an extremely knowledgeable and articulate speaker.

She has excellent ____________________ (noun).

17. The patient’s ramblings were not coherent.

The ramblings lacked ____________________ (noun).

18. Dionysius was a Greek rhetorician and historian of the first century B.C.

He was a teacher of ____________________ (noun).

19. Keith tried to exhort the people with encouraging words to defend their honor.

196 Word List 3


He gave the people ____________________ (noun).

He used ____________________ (adj) words.

20. The phrase, ‘a matter of time,’ is a well-known cliché.

It’s a ____________________ (adj) phrase.

21. Beatrice is boring and only talks about banal topics such as the weather.

Her ____________________ (noun) makes her boring.

22. Laura presented a speech that was full of meaningless platitudes.

She presented a ____________________ (adj) speech.

23. Within a few months, new computer technology becomes obsolete.

Computer technology transitions into ____________________ (noun).

Computer technology will ____________________ (verb) within a few months.

24. Over time, VHS tapes and players have become an antiquated technology.

The technology ____________________ (verb) over time.

25. The woman was vapid and only talked about boring subjects.

Her ____________________ (noun) makes her boring.

26. Despite Terri’s formal upbringing, he was colloquial in speech, which was refreshing.

His ____________________ (noun) was refreshing.

27. Jan used circumlocution in her writing to confuse the reader.

Her writing is ____________________ (adj).

28. The athlete was pompous and used grandiloquent language during press conferences.

The athlete’s ____________________ (noun) was pompous.

Talking 197



SET 1

1. Convincing, compelling _________

2. Dull and uninteresting _________

3. Everyday language _________

4. Good speaker _________

5. Outdated _________

6. Overused, trite _________

7. Rudely brief _________

8. Short and to the point _________

9. Stated clearly _________

10. To speak around the point _________

11. Understood or implied _________

12. Wordy _________

Verbose, Tacit, Laconic, Obsolete, Explicit, Eloquent, Curt, Vapid, Colloquial, Cogent,

Circumlocution, Banal

SET 2

1. Brief, often with a negative connotation ___________

2. Quiet or shy ___________

3. Implied or understood ___________

4. Talkative ___________

5. Word for word ___________

6. More than necessary ___________

7. Speaks well ___________

8. Strongly encourage or convince, implore ___________

9. Skilled writer or speaker ___________

10. Words roll off the tongue with fluency ___________

11. Concise and packed with meaning ___________

12. Something that comes from something else ___________

13. Pompous or extravagant language to impress ___________

Articulate, Derivative, Exhort, Grandiloquent, Loquacious, Pithy, Reticent, Rhetorician,

Superfluous, Tacit, Terse, Verbatim, Voluble

198 Word List 3



1. Laconic – Pithy _____

2. Verbose – Succinct _____

3. Gruff – Abrupt _____

4. Terseness – Verbosity _____

5. Superfluous – Extraneous _____

6. Garrulous – Brevity _____

7. Cogent – Compelling _____

8. Rhetorician – Eloquent speaker _____

9. Exhort – Implore _____

10. Prosaic – Ordinary _____

11. Mundane – Thrilling _____

12. Colloquial – Conversational _____

13. Banal – Platitudinous _____

14. Antiquated – Archaic _____

15. Derivative – Innovative _____

16. Curtail – Lengthen _____

17. Abrupt – Curt _____

18. Formal – Colloquial _____

19. Magniloquent – Simple language _____

IV Answer Yes or No

1. Would you be bored from platitudinous remarks? _______

2. Are mundane activities thrilling? _______

3. Would you be persuaded by a cogent argument? _______

4. Is President Obama an eloquent speaker? _______

5. Does someone who speaks in circumlocutions get straight to the point? _______

6. Would you speak colloquially when giving a graduation speech? _______

7. Would you be pleased to receive a curt response from a friend? _______

8. Are garrulous individuals laconic in their speech? _______

9. Is a laconic statement verbose? _______

10. Do consumers prefer obsolete products? _______

11. Are walk-mans considered outdated? _______

12. Would an audience laugh at a trite joke? _______

13. Would a tacit agreement be written down? _______

14. Would you need explicit permission before copying from a published work? _____

15. Would a reticent individual be likely to prattle? _______

16. Does a voluble speaker have difficulty expressing himself? _______

17. Does an inarticulate speaker have difficulty expressing himself? _______



18. Would you be excited to curtail your vacation due to inclement weather? _______

19. Would a humble person try to speak in grandiloquent language? _______


1. Not stated explicitly, but understood: T_________, I__________.

2. Talkative: L__________, G__________.

3. To speak on and on: P__________.

4. Short but packed with meaning: B__________, L__________, P__________, S__________.

5. Rudely brief: T__________, C__________, G__________, B__________.

6. To shorten: C__________.

7. Everyday language: C__________, V__________.

8. To speak professionally: F__________.

9. Logical and convincing: C__________, C__________.

10. Speaks well: E__________, A__________.

11. An eloquent writer or speaker: R__________.

12. The art of speaking or writing: R__________.

13. Boring because it is an everyday activity: M__________.

14. Something that comes from something else: D__________.

15. Been said before; unoriginal and boring: C__________, B__________, H__________,

P__________, P__________, T__________.

16. Dull and uninteresting: V__________.

17. No longer in use because of better technology: O__________, O__________.

18. To speak around the point: C__________.

19. Pompous or extravagant language to impress: G__________, M___________.

200 Word List 3


Sentence Completions

Review of Lists 1-3

202 Sentence Completions


1. The rise in obesity across the nation largely stems from people making unhealthy food choices and leading increasingly ------- lives.

(A) consummate (B) suave (C) laconic (D) indecorous (E) sedentary 2. The commentator was a well-known and

knowledgeable ------- on the topic of politics considering she graduated from Harvard Law and was a former Senator.

(A) novice (B) virtuoso (C) pundit (D) veteran (E) paragon 3. Home telephones have become a(n) -------

piece of technology considering most people own and use cell phones today.

(A) eloquent (B) obsolete (c) hackneyed (D) quintessential (E) sedulous 4. The etiquette school for which Elena attended

would not allow any ------- behavior such as eating with your hands.

(A) lethargic (B) uncouth (C) urbane (D) phlegmatic (E) renovated 5. The attorney presented closing arguments that

were ------- and to the point leaving the jury with a strong case supporting the defendant’s guilt.

(A) cogent (B) verbose (C) banal (D) dilatory (E) vapid

6. The forensics team was so ------- in their sweep of the crime scene; they didn’t miss one piece of viable evidence.

(A) listless (B) perfunctory (C) superficial (D) punctilious (E) loquacious

7. Although Jarred’s mother said very little in reply, her stern look sent the ------- message that she was upset with his actions.

(A) implicit (B) inveterate (C) idle (D) ambidextrous (E) explicit 8. Marla’s grandfather is quite the -------, able to

draw, sing, and even play the violin, but he only considers them hobbies.

(A) interlocutor (B) bungler (C) dilettante (D) virtuoso (E) raconteur

9. Grace is extremely hopeful there is a solution

to relieve her chronic back pain, but is equally ------- that prescription drugs are the answer.

(A) prosaic (B) skeptical (C) truant (D) grandiloquent (E) ambivalent 10. Due to the worn down condition of the

apartment building, its owner was found to be ------- in his duties, and the building was condemned.

(A) vulgar (B) novel (C) archetypal (D) voluble (E) derelict 11. The boy’s mother could tell by the fanciful

nature of his story that it was entirely -------. (A) fastidious (B) inert (C) decorous (D) comprehensible (E) fabricated 12. In this day and age, one must be ------- at

basic computer skills in order to get even an entry-level position.

(A) maladroit (B) inept (C) innovative (D) indefatigable (E) adept

Review of Lists 1-3 203


13. Spring cleaning is a perfect time to clear your home of all ------- items and create a space free of clutter.

(A) superfluous (B) torpid (C) cursory (D) comprehensive (E) assiduous 14. The patient was barely ------- when he spoke

due to the severe concussion he was experiencing.

(A) remiss (B) dabbling (C) crude (D) coherent (E) terse 15. Even though Nina was hungry, she was -------

about which restaurant her and her friends went to because she liked all different kinds of food.

(A) pithy (B) ambivalent (C) exemplary (D) painstaking (E) boorish 16. In comparison to her talkative and

extroverted sister, Rachel is quite ------- in her behavior.

(A) reticent (B) fatigued (C) cliché (D) punctilious (E) incredulous 17. Despite the tornado’s incredible power, the

town only suffered ------- damages that can be repaired at minimal cost.

(A) superficial (B) tacit (C) curt (D) articulate (E) garrulous 18. Sarah’s English professor held the demeanor

of a proper gentleman; however, he was always ------- in speech.

(A) formal (B) colloquial (C) proficient (D) malingering (E) derivative

19. Due to the speaker’s unfamiliar -------, it was very difficult to understand the point he was trying to make.

(A) platitude (B) novelty (C) gourmand (D) exhortation (E) vernacular 20. When the climbers finally reached the -------of

Mount Everest, they were able to see the whole length of the mountain range and beyond.

(A) nadir (B) verbiage (C) apex (D) brevity (E) circumlocution 21. When writing a quote, one must always

transcribe what is stated ------- with no changes to what was originally expressed.

(A) brusquely (B) tritely (C) slothfully (D) industriously (E) verbatim 22. Mary never ------- the use of slang during a

class discussion, which is why no child ever dares to use anything but formal English.

(A) curtails (B) contrives (C) condones (D) procrastinates (E) prattles 23. Bradley has always been a ------- of virtue

considering he lives his life with integrity and does the right thing despite his circumstances.

(A) rhetorician (B) paragon (C) prodigy (D) neophyte (E) connoisseur 24. Stephanie was expecting a lengthy, detailed

reply considering the gravity of her question but was surprised when Martin’s answer was -------.

(A) sophisticated (B) obsolete (C) mundane (D) laconic (E) languid



25. In her movies, the celebrity is lively and energetic, but in person, she’s a very dull and ------- woman.

(A) compelling (B) vapid (C) sedulous (D) epitomic (E) urbane

Answer Key

1. E; sedentary 2. C; pundit 3. B; obsolete 4. B; uncouth 5. A; cogent 6. D; punctilious 7. A; implicit 8. C; dilettante 9. B; skeptical 10. E; derelict 11. E; fabricated 12. E; adept 13. A; superfluous 14. D; coherent 15. B; ambivalent 16. A; reticent 17. A; superficial 18. B; colloquial 19. E; vernacular 20. C; apex 21. D; verbatim 22. C; condones 23. B; paragon 24. D; laconic 25. B; vapid

Word List 4

Speaking For or Against Acclaim

Accolade

Adulate

Applaud

Approbation

Benediction

Benefactor

Beneficiary

Benevolent

Benign

Berate

Cacography

Cacophony

Castigate

Censure

Chasten

Chastise

Clamorous

Commend

Condemn

Decry

Denounce

Deplore

Deprecate

Deride

Diatribe

Discordant

Dismiss

Eulogize

Euphemistic

Euphony

Euphoria

Euthanasia

Exalt

Extol

Grating

Harmonious

Irreverent

Laud

Lionize

Maladjusted

Maladroit

Malady

Malaise

Malediction

Malefactor

Malevolent

Malfeasance

Malicious

Malign

Malignant

Malodorous

Malpractice

Mellifluous

Plaudits

Polemic

Proponent

Rant

Rebuke

Remonstrate

Reprimand

Reproach

Reprobation

Reprove

Revere

Ridicule

Sanction

Scold

Upbraid

Venerate

206 Word List 4



Praise, show respect, or support

Commend – to praise formally or officially (similar to recommend)

Applaud* – show approval or praise by clapping

Plaudits*– praise

Laud* – to praise highly, especially in a public context

Acclaim – praise enthusiastically, applaud

Accolade – an award or praise

Approbation – approval or praise

ANTONYM: Reprobation – to express disapproval

Extol – praise enthusiastically

Exalt – elevate or praise

Lionize – treat as a celebrity (excessive admiration)

Adulate – excessive admiration or praise, obsequious flattery (excessive admiration)

Revere – feeling of deep respect or admiration

Irreverent – not showing respect

Venerate – regard with great respect, revere

Eulogize* – speaking good words over the deceased

Sanction – approve, give consent, endorse; to impose a penalty

Proponent – one who argues in support of something; an advocate

Showing disapproval

Condemn, Denounce, Decry – to express complete disapproval of, typically in public

Censure – to express severe disapproval of

Chastise, Chasten – rebuke or reprimand severely

Scold, Berate, Castigate – remonstrate with or rebuke angrily

Deride – to express contempt for; to ridicule

Dismiss – treat as unworthy of consideration

Upbraid – to criticize severely, scold

Malign – slander or defame. (From mal meaning bad. See below)

Deprecate, Deplore – disapprove, belittle

Diatribe – a bitterly critical speech, Polemic (polemical)

Rant - speak or shout at length in a wild, impassioned way

You a-RE a bad boy

Rebuke – express sharp disapproval of or criticism of

Reprimand – rebuke

Reprove – reprimand or censure

Remonstrate – forceful protest that shows disapproval or disappointment

Reproach – expressing disapproval or disappointment

Speaking For or Against 207


Etymology

From the root eu, meaning good, pleasant.

Euphony – pleasant sounding (phony meaning sound), harmonious, mellifluous

Euphemistic – a good way of saying something unpleasant or inappropriate

Euphoria – a feeling or state of intense excitement and happiness

Euthanasia – “good killing,” usually to save someone from suffering

From the root caco, meaning bad, unpleasant.

Cacophony – unpleasant sounding (phony meaning sound), grating, clamorous, discordant

Cacography – bad handwriting or spelling

From the root mal meaning bad, evil.

Malevolent – evil wishing, intending to do harm (volent meaning wishing)

Malignant – evil, cancerous, infectious

Maladroit – clumsy or bungling (adroit meaning skill).

Malaise – discomfort or uneasiness (mal + ease)

Malady – disease or ailment

Maladjusted – unable to cope with normal social environment

Malediction – bad words or a curse (diction meaning words)

Malefactor – someone who commits a crime (factor meaning doer)

Malfeasance – wrong doing or crime

Malicious – intending to do harm

Malpractice – improper, illegal or negligent professional activity

Malodorous – bad smelling

From the root bene meaning good.

Benevolent – good wishing, friendly and warm (volent meaning wishing)

Benign – warm and friendly; not cancerous

Benediction – good words or a blessing (diction meaning words)

Benefactor – someone who does good, donates money (factor meaning doer)

Beneficiary - a person who derives an advantage, esp. from a trust or a will

From the root laud meaning praise.

Applaud – show approval or praise by clapping

Plaudits – praise

Laud – to praise highly, especially in a public context

208 Word List 4


We are the 99%

There was once a king who was extolled throughout his province. As he rode through the streets the

subjects of the town would get on their knees and sing his praise, "Exalt the king for he is wise."

However, somewhere just across the pond and to the right of the fifth sycamore tree lived a man who

would deride the king, mocking him publicly. People would often see him standing on the street corner

reading a diatribe, a bitter rant, much like this one. His audience that usually did not exceed the tree

that stood in front of his house and the occasional passerby that would rapidly pick up their pace to

distance themselves from this deranged man.

"Dear viewers, it is my honor to address you today."

He would then pause as if the applause that followed his initial statement was overwhelming. He would

also throw up his hands as if to say, “Laud me not for I am not worthy.” After about five seconds he

seemed to conclude that he had received enough approbation and would continue.

"I am just a benevolent kind man. Some people see me and think that I am a malevolent bitter man

with malicious intentions. They see me upbraiding and criticizing the king and chastise me for being

too cruel. I do not think the king is an evil man. I simply see a man who has received excessive

reverence. People praise and venerate him too much. This undue adulation allows them to ignore the

fact that while he is rich we are all poor. His policies favor the rich meaning that the common man is

not the beneficiary of his policies and it is no malfeasance or crime to say so."

Again he would pause and cover his ears as if the applause had now taken on a sound of cacophony

that rendered it impossible to listen to. When he decided it was safe to remove his hands he would

conclude with, "Thank you for your time and enjoy your day."



Review Exercises


1. I commend you, Daniel, for your level of responsibility at such a young age.

He is a ____________________ (adj) person.

He received a ____________________ (noun).

2. I applaud Evan’s efforts.

He received ____________________ (noun).

3. The film received much laud from critics’ reviews.

It received ____________________ (adj) reviews.

4. The survivors give approbation to the firefighter for his heroic actions.

The firefighter’s ____________________ (adj) actions were heroic.

5. The concert pianist gained reprobation from the audience for her poor performance.

The audience ____________________ (verb) the pianist.

The pianist gave a ____________________ (adj) performance.

6. The commentators extol the politician’s new platform.

An ____________________ (noun) is one who extols.

The politician received ____________________ (noun).

7. The celebrity’s popularity with her fans seems to exalt her position.

She receives ____________________ (noun).

An ____________________ (noun) is one who exalts.

8. The people lionize Reeva within her hometown.

The ____________________ (noun) of Reeva happens in her hometown.

A ____________________ (noun) is one who lionizes.

9. Christopher’s peers adulate his paintings.

The paintings receive ____________________ (noun).

Peers like the ____________________ (adj) paintings.

10. Practitioners revere the doctor for her devoted practice.

The ____________________ (noun) by practitioners is notable.

Practitioners are in ____________________ (adj) awe.

11. Elisha displayed irreverent behavior that disturbed the viewers.

His ____________________ (noun) disturbed the viewers.

12. The memorial was the perfect setting for people to venerate the historical figure.

The historical figure received ____________________ (noun).

13. The survivor’s speech at the event was meant to eulogize the victim.

The survivor gave a ____________________ (noun).

A ____________________ (noun) is one who eulogizes.

14. Theodore’s office did not sanction his actions.

His actions did not receive ____________________ (noun).

His actions weren’t ____________________ (adj) by his office.

210 Word List 4


15. The literature tries to condemn the poor conditions of workplaces.

The workplaces received ____________________ (noun).

The ____________________ (adj) workplaces were written about.

A ____________________ (noun) is one who condemns.

16. The governor aims to denounce the new legislation.

The legislation received ____________________ (noun).

17. The committee moved to censure the book.

The ____________________ (adj) book was reviewed.

The book could receive ____________________ (noun).

18. Sergio must chastise his children when they misbehave.

His children receive ____________________ (noun).

A ____________________ (noun) is one who chastises.

19. The activists moved to remonstrate the unlawful restrictions.

The activists planned a ____________________ (noun).

The ____________________ (adj) restrictions were protested.

20. Mr. Townsend had to reproach Shelby for her inappropriate behavior.

Her ____________________ (adj) behavior was disliked.

A ____________________ (noun) is one who reproaches.

21. Bill’s boss had to castigate him for his constant tardiness.

A ____________________ (noun) is one who castigates.

Bill received ____________________ (noun).

22. Autumn felt compelled to deride her friend’s plans with nasty comments.

She shared ____________________ (adj) comments.

She feels ____________________ (noun) towards her friend.

23. The faculty should not dismiss the matter easily.

The faculty should not be ____________________ (adj).

The ____________________ (noun) of the matter should not go easily.

24. The company may malign their competitor because they are jealous.

The company utters ____________________ (adj) comments.

The ____________________ (noun) of the company is caused by jealousy.

25. People may deprecate others with words due to their own insecurities.

People use ____________________ (adj) words.

People cause the ____________________ (noun) of others.

26. Many people deplore the change in weather.

Many disapprove the ____________________ (noun) of the weather.

Many disapprove the ____________________ (adj) weather.

27. Stanley’s article is a staunch polemic in opposition to overpopulation.

A ____________________ (noun) is one skilled in polemics.

He wrote a ____________________ (adj) article.

The article tries to ____________________ (verb) overpopulation.

28. Willow looked at her colleague with disdain.



She gave a ____________________ (adj) look.

29. The professor heard a euphony of academic conversation from the classroom.

The professor heard ____________________ (adj) conversation.

30. T.J. heard the cacophony of a garage band practicing all day.

He heard ____________________ (adj) band practice.

31. Timmy’s cacography was illegible.

He had ____________________ (adj) handwriting.

32. Being “let go” is the euphemistic expression Andrea used.

She tried to ____________________ (verb) being fired.

She used a ____________________ (noun).

33. The nitrous oxide put Louise in a state of euphoria.

She had a ____________________ (adj) feeling.

Nitrous oxide is a ____________________ (noun).

34. Trisha is malevolent in comparison to her sister, Trudy.

Trisha uses ____________________ (noun).

However, Trudy is ____________________ (antonym).

Trudy uses ____________________ (antonym, noun).

35. Shawanna was happy to hear her mother’s tumor was benign.

The ____________________ (noun) of the tumor was good news.

However, the tumor of Shawanna’s aunt was ____________________ (antonym).

The ____________________ (antonym, noun) of her aunt’s tumor was bad news.

36. The maladjusted child wasn’t used to boarding school discipline.

The child was in a state of ____________________ (noun).

37. The good witch in the story cast a benediction on the group.

The good witch cast ____________________ (adj) words.

However, the wicked witch cast a ____________________ (antonym) on the group.

The wicked witch cast ____________________ (antonym, adj) words.

38. The victim was able to describe the malefactor who robbed her.

The criminal committed a ____________________ (noun).

The victim also described the ____________________ (antonym) who helped her.

The helper performed a ____________________ (antonym, noun).

39. The tabloids spread malicious gossip about Jennifer.

They use ____________________ (noun).

40. The doctor was accused of malpractice.

A ____________________ (noun) is one who uses malpractice.

41. The basement was filled with malodorous garbage.

The basement had a pungent ____________________ (noun).

42. Clint is the beneficiary of his mother’s life insurance policy.

The policy is ____________________ (adj) to him.

He will ____________________ (verb) from the policy.

The policy is a ____________________ (noun) to him.

212 Word List 4


II Match the definition with the word in the box SET 1

1. Intending to do harm, “evil wishing” ___________

2. To slander or defame ___________

3. A blessing, “good words” ___________

4. Extreme happiness ___________

5. Bad handwriting ___________

6. Good words over the deceased ___________

7. Praise ___________

8. Bitterly critical speech ___________

9. To disapprove, usually in public ___________

10. Excessive admiration or praise, like celebrity ___________

11. Deep respect or admiration ___________

12. Express disapproval with harsh words ___________

13. Speak or shout in a wild, impassioned way ___________

Adulation, Benediction, Cacography, Denounce, Diatribe, Eulogy, Euphoric, Malevolent, Malign, Plaudits,

Rant, Revere, Scold

SET 2

1. Good sounding, harmonious ___________

2. Stating the unpleasant in a less harsh way ___________

3. Deep respect or admiration ___________

4. Treat as unworthy of consideration ___________

5. To scold or rebuke ___________

6. Publicly denounce ___________

7. Friendly or not harmful ___________

8. Harmful or cancerous ___________

9. Donates money, philanthropist ___________

10. Wrongdoing ___________

11. Excessive admiration or praise, like celebrity ___________

12. Not showing due respect ___________

Benefactor, Benign, Decry, Dismiss, Euphemistic, Euphony, Irreverent, Lionize, Malfeasance, Malignant,

Upbraid, Venerate




1. Cacophony – Harmonious ____

2. Venerate – Revere ____

3. Adulate – Lionize ____

4. Benefactor – Culprit ____

5. Maladroit – Dexterous ____

6. Euphonious – Grating ____

7. Euphemistic – Explicit ____

8. Malign – Commend ____

9. Scold – Berate ____

10. Denounce – Decry ____

11. Proponent – Advocate ____

12. Deride – Ridicule ____

13. Disdain – Veneration ____

14. Euphony – Discord ____

15. Grating – Cacophony ____

16. Reproach – Applaud ____

17. Sanction – Endorse ____

IV Identify the following words as either words of Approval or Disapproval

1. Condemn _______

2. Dismiss ______

3. Adulate _______

4. Extol _______

5. Censure _______

6. Diatribe _______

7. Revere _______

8. Decry _______

9. Eulogize _______

10. Chastise _______

11. Accolade _______

12. Malign _______

13. Commend ________

14. Upbraid _______

15. Venerate _______

16. Denounce _______

17. Lionize _______

V Answer Yes or No

1. Would a renowned author most likely receive accolades for her work? ______

214 Word List 4


2. Would a parent chastise his child for stealing? ______

3. Would a parent applaud irreverent behavior towards a police officer? ______

4. Are adored celebrities usually followed with adulation? ______

5. Does the court of law permit maligning while testifying on the stand? ______

6. Would a country have legal sanction to do as it wills in another country? ______

7. Would a professional basketball player dismiss advice from an amateur player? ______

8. Are most of your true friends malevolent? ______

9. Would you find a malefactor in jail? ______

10. Would you be relieved to hear that a tumor was malignant? ______

11. Would you feel euphoric after winning the lottery? ______

12. Does a Mozart symphony sound euphonious? ______

13. Does scratching a blackboard yield a grating sound? ______

14. Would an individual receive plaudits for his or her benevolent actions? ______

15. Would you trust a maladroit surgeon to perform your surgery? ______

16. Is spoiled milk usually malodorous? ______

17. Could a lawyer be liable for malpractice if he is negligent? ______

18. Would sitting in an uncomfortable chair eventually cause malaise? ______

Word List 5

Personality Traits I

Acquiesce

Affable

Aggregate

Alter

Altercation

Alternate

Alternative

Altruistic

Amiable

Amicable

Amity

Astute

Benevolent

Cerebral

Compliant

Congenial

Congregate

Convivial

Cordial

Deference

Discerning

Ebullient

Effervescent

Egregious

Enmity

Erudite

Extroverted

Flagrant

Genial

Gregarious

Innate

Introverted

Intuitive

Joie de vivre

Keen

Obsequious

Perceptive

Perspicacious

Rational

Rationalize

Sagacious

Servile

Shrewd

Submissive

Subservient

Sycophant

Toady

Vivacious

Yielding

216 Word List 5



Friendliness

Amiable*, Amicable* – friendly and pleasant.

Amity* – friendship

Enmity – hatred

Affable, Cordial – friendly, easygoing, warm

Benevolent – good wishing, no ulterior motive

Genial, Congenial – friendly and cheerful

Altruistic* – cares about others, unselfish

Life of the party

Gregarious* – Someone who enjoys being in the herd; outgoing

Extroverted – Turned outwards, outgoing [extro (out) + vert (turn)]

Introverted – Turned inwards, shy and reserved [intro (in) + vert (turn)]

Convivial* – lively, friendly

Effervescent, Ebullient – the quality of being bubbly and full of life

Willing to give in

Submissive – ready to conform to the will of others; servile

Subservient – excessively submissive

Yielding – giving way to

Obsequious – obedient to an excessive degree

Sycophant – a person who acts obsequiously toward someone important in order to gain advantage

Toady – to act in an obsequious way

Acquiesce – to accept something reluctantly but without protest

Compliant – conforming or obeying

Deference – giving in to someone out of respect

Smart

Shrewd – having or showing sharp powers of judgment

Discerning – insightful; perceptive, keen

Astute – having the ability to accurately assess situations or people to one’s advantage

Intuitive – based on what one feel to be true without conscious reasoning; instinctive

Innate – inborn or natural

Perspicacious – having a ready insight into and understanding of things

Cerebral – intellectual, able to use his brain

Rational – able to use logic or to reason

Rationalize – to justify something with logical reasons even if these are not true or appropriate

Erudite – scholarly

Sagacious – wise

Personality Traits I 217


Etymology

From the root alter, meaning other.

Altruistic – cares about others, unselfish

Alternative – another option Alter – change (to give something another form) Alternate – to switch off (one person goes, then the other goes) Altercation – a noisy argument or disagreement (the parties have other ideas)

From the root greg, meaning herd. Gregarious – Someone who enjoys being in the herd, outgoing Egregious – e (out) + greg (herd). Something so bad or vicious that it stands out of the herd Flagrant – conspicuously or obviously offensive Congregate – to come together, assemble Aggregate – bringing separate parts together

From the root ami, meaning friendship. Amiable, Amicable – friendly and pleasant.

Amity – friendship

From the root vivo, meaning to live. Convivial – lively, friendly

Vivacious – lively and animated Joie de vivre – exuberant enjoyment of life

From the root seq, meaning to follow. Obsequious – to follow after someone excessively Sequence – a particular order in which things follow each other Sequel – a published work that follows after the original work

218 Word List 5


There has to be a Girl Protagonist at Some Point

She was a vivacious blonde that seemed to have a constant excitement to her. Her blue eyes were always

dancing and they had a discerning sharpness to them. When she looked at you it was impossible not to feel

like she knew everything about you. She had an innate shrewdness to her, naturally sharp judgment, so

when she said she did not like Greg people listened.

Gregarious Greg gained his nickname because he was always the life of the party. He was an extroverted,

outgoing, jock who had an affable smile and a smooth way about him. She didn't despise him or anything

she just hated the way that her friends were so obsequious and obedient around him. He had a long history

of stringing girls along and it angered her that her friends acted servile around him. They carried his lunch

for him cleaned his shoes. Were they his slaves?

She begged them not to kiss up to him not to be sycophantic but it was hard to fight someone who

seemed so congenial and friendly. Her friends would not comply with her. No matter how much she

implored, they just did not seem to listen. Some of her friends flagrantly ignored her advice and even dated

him.

After the blonde girl had several altercations with her friends, one of her friends Jane turned to her and

said, "We are not all as cerebral as you. We don't think everything through, and maybe it's time for you to

stop being rational and just do."

Since what Jane said rhymed, our blonde friend decided to give Greg a shot. She and Greg are now married.

I guess the moral is to beware the power of a rhyme for it can make even the most astute person a toady

kiss up.



Review Exercises


1. Everyone knew Morgan to be an amiable and kind person.

She was known for her ____________________ (noun).

2. The investors came to an amicable and friendly agreement.

Their ____________________ (noun) led to an agreement.

3. The after school program nurtures a sense of amity, or friendship.

However, the local gangs promote a sense of ____________________ (antonym).

4. Esther is an affable host who is at ease in most situations.

She hosts with ____________________ (noun).

5. Tonya and Andi have always been cordial to each other.

They treat each other with ____________________ (noun).

6. Peter and Paul are both genial, so together they are congenial friends.

They display a level of ____________________ (noun).

7. The officer’s altruistic nature lead him to save the girls.

The officer’s ____________________ (noun) lead him to save the girls.

8. Joan has a flagrant disregard for authority.

She displays ____________________ (noun).

9. Kei is a very extroverted person who enjoys the party.

His ____________________ (noun) helps him enjoy the party.

10. Alex is an introverted person who welcomes solitude.

Her ____________________ (noun) helps her welcome solitude.

11. Jenna’s party was a convivial gathering of great people.

The ____________________ (noun) of the gathering attracted great people.

12. Carlye has a vivacious personality that makes her perfect for sales.

Her ____________________ (noun) makes her perfect for sales.

13. Luca has an effervescent attitude that exudes joy.

His ____________________ (noun) exudes joy.

14. The ebullient dancers gave a brilliant performance.

The performance was a brilliant ____________________ (noun).

The ____________________ (noun) of the dancers was brilliant.

15. Mark is a submissive boy who follows directions from authority figures.

His ____________________ (noun) to authority helps him follow directions.

16. Marta refuses to take on a subservient, or passive, role.

She does not display ____________________ (noun).

She does not ____________________ (verb) to anyone.

17. Kyle has a yielding disposition where he submits to others.

He will ____________________ (verb) to others.

18. Joel is a sycophant for a friend who is only around if you benefit him.

220 Word List 5


He is a ____________________ (noun) friend.

His ____________________ (noun) makes him a bad friend.

19. Suma felt she had to acquiesce, or consent, to her friend’s wishes.

She is ____________________ (adj) towards her friend.

She displays a level of ____________________ (noun).

20. The student’s short skirt was not compliant with the dress code.

The student did not ____________________ (verb) with the dress code.

The student lacked ____________________ (noun) to the dress code.

21. Margaret’s family has respect for each other treats its members with deference.

She has a ____________________ (adj) family.

22. Duchesse has a discerning eye for antiquities.

She has ____________________ (noun) concerning antiquities.

She can ____________________ (verb) between antiquities.

23. Lonnie is intuitive to other’s feelings even when nothing is said.

He can ____________________ (verb) the feelings of others.

He has good ____________________ (noun).

24. Gem is perspicacious, or keen, when it comes to home design.

She has a ____________________ (noun) towards home design.

25. Brandy is a rational girl who makes decisions carefully.

She can ____________________ (verb) her decisions.

Her ____________________ (noun) helps her make decisions.

She has a ____________________ (noun) for all her decisions.

26. Maya is an old and sagacious woman.

She has grown in ____________________ (noun) with age.

27. The doctoral student produced an erudite dissertation.

The student produced a dissertation with ____________________ (noun).

28. Kasia sometimes eats the alternative to meat, tofu.

She will ____________________ (verb) between meat and tofu.

She is in ____________________ (noun) between meat and tofu.

29. Bonnie clothes are too big, so she gives them to Nathan to alter.

Some clothes are ____________________ (adj).

Nathan can perform an ____________________ (noun).

30. There is an altercation between Stephen and Damarius.

The two ____________________ (verb) with each other.




SET 1

1. ‘Bubbling’ and full of life __________

2. Cares about others __________

3. Conforming or obeying __________

4. “Good wishing” __________

5. Friendly and pleasant __________

6. Life of the party, “turned outwards” __________

7. Obedient to an excessive degree __________

8. Scholarly __________

Altruistic, Amiable, Benevolent, Compliant, Effervescent, Erudite, Extroverted, Obsequious

SET 2

1. Friendly and cheerful __________

2. Giving way to __________

3. Hatred __________

4. Inborn or natural __________

5. Cheerful and friendly (from the root meaning to live) __________

6. Person who acts obsequiously toward someone important to gain an advantage__________

7. Wise __________

Congenial, Convivial, Enmity, Innate, Sagacious, Sycophant, Yielding

SET 3

1. ‘Bubbling’ and full of life __________

2. Easygoing, warm __________

3. Friendship __________

4. Intellectual __________

5. Noisy argument __________

6. To act in an obsequious way __________

7. To switch off __________

Altercation, Alternate, Amity, Cerebral, Cordial, Ebullient, Toady

222 Word List 5


SET 4

1. Able to use logic or reason __________

2. To change __________

3. Friendly and pleasant __________

4. Having a ready insight into and understanding of things __________

5. Lively and animated __________

6. Shy or reserved, “turned inwards” __________

7. Willing to give in __________

Alter, Amicable, Introvert, Perspicacious, Rational, Subservient, Vivacious


1. Affable – Amicable __________

2. Obsequious – Disobedient __________

3. Egregious – Flagrant __________

4. Amity – Enmity __________

5. Acquiesce – Comply __________

6. Benevolent – Pugnacious __________

7. Subservient – Submissive __________

8. Yielding – Resistant __________

9. Convivial – Amiable __________

10. Shrewd – Naïve __________

11. Astute – Insightful __________

12. Erudite – Uneducated __________

13. Rational – Illogical __________

14. Alter – Change __________

15. Altercation – Argument __________

16. Perspicacious – Vacuous __________

17. Sycophant – Bootlicker __________

18. Gregarious – Timid __________

19. Deference – Disrespect __________

20. Innate – Unnatural __________

IV Answer Yes or No

1. Would a truly benevolent friend intend to harm you? __________

2. Is making charitable contributions an act of altruism? __________

3. Are convivial people enjoyable to be around? __________

4. Should you yield to pedestrians when driving? __________

5. Would a rebellious person acquiesce to an unfair law? __________



6. Would you expect the CEO of a company to be shrewd? __________

7. Would students get annoyed at a sycophant in class? __________

8. Would an obsequious dog respond well to commands? __________

9. Would a sagacious man usually be highly respected? __________

10. If two people both want to play a game, should they alternate? __________

11. Would a criminal try to rationalize his heinous actions? __________

12. Would a gregarious person usually sit alone at lunch? __________

13. Would an altercation likely arise between enemies? __________


1. Friendly: A__________, A__________, A__________, G__________

2. Cares about others: A__________

3. Good wishing: B__________

4. Shy, turned inwards: I__________

5. Enjoys being in the herd, outgoing: G__________

6. Lively (both from the root meaning to live): C__________, V__________,

7. Bubbling and full of life: E__________, E__________

8. Gives in to others (from submit): S__________

9. Gives in to others (from serve): S__________

10. Gives in to others (from comply): C__________

11. Obedient to an excessive degree (from the root meaning to follow): O__________

12. A kiss-ass: S__________

13. Accept reluctantly: A__________

14. Perceptive: D__________, A__________, P__________

15. Sharp judgment, smart: S__________

16. Wise and scholarly: S__________, E__________

17. Logical: R__________

18. To change: A__________

19. An argument: A__________

20. To switch off: A__________

21. Instinctive: I__________

22. Inborn or natural: I________

224 Word List 5


Word List 6

Personality Traits II

Aloof Apathetic

Ardent Audacious

Avis Braggart Brazen Cavalier

Complacent Conceited

Condescending Diffident Disdainful

Dissenter, Dissident Eccentric Egoistical Fervent Fervid

Foolhardy

Fortitude Haughty Hubris

Iconoclast Idiosyncratic

Impudent Indifferent

Intrepid Introvert Maverick

Narcissistic Nonchalant

Nonconformist Ostentatious

Pompous Presumptuous

Pretense Pretentious Recalcitrant

Reclusive Refractory Reserved Reticent

Self-effacing Smug

Supercilious Swagger Taciturn Timid

Timorous Trepidation

Unconventional Unorthodox

Vain Vehement Zealous

226 Word List 6



Bold and daring

Audacious – bold, brash

Brazen – bold and without shame

Foolhardy – reckless

Intrepid – fearless

Trepidation – fear

Impudent, Presumptuous – not showing due respect for another person (bold in a disrespectful way)

Recalcitrant – having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline

Refractory – stubborn or unmanageable

Fortitude – strength of mind that allows one to endure pain or adversity with courage

Arrogant

Haughty – arrogantly superior and disdainful

Disdainful – the feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one’s consideration or respect; looking

down

Supercilious – behaving as if you are superior to others

Condescending – looking down at others

Egoistical – only cares about oneself

Braggart – brags about one’s accomplishments

Narcissistic – obsessed with one’s physical appearance

Swagger – to walk or behave in an overly confident and arrogant way

Complacent – showing smug satisfaction with oneself or one’s achievements

Smug – self–satisfied, excessive pride in one’s achievements

Conceited – excessively proud of oneself, vain

Vain – having an excessively high opinion of one’s appearance, abilities, or worth

Hubris – excessive pride or self–confidence

Pretentious – trying to give off the appearance of importance, talent or culture (more than what is actually

possessed)

Pretense – an attempt to make something that is not the case appear true

Cavalier – arrogant, haughty

Pompous – arrogant

Ostentatious – designed to impress or attract notice

Doesn’t care one way or the other

Apathetic – showing no feeling. [a (without) + path (feeling, disease)]

Nonchalant (nonchalance), Indifferent (indifference) – lack of concern

Personality Traits II 227


Passionate

Ardent – enthusiastic or passionate

Avid – having or showing a keen interest in or enthusiasm for something

Zeal – great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective

Fervent – having or displaying a passionate intensity

Fervid – intensely enthusiastic or passionate, esp. to an excessive degree

Vehement – showing strong feeling; forceful, passionate, or intense

Doesn’t Adhere to Tradition; Odd

Maverick – an unorthodox or independent–minded person

Iconoclast – a person who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions, a destroyer of images used in religious

worship

Eccentric – (of a person or their behavior) unconventional and slightly strange

Unorthodox – contrary to what is usual, traditional, or accepted

Unconventional – not based on or conforming to what is generally done or believed

Nonconformist – a person whose behavior or views do not conform to prevailing ideas or practices.

Dissenter, Dissident – a person who opposes official policy, esp. that of an authoritarian state

Idiosyncratic – of or relating to idiosyncrasy; peculiar or individual

Shy and Reserved

Reserved – keeps to himself, slow to reveal emotion or opinions

Taciturn, Reticent – quiet, reserved

Introvert – turned inwards

Diffident – modest or shy because of lack of self confidence

Self–effacing – hesitant due to lack of self–confidence, unassertive

Timid – showing a lack of courage or confidence, easily frightened

Aloof – detached, apart, indifferent

Timorous – showing or suffering from lack of confidence, fear

Reclusive – avoiding the company of other people; solitary

228 Word List 6


The Supercilious Ass

There was once a supercilious ass. It was brown and had a copious amount of hair. This hairy donkey resided

at Farmer Frankie’s farm, and thought she was better than the rest. Her vanity was epitomized by the way she

walked. She always had her chest thrust out and her head held high, and she pretentiously looked down at the

rest of the animals with disdain.

The timid animals of the forest were too shy and taciturn to tell the haughty ass to alter her ways. The mice

would cower every time she walked by, and the turtles would diffidently scurry into their shells as she

swaggered past them.

Yet, there was one intrepid squirrel that decided that things needed to change. This squirrel was an

unconventional one. He refused to hide acorns like the rest of them, and even wore a suit jacket that he

fashioned for himself. He ardently begged the rest of the animals to coalesce with him to fight the conceited

ass. The rest of the animals were too self-effacing to join him. They claimed that they were just a bunch of

losers and were better off subserviating themselves to the ass.

After hours of convincing and much cajolery, the unorthodox squirrel managed to persuade the animals into

joining him. Together they murdered the supercilious ass. However, it turned out that the squirrel was as

pompous as the ass. He treated the animals in a similarly condescending way.

Moral: Never trust a squirrel that wears a suit



Review Exercises


1. Jeff is an audacious racecar driver who loves taking risks.

He drives with ____________________ (noun).

2. The men were foolhardy to go boating during a storm.

____________________ (noun) led the men to go boating.

They ____________________ (adv) went boating.

3. There were many intrepid explorers during the 1400s.

Their ____________________ (noun) lead them to travel.

4. Riley felt no trepidation on the stage and performed with ease.

He was not ____________________ (adj).

5. Holly asked impudent questions that made others uncomfortable.

Her ____________________ (noun) made others uncomfortable.

6. It’s presumptuous of Nicole to think she’s mastered skiing.

She ____________________ (verb) she’s mastered skiing.

It is not ____________________ (adj) that she has mastered skiing.

Her ____________________ (noun) is that she’s mastered skiing.

She is ____________________ (adj) in thinking she’s mastered skiing.

7. Opal is recalcitrant towards her supervisor.

She treats her supervisor with ____________________ (noun).

8. Karen uses disdainful language with her brother, which can be disrespectful.

She speaks with ____________________ (noun).

9. Damon has a condescending and scornful attitude.

He uses ____________________ (noun).

He ____________________ (verb) others.

10. Aliyah is not egotistical, but is instead very humble.

An ____________________ (noun) is one who is egotistical.

She does not support ____________________ (noun).

11. Remsen is narcissistic and always looks at himself in the mirror.

A ____________________ (noun) is one who is narcissistic.

His ____________________ (noun) causes him to look in the mirror.

12. Aaron has grown complacent and lacks drive.

Due to his ____________________, (noun) he lacks drive.

13. Marla is conceited and not a team player.

Her ____________________ (noun) makes her not a team player.

14. Terrence is vain about his appearance and thinks he is gorgeous.

His appearance is driven by ____________________ (noun).

15. Because of Jacob’s hubris, he can’t admit when he’s wrong.

He is a ____________________ (adj) man.

16. Alice has a large, pretentious house that is overpriced.

Due to her own ____________________, (noun) she has an overpriced house.

17. Penny sounded pompous and arrogant when talking about her travels.

230 Word List 6


She exhibits ____________________ (noun).

18. The house has an ostentatious foyer with a massive chandelier.

The foyer projects a sense of ____________________ (noun).

19. Richard has become apathetic about losing weight and is eating terribly again.

He has an ____________________ (noun) towards losing weight.

20. Ricky was nonchalant and casual about his achievements.

He had a ____________________ (noun) about his achievements.

21. Tameika was indifferent about what movie to watch, which made it hard to choose.

Her ____________________ (noun) made it hard to choose.

22. Paulo is an ardent surfer who practices everyday.

His ____________________ (noun) makes him practice everyday.

23. Norm is an avid fan of science fiction comics and reads them constantly.

Due to his ___________________ (noun) for science fiction comics, he reads them constantly.

24. The archer was zealous in his pursuit of mastery.

A ____________________ (noun) is one who is zealous.

The archer possesses ____________________ (noun) for the craft.

25. Maxim gave a fervent and passionate speech about why he should be class president.

His ____________________ (noun) drove his speech.

If his speech were more intense, it’d be ____________________ (adj).

26. They heard a vehement knock at the door like there was an emergency.

The door was knocked with a sense of ____________________ (noun).

27. Tony is a maverick that likes to go his own way.

He has a ____________________ (adj) attitude.

28. Erin is an iconoclast as it concerns marriage.

____________________ (noun) drives her beliefs about marriage.

She has ____________________ (adj) beliefs about marriage.

29. Edward is an eccentric scientist prone to awkwardness.

His ____________________ (noun) makes him prone to awkwardness.

30. Gerard has unorthodox medical practices.

He practices medicine with a level of ____________________ (noun).

31. Dawn has a lifestyle that is unconventional in comparison to her sister, Jessica.

Dawn emanates ____________________ (noun).

However, Jessica has a ____________________ (antonym, adj) lifestyle.

Jessica projects ____________________ (antonym, noun).

32. Yolanda is a nonconformist as it concerns fashion and wears rebellious styles.

____________________ (noun) drives her fashion sense.

A ____________________ (antonym) is the opposite of a nonconformist.

33. Liona is a dissenter who always voices her contrary opinion.

She has ____________________ (adj) opinions.

She expresses opinions of ____________________ (noun).

A(n) ____________________ (antonym, noun) is the opposite of a dissenter.

34. Katherine has dissident concerns about how her company is managed.

She has a sense of ____________________ (noun).

35. There is an idiosyncratic notion within the system that is characteristic only of itself.



The system has an ____________________ (noun) within it.

36. Ji has a reserved disposition.

She has ____________________ (noun).

A ____________________ (noun) is one who is reserved.

37. Danilo is a shy and taciturn young man when in social situations.

He has ____________________ (noun) when approaching social situations.

He expresses himself with more ____________________ (adj) replies.

38. Martha carries herself with reticent dignity.

She carries herself with ____________________ (noun).

39. Chloe is a diffident girl who rarely shares her opinion.

Due to her ____________________, (noun) she doesn’t share her opinion.

40. Pedro has a timid smile when meeting strangers.

He emanates ____________________ (noun).

41. Brian is reclusive in that he lives in the mountains on his own.

A ____________________ (noun) is one who is reclusive.

He lives in ____________________ (noun).


SET 1

1. A person who opposes official policy ___________

2. An unorthodox or independent-minded person ___________

3. Behaving as if you are superior to others ___________

4. Bold and daring ___________

5. Having or displaying a passionate intensity ___________

6. Obsessed with one’s own physical appearance ___________

7. Showing no feeling ___________

8. Shy or modest due to lack of self-confidence ___________

9. To walk or behave in an overconfident way ___________

Apathetic, Audacious, Diffident, Dissenter, Fervent, Maverick, Narcissistic, Supercilious, Swagger

SET 2

1. Arrogantly superior ___________

2. Detached or distant ___________

3. Enthusiastic or passionate ___________

4. Fear ___________

5. Lack of concern ___________

6. Not showing due respect for another person ___________

7. Only cares about oneself ___________

8. Quiet or reserved ___________

9. Tries to give off appearance of importance ___________

232 Word List 6


Aloof, Ardent, Egotistical, Haughty, Nonchalance, Presumptuous, Pretentious, Reticent, Trepidation

SET 3

1. Bold and without shame ___________

2. Boasts about one’s accomplishments ___________

3. Designed to impress or attract notice, showy ___________

4. Fearless ___________

5. Having a high opinion of ones appearance, abilities or worth ___________

6. Showing strong feeling; forceful, passionate, or intense ___________

7. Looking down at others ___________

8. Showing a lack of courage or confidence ___________

9. Unconventional behavior ___________

Braggart, Brazen, Condescending, Eccentric, Intrepid, Ostentatious, Timid, Vain, Vehement


1. Apathetic – Ardent ___________

2. Avid – Fervent ___________

3. Maverick – Conventionalist ___________

4. Fervid – Nonchalant ___________

5. Audacious – Wary __________

6. Intrepid – Fearless __________

7. Recalcitrant – Cooperative __________

8. Refractory – Stubborn __________

9. Disdainful – Supercilious __________

10. Braggart – Humble __________

11. Egoistical – Altruistic __________

12. Nonchalant – Indifferent __________

13. Hubris – Conceited __________

14. Pompous – Modest __________

15. Impudent – Polite __________

16. Avid – Unenthusiastic __________

17. Diffident – Gregarious __________

18. Pretentious – Ostentatious __________

IV Answer Yes or No

1. Would a diffident person feel confident being the center of attention? ___________

2. Is a condescending person usually encouraging? ___________

3. Would a recalcitrant person readily obey rules? ___________



4. If I were apathetic about failing my test, would I be upset? __________

5. Would a recluse frequently attend parties with his friends? ___________

6. Would yelling at a teacher be considered impudent behavior? __________

7. Do avid football fans watch the games regularly? ___________

8. Does a smug individual feel the need to better himself? ___________

9. Would someone with mental fortitude surrender easily? ___________

10. Would it be foolhardy to skydive without a parachute? ___________

11. Does a supercilious individual deem himself unworthy? ___________

12. If you vehemently shake a coke bottle, will it explode? ___________

13. Would an unusual twitch be considered an idiosyncrasy? ___________

14. Would a self-effacing person likely boast about his accomplishments? ___________

15. Would eating three meals per day be considered eccentric behavior? ___________

16. Would an introvert be eager to perform in front of a large crowd? ___________

17. Would an iconoclast readily accept past traditions? ___________

18. Is a maverick independent-minded? ___________

19. Would a pretentious person try to conceal his positive attributes? ___________

20. Would a nonconformist adhere to the prevailing ideas or practices of the time? ________


1. To think you are better than others: S___________, C___________, D___________,

H___________

2. Lacking self-confidence: D___________, S___________, T___________

3. Bold: A___________, B___________

4. Pride in one’s self: C___________, S___________, C___________, V___________,

H___________

5. Shy: R___________, T___________, R___________, I___________

6. Unorthodox: M___________, I___________, U___________, N___________

7. Different and strange behavior: E___________, I___________

8. Reckless: F___________

9. Stubborn: R___________

10. Arrogant: C___________, P___________

11. Not showing due respect: I__________, P__________

12. Passionate: A__________, A__________, Z__________, F__________, F__________,

V__________

13. Opposes official policy: D__________

14. Detached: A__________

15. Avoiding company: R__________

234 Word List 6



Review of Lists 4-6



1. The celebrity enjoys the ------- received from her

fans and continues to pose for the cameras as

she walks down the red carpet.

(A) enmity (B) disdain (C) timidity

(D) adulation (E) trepidation

2. Susan’s ------- disregard for the rules and

regulations of her preparatory school naturally

lead to her being expelled.

(A) sagacious (B) reclusive (C) submissive

(D) egregious (E) benevolent

3. Kate is a(n) ------- who argues that marriage is a

farce and that humans are incapable of

monogamy.

(A) maladroit (B) iconoclast (C) benefactor

(D) accolade (E) braggart

4. Since this was Jeremy’s first offense, he merely

received a warning, but he’ll be given an official

------- if it happens again.

(A) reprimand (B) rationale (C) alternative

(D) acclaim (E) euphemism

5. Frank’s sister has an inflated ego and constantly

makes these ------- statements about herself to

sound better than she is.

(A) timid (B) malodorous (C) pretentious

(D) cordial (E) obsequious

6. Teresa was a(n) ------- woman who gave up her

life of comparative comfort as a nun to live in

the slums of India to care for the homeless,

crippled, and hungry.

(A) malicious (B) altruistic (C) idiosyncratic

(D) gregarious (E) deplorable

7. Ralph was unable to sleep due to the ------- of

sound coming from the street, which included

crying babies and loud stereos.

(A) diatribe (B) eulogy (C) cacophony

(D) deference (E) hubris

8. The student grew ------- in her denial of stealing

the test beforehand and distributing it amongst

her peers.

(A) narcissistic (B) erudite (C) convivial

(D) benign (E) vehement

9. Bette was hoping that her blind date would be

fun and lighthearted, however, her date was

much too ------- and pedantic for her.

(A) subservient (B) cerebral (C) audacious

(D) zealous (E) ostentatious

10. The queen has a team of ------- personal

assistants follow her throughout the day to

ensure her every need is attended to.

(A) gregarious (B) obsequious (C) ostentatious

(D) perspicacious (E) supercilious



11. When the defendant made the ------- comment

that he would hurt her again, the jury quickly

returned a guilty verdict.

(A) diffident (B) astute (C) congenial

(D) ebullient (E) brazen

12. The pilots’ academy only accepts students who

are particularly ------- because they must use

their senses as well as complex machinery to

discern and avoid potentially dangerous

situations.

(A) perspicacious (B) convivial (C) introverted

(D) iconoclastic (E) sycophantic

13. In hopes of receiving the celebrity’s favor, the --

----- would flatter him at every possible

opportunity.

(A) sycophant (B) ascetic (C) nonconformist

(D) altruist (E) extrovert

14. Kevin often stared out the window and seemed

to be -------, but he was always listening to the

teacher’s lesson.

(A) eccentric (B) aloof (C) egotistical

(D) supercilious (E) ardent

15. Unfortunately, his conduct not only tarnished

his name but brought shame and ------- to his

family.

(A) plaudits (B) reverence (C) reproach

(D) benediction (E) magnanimity

16. Although Valentina was well aware of her

contractual obligations, her ------- behavior

proved that she had no regard for authority, and

she was cut from the Olympic track team.

(A) apathetic (B) reserved (C) impudent

(D) vivacious (E) venerated

17. Shaya’s friendly smile and ------- personality

made it easy for her to be liked by many people.

(A) malevolent (B) conceited (C) gregarious

(D) pompous (E) refractory

18. Regrettably, the board of trustees did not -------

this contract, and therefore, it is null and void.

(A) exalt (B) condemn (C) deride

(D) rationalize (E) sanction

19. Despite the fact that Eric is a(n) ------- skier, he

hasn’t actually gotten any better at the sport.

(A) indifferent (B) self-effacing (C) avid

(D) maladjusted (E) consummate

20. Whereas Max is usually quiet and keeps to

himself, Jonathan is ------- and enjoys social

situations.

(A) diffident (B) shrewd (C) extroverted

(D) remonstrative (E) recalcitrant



21. Since the thief demonstrated a(n) ------- attitude

towards the officer’s wishes, no force was

necessary and the arrest went smoothly.

(A) malignant (B) flagrant (C) cavalier

(D) compliant (E) condescending

22. Considering Guadalupe has been a realtor for

over twenty years, she has a(n) ------- eye for

quality homes and their property value.

(A) discerning (B) chastising (C) ranting

(D) yielding (E) haughty

23. Jane grew up in a(n) ------- household that didn’t

believe in traditional schooling but instead chose

to travel the world in order to learn from other

cultures.

(A) toady (B) smug (C) foolhardy

(D) unorthodox (E) egregious

24. During medieval times, people often suffered

from some unknown -------, largely due to their

terrible hygiene practices.

(A) approbation (B) malady (C) cacography

(D) joie de vivre (E) altercation

25. Due to Sally’s early and somewhat unwarranted

success, she has grown ------- over the years and

no longer works hard.

(A) fervent (B) complacent (C) intrepid

(D) timorous (E) foolhardy



Answer Key

1. D; adulation 2. D; egregious 3. B; iconoclast 4. A; reprimand 5. C; pretentious 6. B; altruistic 7. C; cacophony 8. E; vehement 9. B; cerebral 10. B; obsequious 11. E; brazen 12. A; perspicacious 13. A; sycophant 14. B; aloof 15. C; reproach 16. C; impudent 17. C; gregarious 18. E; sanction 19. C; avid 20. C; extroverted 21. D; compliant 22. A; discerning 23. A; unorthodox 24. B; malady 25. B; complacent

Word List 7

Personality Traits III

Acrid

Acrimonious

Adamant

Ambiguous

Ambivalent

Amorphous

Anarchy

Antagonistic

Atrophy

Atypical

Authoritarian

Bellicose

Belligerent

Cantankerous

Capricious

Combative

Demagogue

Despot

Dictatorial

Didactic

Dogmatic

Fickle

Intractable

Intransigent

Malevolent

Malignant

Martinet

Mercurial

Nebulous

Obdurate

Obstinate

Pedagogue

Pugnacious

Rancorous

Recalcitrant

Refractory

Saccharine

Savory

Tentative

Tractable

Tyrannical

Unyielding

Vacillate

Vague

Waffle

Waver

242 Word List 7



Stubborn & Inflexible

Obdurate, Obstinate, Adamant – stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinion or actions

Unyielding – unwilling to give in to

Intransigent – unwilling to change one’s views

Intractable – stubborn (cannot be moved); difficult to handle or unmanageable

Tractable – easy to control or influence

Recalcitrant – unwilling to listen to authority

Refractory – stubbornly resistant and defiant

Dogmatic – to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true

Evil Wishing or Combative

Malevolent – evil wishing

Malignant – intending to do harm

Antagonistic – showing or feeling active opposition or hostility toward someone or something

Rancorous – bitterness or resentfulness

Cantankerous – bad-tempered, argumentative, combative

Combative – ready or eager to fight, pugnacious

Pugnacious – quick or easy to argue, quarrel or fight

Bellicose* – demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight.

Acrimonious – bitterness

Acrid – bitter-tasting

Saccharine – sweet

Savory – salty/spicy

Can’t make up his mind

Capricious, Mercurial, Fickle – shifting moods, unpredictable

Vacillate, Waver, Waffle – to go back and forth between possibilities

Ambivalent – wishing for both

Ambiguous – both meanings can be correct; vague, nebulous

Tentative – cautious

Listen to me!

Martinet – someone who demands that his orders be followed

Authoritarian, Dictatorial, Tyrannical – exercising power in a cruel or arbitrary way

Didactic – overly instructive

Despot – tyrant

Pedagogue – strict teacher

Demagogue – a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather

than by using rational argument

Personality Traits III 243


Etymology

From the root bellum meaning war.

Bellicose – demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight.

Belligerent – hostile and aggressive in manner

From the root a meaning no.

Amorphous – no definite shape

Atypical – not typical

Anarchy – no rule, chaos

Atrophy – no movement

The Belligerent Drunk

The librarian was a belligerent drunk. Aside for her violent tendencies, she also happened to spend an

inordinate amount of time drunk. Students would tentatively tip toe into the library because they were afraid

the pugnacious monster would hurl a book at them, or staple their fingers (she had a proclivity to do both).

The school was an atypical one, and championed her violent ways. They told any parent who protested that a

combative attitude was the only way to discipline children. According to the school, children were innately

recalcitrant, and would not comply with authority unless they were coerced to do so.

It is possible that the school adopted such a malevolent attitude towards their students because they were still

rancorous over the student uprising that had occurred three years prior. The students had abducted the

previous principal and were unyielding in their stance that they would return the principal only if the school

promised to eliminate tests and homework. The students created their own tyrannical governing body and ran

the school until the new principal seized back control.

The new principal of the school was a despot that had strict policies. He was so dogmatic in his belief that his

policies were correct that he would not vacillate even after the librarian blinded a student. She claimed that the

student was so fickle that he could not decide book to checkout. Her only recourse was to jam a pencil into his

eye. He promised to continue to hire pedagogues no matter how violent they were.

244 Word List 7


Review Exercises


1. He was an obdurate old man who scared the neighborhood children.

His ____________________ (noun) scared the children.

2. The boys are adamant about staying.

Their ____________________ (noun) made them stay.

3. Shio’s dog is obstinate with his refusal to obey.

Because of the dog’s ____________________, (noun) it refuses to obey.

4. Andy has remained intransigent in opposition to the proposed changes.

His ____________________ (noun) leads him to oppose the changes.

5. The doctor’s patient is experiencing intractable pain with no relief.

The ____________________ (noun) of the pain has no relief.

However, a different patient has ____________________ (antonym, adj) pain.

The ____________________ (antonym, adj) of the pain allows for relief.

6. Sloan has a dogmatic approach to every conversation.

A ____________________ (noun) is one who is dogmatic.

She has a unique ____________________ (noun).

Her ____________________ (noun) governs every conversation.

7. Ursula’s malevolent behavior is villainous.

Her ____________________ (noun) makes her villainous.

8. Frederick is antagonistic and seeks heated debates.

He ____________________ (verb) others.

His ____________________ (noun) causes heated debates.

9. Josiah has rancorous contempt towards his sister.

His ____________________ (noun) gives him contempt towards his sister.

10. Wesley became combative when the officers approached him.

A ____________________ (noun) is one who is combative.

The situation could have ended in ____________________ (noun).

He met the officer with ____________________ (noun).

11. Loriann’s advisor is pugnacious instead of helpful.

The advisor’s ____________________ (noun) isn’t helpful.

12. The bellicose soccer players are prone to fights.

The ____________________ (noun) of the soccer players makes them fight.

13. Katarina became belligerent and was thrown out of the game.

Her ____________________ (noun) got her thrown out of the game.

14. They had an acrimonious dispute over money.

They’re ____________________ (noun) lead to a dispute.

15. The rotting vegetables had an acrid smell that was disgusting.

The ____________________ (noun) of the vegetables was disgusting.

16. Tropical fruits have a more saccharine flavor.

They have ____________________ (noun) in it.

They have more ____________________ (noun) of flavor.



17. This dish has a more savory than sweet flavor.

You can truly ____________________ (verb) this dish.

This dish has more ____________________ (noun).

18. The capricious lead singer is unstable.

The lead singer’s ____________________ (noun) makes him unstable.

19. She is indecisive and tends to vacillate on whether to buy or rent.

Her ____________________ (noun) makes her indecisive.

A ____________________ (noun) is one who vacillates.

20. Stella is ambivalent about her career options and is undecided about them.

Stella carries ____________________ (noun) about her career options.

21. The ambiguous wording made it hard to understand.

The ____________________ (noun) of the wording made it hard to understand.

22. Many thought of Hawthorne as a despot who dictated all aspects of work.

He used ____________________ (noun) to dictate all aspects of work.

He was a ____________________ (adj) man.

23. Ryan has an authoritarian older sister who bosses him around.

He has an ____________________ (adj) sister.

His sister is the ____________________ (noun).

His sister ____________________ (verb) everything he does.

24. He has dictatorial powers over the country.

He has a ____________________ (noun) over the country.

He ____________________ (verb) the country.

A ____________________ (noun) is one who is dictatorial.

25. The country had five years of tyrannical rule.

The ruler ____________________ (verb) the country.

The country was under ____________________ (noun).

A ____________________ (noun) is one who is tyrannical.

26. Sherry prefers hands on experience rather than didactic professors.

____________________ (noun) doesn’t help her learn.

A ____________________ (noun) is one who is didactic.

27. Mr. Owens is a pedagogue who strictly leads his students.

He has a strict ____________________ (noun).

He is ____________________ (adj) in manner.

28. Shiloh was a demagogue for a leader who made false promises.

She was a ____________________ (adj) leader.

She leads through ____________________(noun).

29. The student’s response was atypical.

There was an ____________________ (noun) to the student’s response.

The response was not ____________________ (antonym, adj).

There was no ____________________ (antonym, noun) to the response.

30. The prisoners incited anarchy while the guard was away.

An ____________________ (noun) is one who incites anarchy.

The prisoners enacted ____________________ (noun).

The ____________________ (adj) prisoners were unruly.

246 Word List 7


31. Bernadette suffered atrophy of her shoulder muscles.

She had ____________________ (adj) muscles.

Her muscles began to ____________________ (verb).


SET 1

1. Bitter-tasting ____________

2. Easy to control or influence ____________

3. Evil wishing ____________

4. No definite shape ____________

5. No rule ____________

6. Ready or eager to fight ____________

7. Salty/Spicy ____________

8. Someone who demands his orders be followed ____________

9. Stubborn ____________

10. Unpredictable, always changing his mind ____________

11. Unclear, vague _____________

Acrid, Adamant, Amorphous, Anarchy, Capricious, Pugnacious, Malevolent, Martinet, Nebulous,

Savory, Tractable

SET 2

1. Bad-tempered, argumentative ____________

2. Cautious ____________

3. Go back and forth between possibilities ____________

4. Intending to do harm ____________

5. No movement ____________

6. Sweet ____________

7. Tyrant ____________

8. Unwilling to give in to ____________

9. Wishing for both, can’t decide between the alternatives ____________

Ambivalent, Atrophy, Cantankerous, Despot, Malignant, Saccharine, Tentative, Unyielding, Waver

SET 3

1. Angry and bitter ____________

2. Both meanings can be correct, unclear ____________

3. Constantly shifting moods ____________

4. To go back and forth between possibilities, can’t make up mind _______________

5. Demonstrating aggression and willingness to fight ____________

6. Not typical ____________

7. Strict teacher ____________



8. To lay down principles as incontrovertibly true ____________

9. Unwilling to change one’s views; cannot be moved easily ____________

Acrimonious, Ambiguous, Atypical, Bellicose, Dogmatic, Intransigent, Mercurial, Pedagogue, Vacillate


1. Obdurate – Tractable ___________

2. Malevolent – Malignant ___________

3. Ambiguous – Clear ___________

4. Recalcitrant – Cooperative ___________

5. Anarchy – Monarchy ___________

6. Dogmatic – Flexible ___________

7. Combative – Pugnacious ___________

8. Capricious – Predictable ___________

9. Fickle – Mercurial ___________

10. Waver – Vacillate ___________

11. Tentative – Careless ___________

12. Adamant – Yielding ___________

13. Despot – Tyrant __________

14. Bellicose – Aggression __________

15. Capricious – Decisive __________

16. Nebulous – Vague ____________

17. Intransigent – Obstinate___________

18. Tractable – Adamant ___________

19. Rancorous – Bitterness ___________

20. Acrid – Saccharine ___________

21. Pugnacious – Amiable ___________

IV Answer Yes or No

1. Would an intransigent person easily change his opinion? ___________

2. Is it in your best interest to befriend a malevolent person? ___________

3. Does a cantankerous person strive to avoid arguments? ___________

4. Will a bellicose person have an amiable personality? ___________

5. Would democratic societies appoint a despot as their leader? ___________

6. Would a sprained ankle cause a basketball player to perform tentatively? ___________

7. Does vacillation often cause delays in decision-making? ___________

248 Word List 7


8. Would a martinet leave flexibility in fulfilling his orders? ___________

9. If a question has one clear answer, is it ambiguous? ___________

10. Does candy have an acrid taste? ___________

11. Does candy have a saccharine taste? ___________

12. Is a pugnacious person eager to quarrel? ___________

13. Would a person suffering from atrophy have full body movement? ___________

14. Would there be order in a state of anarchy? ___________

15. Is breathing an atypical bodily function? ___________

16. Is an obdurate person easy to persuade? ___________

17. Is an obstinate person likely to maintain his point of view? ___________

18. Does a didactic professor offer too much guidance? ___________

19. Does an amorphous object have a definite shape? ___________

20. Is a recalcitrant teen likely to obey authorities? ___________

21. Do you have antagonistic feelings toward your enemies? ___________


1. Stubborn: O___________, A___________, O___________, U___________, I___________,

I___________

2. Stubbornly resistant: R___________, R___________

3. To lay down principles as incontrovertibly true: D____________

4. Strict teacher: P___________

5. Evil wishing: M___________

6. Feeling of opposition towards someone: A___________

7. Resentfulness or bitterness: R___________, A____________

8. Overly instructive: D__________

9. No rule: A__________

10. No movement: A__________

11. Unpredictable, changing moods: C__________, M__________, F__________

12. Go back and forth between possibilities, indecisive: W__________, V__________,

W__________

13. Wishing for both: A__________

14. Unclear, both meanings can be correct: A__________, N____________

15. Cautious: T__________



IV Answer Yes or No

22. Does a dilettante gain expertise in his hobbies? ______

23. Is an ambidextrous person skilled with only his right hand? ______

24. Would you trust a novice to perform your surgery? ______

25. Would you expect your surgeon to be dexterous with his hands? ______

26. Would a consummate liar get away with his lies? ______

27. Would you prefer to date a boor? ______

28. Would you prefer to date an urbane person? ______

29. Would you trust a pundit for advice? ______

30. Could the pinnacle of a politician’s career be becoming president? ______

31. Could donating millions of dollars to charities be considered the paragon of generosity?______

32. Does Apple test a prototype before releasing the product? ______

33. Would you attend a concert performed by a virtuoso? ______

34. Would stealing from a child be an archetypal case of honesty? ______

35. Is a greenhorn ready to practice professionally in his or her field? ______

36. Would being convicted of a white-collar crime be the nadir of a financier’s career? ______

37. Would you take a wine-tasting tip from a connoisseur? ______

38. Would an anecdote from a raconteur be soporific (sleep-inducing)? ______

39. Would you prefer the advice of a layman to a pundit? ______

250 Word List 7



22. Highly skilled: A_____________, D______________, A_____________, D_____________,

C_____________.

23. Skilled with both hands: A_____________

24. Someone who has been doing something for a long time: V_____________

25. An I_____________ gambler has been gambling for a long time.

26. Having the necessary skills: P_____________.

27. The top: S_____________, P_____________, A_____________, A_____________,

P_____________, Z_____________, C_____________.

28. Lowest point: N_____________.

29. Expert in wine: C_____________.

30. Expert in food: G_____________, G_____________.

31. Skilled at story telling: R_____________.

32. A short story about a real incident: A_____________.

33. Gifted child: P_____________.

34. Talented musician: V_____________.

35. Expert: P_____________.

36. Socially awkward: G_____________.

37. Someone who never gains expertise, practices for enjoyment: D_____________,

D_____________.

38. Polished, from the root-meaning city: U_____________.

39. Keeping with good taste, polite and proper: D_____________.

40. Rude and vulgar: I_____________, B_____________, U_____________, C_____________,

C_____________, C_____________.

41. The first model or original design: P_____________.

42. Serving as the model: E_____________, E_____________, Q_____________,

A_____________, P_____________.

43. Ineffective or bungling (containing the root meaning bad): M_____________.

Word List 8

Moods & Tendencies

Abhor

Affinity

Animosity

Antagonist

Antagonistic

Antipathy

Averse

Bent

Blissful

Blithe

Buoyant

Chagrined

Compunction

Condolence

Condolence

Content

Contrite

Crestfallen

Despise

Despondent

Detest

Disconsolate

Disposition

Doleful

Ecstatic

Elated

Enraged

Euphoric

Exasperated

Exhilarated

Exuberant

Facetious

Flippant

Frivolous

Gloomy

Grave

Incensed

Inclination

Inconsolable

Indolent

Infuriated

Irascible

Irate

Irked

Jocular

Jovial

Livid

Loath

Loathe

Lugubrious

Melancholy

Miffed

Morose

Penchant

Penitent

Perturbed

Predilection

Proclivity

Proneness

Propensity

Remorse

Resent

Sanguine

Solemn

Tendency

Vexed

252 Word List 8



Mood or tendency

Disposition – a mood or mindset

Inclination – a person's natural tendency to act or feel in a particular way

Tendency – being inclined to or consistently acting a certain way

Proneness – liability to experience something regrettable or unwelcome; susceptibility

Propensity – an inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way

Proclivity – natural or habitual inclination or tendency

Penchant – a strong liking, attraction

Bent – a tendency towards.

Predilection – a tendency to think favorably of something in particular.

Affinity – a spontaneous or natural liking or sympathy for someone or something

Happy

Content – satisfied

Jovial – filled with joy

Jocular – joking and jesting

Buoyant – able to stay afloat; not easily depressed, cheerful

Elated, Euphoric, Ecstatic, Exhilarated, Exuberant – very happy and excited

Sanguine – optimistic, cheerful

Blissful, Blithe – joyous or happy

Sad

Despondent – feeling or showing profound hopelessness, dejection

Disconsolate, Inconsolable – without consolation or solace; hopelessly unhappy;

Gloomy – sad

Doleful* – expressing sorrow; mournful

Condolence* – showing of sharing in one’s sorrow

Crestfallen – sad

Melancholy – depression

Morose – gloomy or sad mood

Lugubrious – sad or mournful

Angry

Irate – irritated

Livid – very angry

Infuriated – very angry

Incensed – angry; enraged

Moods & Tendencies 253


Annoyed

Miffed – put into an irritable mood, especially by an offending incident

Vexed, Irked – annoyed

Chagrined – a feeling of vexation, marked by disappointment or humiliation.

Exasperated – annoyed extremely

Perturbed – disturbed

Irascible – has a tendency to get annoyed

Feelings of hatred

Antagonistic – in hostile competition, opposing

Antagonist – an adversary; opponent or enemy

Antipathy – against feeling, hatred

Animosity – strong hostility

Averse – hatred of, or feeling repelled

Abhor, Resent, Loathe, Detest, Despise – regard with disgust and hatred

Loath – reluctant [spelled without an e, compare to loathe]

To feel bad for a wrongdoing

Contrite – feeling sorry

Remorse – deep regret or guilt for a wrong committed

Compunction – a feeling of uneasiness caused by regret for doing wrong or causing pain

Penitent – feeling sorrow for sin or wrongdoing and disposed to atonement and amendment

Serious mood

Solemn – deep sincerity or seriousness

Grave – serious. A matter of grave concern

Lighthearted

Frivolous – not having serious purpose or value. A frivolous lawsuit

Flippant – not showing a serious or respectful attitude

Facetious – treating serious issues with inappropriate humor

Etymology

From the root dol meaning pain.

Doleful – expressing sorrow; mournful

Indolent – causing little or no pain, habitually lazy

Condolence – an expression of sympathy, sharing pain

254 Word List 8


My Story

When I found out that I got expelled from school I was despondent. I normally had a jovial disposition,

but who gets expelled? It was inconceivable.

The school told me it was because of how flippantly I acted all the time. My parents concurred.

“You stroll around like it is all one big joke,” they reprimanded me. I was incensed. I expected them to

offer me their condolences, and instead they were chastising me?

Eventually, I began to feel introspective. Could this really be my fault? Sure I had a penchant for causing

trouble, and some jocular propensities. I used to feel a euphoric rush every time I would misbehave, but I

was never refractory out of animosity.

I did feel some compunction over hurting my teachers’ feelings, but I was more vexed that I was being

disciplined for my affinities. I wouldn’t let them portray me as an antagonistic figure. I was never

malevolent and never derided others. I just had a blithe, carefree, bent. I liked to make others laugh. Why

should I feel remorseful for being myself?



Review Exercises


1. Luz has a pleasant disposition whenever it’s sunny.

She has a ____________________ (adj) mood when it’s sunny.

Sunny weather ____________________ (verb) Luz towards being pleasant.

2. Akemi has no inclination to read books.

She is not ___________________ (adj) to read books.

Disliking books ____________________ (verb) her not to read them.

3. Aiden has a tendency to always see the positive in a situation.

He ____________________ (verb) to always see the positive in a situation.

He is ____________________ (adj) in seeing the positive in a situation.

4. That chair has a proneness to collapse.

It is ____________________ (adj) to collapse.

5. Amelia is easy to please and content with the simple things.

She feels ____________________ (noun) with the simple things.

6. Father came home in a jovial mood, which was refreshing.

His ____________________ (noun) was refreshing.

7. Grayson has a buoyant attitude that makes him resilient to discouragement.

His ____________________ (noun) makes him resilient.

8. Jackson was elated to hear his baby had been born.

His baby being born ____________________ (verb) him.

His ____________________ (noun) was caused by his baby being born.

9. Ava was ecstatic when she received her acceptance letter.

She was overcome with ____________________ (noun).

10. Scarlett was exhilarated when she went skydiving.

Skydiving put her in a state of ____________________ (noun).

Skydiving ____________________ (verb) her.

11. Violet has an exuberant personality that people enjoy being around.

She ____________________ (verb) a great personality.

Her ____________________ (noun) is joyful to be around.

12. He is sanguine about his future career plans.

He feels ____________________ (noun) about his future career plans.

13. The delicious food induced a blissful state of mind.

It was absolute ____________________ (noun).

14. The crowd grew despondent because their team was losing.

The team losing put the crowd in a state of ____________________ (noun).

The crowd began to ____________________ (verb) as their team was losing.

15. The team became disconsolate after losing the state championship.

The team was in a state of ____________________ (noun).

256 Word List 8


16. Baby Harper was inconsolable when she lost her blanket.

There was no ____________________ (antonym, noun) for her.

____________________ (antonym, adj) efforts were of no use to her.

17. The weather has been cloudy and gloomy.

A sense of ____________________ (noun) was brought on by the cloudy weather.

18. Elliott shared expressions of condolence to the grieving family.

He shared ____________________ (adj) expressions.

19. Extended cold weather puts me in a state of melancholy.

Cold weather puts me in a ____________________ (adj) state.

20. Claire became morose after constant audition rejections.

The rejections caused her some ____________________ (noun).

21. Levi’s parents were livid after seeing the house was destroyed.

The destroyed house put his parents in a state of ____________________ (noun).

22. Owen was infuriated that his car had been stolen.

His car being stolen caused him ____________________ (noun).

23. Lilah’s reply caused Grace to be miffed.

Grace reacted with some ____________________ (noun).

24. His chronic arthritis vexed and annoyed him all day.

The ____________________ (noun) of his chronic arthritis was annoying.

25. He was chagrined to find out that he had been replaced.

It was a source of ____________________ (noun) to find out he had been replaced.

26. The flight cancellations exasperated the customers.

The flight cancellations created ____________________ (adj) customers.

The flight cancellations caused the customers ____________________ (noun).

27. The constant barking from the dog perturbed the writer.

The writer suffered ____________________ (noun) due to the barking.

The barking created a more ____________________ (adj) writer.

28. He was an irascible old man who had a kind heart.

His ____________________ (noun) is contrasted to his kind heart.

29. There’s always been a glaring antipathy between the two competitors.

They are ____________________ (adj) towards each other.

30. Lucy’s son is averse to green vegetables.

Her son has an ____________________ (noun) to green vegetables.

31. The twin sisters abhor the way their parents dress them alike.

They feel ____________________ (noun).

They are ____________________ (adj) towards being dressed alike.

32. Logan resents being asked to leave the conversation.

His ____________________ (noun) was caused by being asked to leave the conversation.

He is ____________________ (adj).

33. Averly loathes having to wash the dishes.

A ____________________ (noun) is one who loathes something.



Her ____________________ (noun) is caused by having to wash the dishes.

She dislikes washing the ____________________ (adj) dishes.

34. Michael detests the flavor of onions.

He does not like the ____________________ (adj) flavor of onions.

His ____________________ (noun) of onions affects him not liking them.

35. Arianna despises the color pink and won’t wear it.

Her ____________________ (noun) of pink won’t let her wear it.

She finds pink to be a ____________________ (adj) color.

She doesn’t like the ____________________ (noun) of pink.

36. Connor gave a contrite apology that was repentant.

He gave an apology of ____________________ (noun).

37. She felt remorse for what she had done.

She was ____________________ (adj).

38. The salesman misled the customers without compunction.

He was not a ____________________ (adj) salesman.

39. Gavin was surprisingly penitent after committing petty theft.

His ____________________ (noun) was surprising.

A ____________________ (noun) is one who is penitent.

He must serve time at the ____________________ (noun).

40. They made a solemn vow on their wedding day.

The ____________________ (noun) of their vows was evident.

The priest ____________________ (verb) their wedding.

41. It was a frivolous lawsuit that annoyed the judge.

The ____________________ (noun) of the lawsuit annoyed the judge.

The judge would rather you not ____________________ (verb) with petty lawsuits.

42. She made a flippant comment to a rather grave matter.

Her comment was marked with ____________________ (noun).


SET 1

1. Depression ___________

2. Disturbed ___________

3. Feeling of regret or remorse for a wrongdoing ___________

4. An inclination or tendency ___________

5. Perfect happiness ___________

6. Reluctant ___________

7. Serious or solemn in manner ___________

8. Treating serious issues with inappropriate humor ___________

9. Very angry ___________

258 Word List 8


Bliss, Compunction, Disposition, Facetious, Grave, Livid, Loath, Melancholy, Perturbed

SET 2

1. Characterized by deep sincerity ___________

2. Expressing sorrow, mournful ___________

3. Feeling or expressing remorse or penitence ___________

4. Filled with joy ___________

5. Has a tendency to get annoyed ___________

6. Not having serious purpose or value ___________

7. A natural talent or inclination ___________

8. Feeling or characterized by great anger ___________

Bent, Contrite, Doleful, Frivolous, Irate, Irascible, Jovial, Solemn

SET 3

1. A strong liking or attraction, a tendency ___________

2. Enraged ___________

3. Feeling of vexation, marked by disappointment or humiliation ___________

4. Joking and jesting ___________

5. Not showing a serious or respectful attitude ___________

6. Strong hostility ___________

7. Extreme happiness ___________

8. Sullen and ill-tempered ___________

Animosity, Chagrined, Euphoria, Flippant, Jocular, Morose, Incensed, Penchant




1. Crestfallen – Exhilarated ___________

2. Sanguine – Despondent ___________

3. Irate – Enraged ___________

4. Elated – Ecstatic ___________

5. Vexed – Perturbed ___________

6. Disposition – Mood __________

7. Tendency – Propensity __________

8. Predilection – Antipathy __________

9. Sanguine – Pessimistic__________

10. Lugubrious – Ecstatic __________

11. Livid – Pleased __________

12. Incensed – Infuriated __________

13. Morose – Gloomy __________

14. Penchant –Bent __________

15. Blissful – Ecstatic __________

16. Buoyant – Despondent __________

17. Grave – Flippant __________

18. Solemn – Facetious __________

19. Antagonistic – Amiable __________

20. Abhor – Resent __________

21. Detest – Loathe __________

22. Loath – Eager __________

IV Answer Yes or No

1. Would you feel euphoric after winning the lottery? ___________

2. Does a psychopathic criminal usually feel contrite after committing a crime? _______

3. Would the judge grant compensation for a frivolous lawsuit? ___________

4. Would a teacher be pleased if you reacted in a flippant manner? ___________

5. Is there usually animosity between bitter rivals? ___________

6. Would you be vexed if your teachers asked you to hand write a textbook? _________

7. Does someone who is risk-averse favor risky gambles? ___________

8. Would a deeply religious person feel penitent over his or her wrongdoings? ___________

9. Would you feel irate if a stranger returned your lost wallet? ___________

10. Would you feel exasperated if your brother stole your charger? ___________

11. Would you send your condolences to a newly wed? ___________

12. If you got a 100 on a test would you be blissful? ___________

13. Does an injury-prone player get injured frequently? ___________

14. Does a repeat criminal have compunctions for his actions? ___________

15. After studying for many hours for a test and failing, would you feel chagrined? _____

260 Word List 8


16. Do alcoholics have a penchant for drinking alcohol? ___________

17. Would an ethical person have feelings of compunction after doing a good deed? ___________

18. Do greedy people abhor money? ___________

19. Am I being facetious when I say my homework was destroyed in an atomic explosion?

___________

20. Would you be in grave danger if you are hanging off a cliff? ___________

21. Do many people feel melancholy when attending a funeral? ___________

22. Is it irksome if the referee calls too many fouls against you? ___________

23. Is a speaker jocular when he makes the entire audience laugh out loud? ___________

V Circle the feeling or the mood that would be most appropriate in the circumstance given

1. Winning the championship:

a) miffed b) melancholy c) elated

2. Losing your cell phone:

a) incensed b) euphoric c) sanguine

3. Committing a wrongful act:

a) blissful b) lugubrious c) penitent

4. Feeling towards an enemy:

a) affinity b) aversion c) amicability

5. At a funeral:

a) solemnity b) frivolity c) facetiousness

6. Someone steals your car:

a) buoyant b) exhilarated c) livid

7. Losing a relative:

a) disconsolate b) ecstatic c) jocular

8. At a theme park:

a) morose b) contrite c) jovial



VI Write the word(s) that begin with the letter given

1. A mood or mindset: D__________

2. A tendency: I__________, P__________, P__________, P__________, P__________,

B__________, P__________

3. Satisfied with what you have: C__________

4. Filled with joy: J__________

5. Joking and jesting: J__________

6. Staying afloat, cheerful: B__________

7. Extreme happiness: E__________, E__________, E__________, E__________, E__________

8. Optimistic, cheerful: S__________

9. Annoyed: M__________, V__________, I__________, P__________, C__________,

E__________

10. Has tendency to get annoyed: I__________

11. Against feeling, hatred: A__________

12. Reluctant: L__________

13. To hate: L__________, D__________, D__________, A__________, R__________

14. An adversary: A__________

15. Feel bad for a wrongdoing: C__________, R__________, C__________, P__________

16. Perfect happiness: B__________, B__________

17. Lighthearted, not serious: F__________, F__________, F__________

262 Word List 8


Word List 9

Trickery & Honesty

Aboveboard

Artifice

Belie

Candid

Charlatan

Chicanery

Clandestine

Covert

Craftiness

Deviousness

Disingenuous

Dissemble

Dissimulate

Dupe

Duplicity

Erroneous

Facade

Fallacious

Fictitious

Forthright

Frank

Fraud

Furtive

Guile

Hoaxer

Imposter

Ingenuous

Integral

Integrity

Machination

Mendacious

Misguided

Mountebank

Overt

Perjure

Ploy

Prevaricate

Quack

Scrupulous

Specious

Spurious

Stealthy

Stratagem

Subterfuge

Surreptitious

Underhanded

Unsound

Upfront

Veracity

Verify

Virtuous

264 Word List 9



To lie or give off a false appearance

Prevaricate – to speak falsely or misleadingly

Perjure – to lie in court

Dissimulate, Dissemble – to disguise or conceal under false appearance

Belie – to hide the true notion or impression of

Mendacious – telling lies, especially habitually

Disingenuous – lacking in frankness, candor, or sincerity

Facade – to give off an appearance that is not necessarily true; Outer part of a building

Misguided – misled or mistaken

Mistaken (often referring to an argument or a claim)

Fallacious – a mistaken belief, especially one based on unsound argument

Unsound – not based on sound evidence or reasoning and therefore unreliable or unacceptable

Erroneous – containing an error

Spurious, Specious – superficially plausible, but actually wrong

Fictitious – not real or true, being imaginary or having been fabricated

Trickery & Deceit

Chicanery – trickery or deception by quibbling or sophistry

Duplicity – speaking or acting in two different ways to mislead

Subterfuge – an artifice or expedient used to evade a rule, escape a consequence, hide something

Craftiness – skillful in underhand or evil schemes; cunning; deceitful; sly.

Underhanded – acting or done in a secret or dishonest way

Guile – deception

Dupe – to fool or hoax

Deviousness – departing from the most direct way; circuitous or indirect

Fraud – deceit, trickery, sharp practice, or breach of confidence

Machination, Stratagem, Ploy, Artifice – plan or scheme used to outwit an opponent or achieve an

end

Secretive (hiding an action that wouldn’t be approved)

Clandestine, Surreptitious, Stealthy, Furtive – done with secrecy or concealment, especially for

purposes of subversion or deception

Covert – concealed; secret; disguised.

Overt – out in the open, not secretive

Honesty & Truthfulness

Ingenuous, Forthright, Aboveboard, Frank, Candid, Upfront – truthful and straightforward

Integrity – the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles

Trickery & Honesty 265


Integral – essential or fundamental

Scrupulous – diligent, thorough, and extremely attentive to details; highly moral

Virtuous – having or showing high moral standards

Verify – make sure or demonstrate that (something) is true, accurate, or justified:

Veracity – conformity to facts; accuracy, habitual truthfulness

A Phony

Charlatan – a person falsely claiming to have a special knowledge or skill

Quack – a person who dishonestly claims to have special knowledge and skill in some field

Imposter – an impersonator

Mountebank – a person who deceives others, especially to trick them out of their money

Hoaxer – a person who tricks or deceives someone by means of a hoax

Bad Press

“I’ve never read more spurious claims in my life,” barked Sherman, a portly, balding man.

“Listen to this fictitious report,” he growled as he unfurled his copy of the Daily Inquirer.

The paper read:

“Think you are getting real steaks from the scrupulous people over at A&M Steakhouse? Well think again.

Never have we seen such artifice as the duplicity that takes place at your local steakhouse. Sherman

Mansfeld leads a band of mountebanks that will do anything to dupe you out of your money.

It appears that A & M’s classic burger is made of an amalgamation of dog meet and goose dung. Even

worse, perhaps, is the fact that their steaks are actually warthog meat, an inferior alternative.

A&M ran a surreptitious operation to smuggle in the substandard meat without the FDA noticing. The

dog and warthog meat providers delivered their meat under the facade of picking up A&M’s leftovers for a

charity organization. A&M’s mendacity extended as far as marketing their involvement with charity

organizations.”

“Can you believe this specious report?” Sherman plowed on, without so much as coming up for a breath.

“Sure it seems plausible that we would attempt such subterfuge, but this article is erroneous. Goose

dung. Unbelievable. We use camel dung!”

266 Word List 9


Review Exercises


1. April committed perjury because her testimony in court was a lie.

April gave a ____________________ (adj) testimony.

April is a ____________________ (noun).

April ____________________ (verb) her testimony.

2. The victim was willing to prevaricate for she feared for her life.

The victim is a ____________________ (noun).

The victim was willing to perform ____________________ (noun).

3. The star of the play had been trained to dissimulate.

The star had been trained in ____________________ (noun).

The star is a ____________________ (noun).

4. William likes to tell mendacious stories about his childhood.

William’s stories about his childhood are steeped in ____________________ (noun).

5. The liar’s intentions were disingenuous.

The liar has a level of __________________(noun) .

The liar’s intentions were not ____________________ (antonym, adj).

The liar does not have a level of ____________________ (antonym, noun).

6. The misguided travelers were given bad directions by their neighbor.

The travelers’ ____________________ (noun) will likely get them lost.

The travelers were not ____________________ (antonym, verb) well.

The travels lack proper ____________________ (antonym, noun).

7. Kami came to the fallacious conclusion that pigs can fly.

She believes a ____________________ (noun).

She believes the ____________________ (noun) of that statement.

8. Her constant delusions lead people to believe she was of unsound mind.

The ____________________ (noun) of her mind is due to delusions.

She is not of ____________________ (antonym, adj) mind.

She does not possess ____________________ (antonym, noun) of mind.

9. The journalist was given erroneous information.

There was an ____________________ (noun) in the information.

10. Grandma invented a fictitious tale about dragons her grandkids enjoyed.

The tale was made of ____________________ (noun).

Grandma ____________________ (verb) the tale.

The grandkids enjoyed the ____________________ (noun) of the tale.

11. Bobby used lies and chicanery to win their approval.

Bobby was able to lie and ____________________ (verb).

12. Scott was almost fooled by that woman’s duplicity.

She is a ____________________ (adj) woman.



13. Brianne brings craftiness to all her plans.

Brianne makes ____________________ (adj) plans.

Brianna uses ____________________ (noun) when creating plans.

14. He used guile and deceit to win the game.

The ____________________ (adj) man used deceit.

He ____________________ (verb) everyone in order to win the game.

15. The deviousness of the boy was evident when he tried to trick his mother.

The driver used a ____________________ (adj) trick.

The boy’s ____________________ (noun) was evident.

The boy is a ____________________ (noun).

16. The criminal was found guilty of bank fraud.

She was a ____________________ (adj) criminal.

The criminal’s ____________________ (noun) made her guilty.

17. The men created deceitful machinations to impeach Carol’s place in office.

The men ____________________ (verb) to impeach Carol.

18. The man uses artifice rather than honesty to get what he wanted.

The man was an ____________________ (noun).

19. The clandestine members use a secret handshake that confused others.

The ____________________ (noun) of the handshake confused others.

20. Sarah sent a covert message to her best friend during class.

The message was not ____________________ (antonym, adj) to her teacher.

21. The stealthy cat quietly approached the mouse.

The cat used ____________________ (noun) to approach the mouse.

22. Jeff is a candid man who always says what he’s thinking.

Jeff uses ____________________ (noun) when speaking.

23. It’s evident that the cell phone has become an integral part of people’s lives.

The ____________________ (noun) of cell phones is evident.

24. Repairing clocks requires scrupulous attention to detail and much time.

The ____________________ (noun) of repairing clocks requires much time.

A ____________________ (noun) is a principle that guides our actions.

25. Krista is a virtuous woman who always makes the moral decision.

Krista’s ____________________ (noun) helps her make the moral decision.

26. She had to verify her account balance by looking at her bank statement.

She is a ____________________ (noun) of her account balance.

____________________ (noun) of her account balance came from her bank statement.

She has a ____________________ (adj) account balance through her bank statement.

27. Walter questioned the veracity of Sharon’s statement.

Walter questioned whether Sharon made a ____________________ (adj) statement.

28. Silas is a charlatan that fooled the town into giving him money.

Silas’ ____________________ (noun) fooled the town.

Silas’ ____________________ (adj) ways fooled the town.

268 Word List 9


29. Emmett is a quack who sells false medical cures.

Emmett’s ____________________ (noun) makes him inclined to sell false cures.

Emmett sells ____________________ (adj) cures.

30. The police officer at the scene turned out to be an imposter.

He was a con man that ______________ (verb) a hoax on the public.

31. Cayden is a mountebank who associates with a gang of racketeers.

Cayden’s ____________________ (noun) makes him good company for racketeers.

32. Layla is a hoaxer who likes to make prank calls on her friends.

Layla likes to ____________________ (verb) her friends with prank calls.

Layla’s prank calls are seen as a ____________________ (noun) to her friends.


SET 1

1. A person falsely claiming to have a special knowledge or skill ___________

2. A mistaken belief because of unsound argument ___________

3. Honest and aboveboard ___________

4. Secretive because of unapproved activity ___________

5. To lie ___________

6. To lie in court ___________

7. Trickery, deception ___________

Chicanery, Charlatan, Clandestine, Fallacy, Ingenuous, Perjure, Prevaricate

SET 2

1. To hide the true notion of ___________

2. Telling lies, especially habitually ___________

3. Speaking or acting in two different ways, usually to deceive ___________

4. Outer part of a building; outer appearance that is usually a cover ___________

5. A cunning plan or action designed to turn a situation to one’s own advantage _______

6. Concealed, secret, disguised ___________

7. Honest ___________

8. A person who dishonestly claims to have special knowledge and skill ___________

Belie, Covert, Duplicity, Façade, Forthright, Mendacious, Ploy, Quack

SET 3

1. Containing an error ___________

2. Acting or done in a secret or dishonest way ___________

3. Plan or scheme especially one used to outwit an opponent or achieve an end _______



4. Done or shown openly ___________

5. Quality of being honest and having strong moral principles ___________

6. A person who deceives others, esp. in order to trick them out of their money _______

7. Essential or fundamental ___________

Erroneous, Integral, Mountebank, Overt, Scrupulous, Stratagem, Underhanded


1. Genuine – Spurious ___________

2. Forthright – Frank ___________

3. Upfront – Prevaricate ___________

4. Clandestine – Overt ___________

5. Furtive – Stealthy ___________

6. Chicanery – Trickery ___________

7. Guile – Deception ___________

8. Ploy – Stratagem ___________

9. Façade – Interior ___________

10. Charlatan – The “real deal” ___________

11. Quack – Mountebank ___________

12. Forthright – Disingenuous ___________

13. Fallacious – Sound ___________

14. Mendacious – Truthful ___________

15. Imposter – Impersonator ___________

16. Integral – Fundamental ___________

IV Answer Yes or No

1. Would the FBI maintain covert missions? ___________

2. Is Abraham Lincoln remembered for his mendacity? ___________

3. Is helping an old person an act of chicanery? ___________

4. Would a quack likely possess a legitimate medical diploma? ___________

5. Would a con artist be considered a mountebank? ___________

6. Would an imposter only use his own identity? ___________

7. Should the President of the United States be virtuous? ___________

8. Is video evidence usually erroneous? ___________

9. Would a criminal try to beguile the police? ___________

10. Would a thief’s plot to rob a bank be surreptitious? ___________

11. Am I candid if I lie to the principal? ___________

12. Does one use subterfuge when dealing with a good friend? ___________

13. If I am an undercover agent, is my regular life a façade? ___________

270 Word List 9


14. Would a truant be furtive when cutting school? ___________

15. Would embezzling funds from charity be scrupulous? ___________

16. Does a witness commit perjury if he tells the truth in court? ___________

17. Would I dissimulate my appearance if I were trying to impersonate someone?_____

18. Is studying consistently an integral component to succeeding on the SAT? ___________

19. Are spurious claims direct and aboveboard? ___________


1. Done secretly: C___________, S___________, S___________, C___________

2. Out in the open, not secretive: O__________

3. Straightforward and honest: C___________, F___________, A___________, I___________,

F___________, U__________

4. Highly moral; attentive to detail: S__________

5. Falsely claiming to have special knowledge: C___________, Q___________

6. An impersonator: I___________

7. Deceives other for money: M___________

8. Lie in court: P___________

9. To speak falsely: P___________

10. To disguise or conceal under false appearance: D___________, D___________

11. Telling lies, especially habitually: M___________

12. Lacking in frankness, candor, or sincerity: D___________

13. Trickery: C___________

14. Plan, strategy or scheme to gain advantage: P___________, S___________, M___________,

A___________

15. Double-sidedness: D___________

16. Mistaken belief, especially one based on unsound argument: F___________

17. Containing error: E__________

18. Being imaginary or having been fabricated: F__________

19. Essential or fundamental: I___________


Review of Lists 7-9



1. Unlike my grandmother who was amiable and

kind, my grandfather was a(n) ------ old man

who argued with me about everything.

(A) hoaxing (B) cantankerous (C) covert

(D) scrupulous (E) ambivalent

2. Despite the fact that Abigail has been separated

from her husband for almost a year, she has

continued to stay a(n) ------ and faithful woman.

(A) clandestine (B) devious (C) virtuous

(D) obstinate (E) malevolent

3. Although Damon looks like an angel and seems

as though he is infallible, his appearances ------

his true nature.

(A) belie (B) duplicate (C) verify

(D) savor (E) vacillate

4. Due to the ------ nature of the questions on the

science exam, it was difficult to discern what the

right answer was.

(A) nebulous (B) recalcitrant (C) bellicose

(D) intransigent (E) aboveboard

5. In the play, The Music Man, Professor Harold

Hill is a ------ who tricks the townspeople into

thinking he can create a boys’ marching band,

but he just wants to swindle their money.

(A) martinet (B) pedagogue (C) despot

(D) demagogue (E) charlatan

6. Maria lives by such a ------ theology that she

leaves no room for any other spiritual belief

system.

(A) mendacious (B) crafty (C) amorphous

(D) dogmatic (E) malignant

7. Because the country had so many disparate

views on how it should be run and no official

leader, ------ reigned during that time.

(A) candor (B) uprightness (C) anarchy

(D) veracity (E) ingenuousness

8. James could have lied and escaped retribution,

but he makes decisions in life using ------ rather

than duplicity.

(A) chicanery (B) integrity (C) stratagems

(D) subterfuge (E) artifice

9. The politician was widely known as a conniving

------ who won his candidacy by preying on the

fears and bigotry of the people.

(A) demagogue (B) tyrant (C) mountebank

(D) quack (E) imposter

10. Alicia was ------ to find out that she not only got

her first choice for a job, but she was being

considered for a management position.

(A) livid (B) elated (C) vexed

(D) loathsome (E) penitent

11. Children often demonstrate the ------ to keep

trying something new even if they don’t get it

right the first time.

(A) contrition (B) condolence (C) proclivity

(D) compunction (E) animosity



12. Marsha’s ------ remark about racism not really

existing today was very insensitive to the

speakers who shared real stories of dealing with

prejudices in the 21st century.

(A) saccharine (B) surreptitious (C) integral

(D) dissimulated (E) flippant

13. Ever since Timmy’s dog died, he has been

absolutely ------, sulking around the house and

crying constantly.

(A) inconsolable (B) fictitious (C) furtive

(D) pugnacious (E) blithe

14. The professor has the entire cohort ------

because he keeps changing the syllabus making

it hard for students to properly plan their work.

(A) ecstatic (B) melancholy (C) obdurate

(D) perturbed (E) content

15. During the funeral service for Roberto, the

speaker read the eulogy in a respectful manner

and with a(n) ------ look on her face.

(A) intractable (B) belligerent (C) incensed

(D) solemn (E) chagrined

16. The article was filled with ------ information, and

subsequently, the piece had to be retracted or

the publisher would face legal action.

(A) acrimonious (B) specious (C) adamant

(D) antipathetic (E) crestfallen

17. If Abie showed some ------ towards how he

wronged Penelope, perhaps she would forgive

him for what he did.

(A) compunction (B) guile (C) affinity

(D) exuberance (E) predilection

18. Gregory has such a(n) ------ towards exercising

that it may be a long while before he reaches his

goal weight.

(A) inclination (B) disposition (C) aversion

(D) frankness (E) fraudulence

19. People began to give looks of annoyance as they

heard Mateo ------ chastise someone on his cell

phone while walking on a public street.

(A) overtly (B) tentatively (C) dolefully

(D) stealthily (D) spuriously

20. The party was so loud and out of control that

------ neighbors began calling in noise

complaints to the police.

(A) misguided (B) lugubrious (C) irate

(D) jocular (E) didactic

21. Ingrid’s ------ nature made it difficult for her

friends to make plans with her considering her

unpredictability and unwillingness to commit.

(A) combative (B) disingenuous (C) irascible

(D) authoritarian (E) capricious



22. As the last number of the lottery was called, the

thought of winning the $2 million jackpot made

Daisuke feel positively ------.

(A) dissembled (B) euphoric (C) infuriated

(D) antagonized (E) exasperated

23. Martina was a lighthearted and ------ woman

who liked to joke around about everyday things

with her co-workers and friends.

(A) despicable (B) unyielding (C) rancorous (D) jovial (E) mercurial 24. It was later revealed that the company’s lawyers

were ------ in their handling of the case because

they concealed important documents during the

proceedings.

(A) upfront (B) morose (C) underhanded (D) sanguine (E) forthright 25. Lily proved to be a ------ child while traveling on

the plane because she never cried and always did

what her mother asked.

(A) refractory (B) fickle (C) frivolous

(D) despondent (E) tractable



Answer Key 1. B; cantankerous 2. C; virtuous 3. A; belie 4. A; ambiguous 5. E; charlatan 6. D; dogmatic 7. C; anarchy 8. B; integrity 9. A; demagogue 10. B; elated 11. C; proclivity 12. E; flippant 13. A; inconsolable 14. D; perturbed 15. D; solemn 16. B; specious 17. A; compunction 18. C; aversion 19. A; overtly 20. C; irate 21. E; capricious 22. B; euphoric 23. D; jovial 24. C; underhanded 25. E; tractable

Word List 10

The Rich & the Poor

Ample

Avaricious

Copious

Covet

Cupidity

Dearth

Deluge

Destitution

Economical

Extensive

Extravagant

Frugal

Glut

Glutton

Impecunious

Impoverished

Indigence

Infinitesimal

Inundation

Lavish

Legion

Lucrative

Meager

Mendicant

Minute

Myriad

Negligible

Opulent

Paltry

Parsimonious

Paucity

Pauper

Penury

Plethora

Prodigal

Profuse

Scant

Scarce

Sparse

Spate

Spendthrift

Surfeit

Surplus

Thrifty

278 Word List 10



Richness & Prosperity

Opulent – ostentatiously rich and luxurious

Lavish – sumptuously rich, elaborate, or luxurious

Extravagant – lacking restraint in spending money or using resources

Prodigal – wasteful, especially of money; spendthrift

Lucrative – highly profitable

Abundance

Copious – a large amount

Ample – sufficient

Profuse (profusion) – spending or giving freely and in large amount, often to excess

Extensive – of great extent; wide; broad

Myriad – large number

Legion – a unit of 3,000-6,000 men in the ancient Roman army; a great number of people or things

Excess – More than enough

Surplus – having left over when requirements are met

Surfeit – an excess amount of something

Glut – an excessively abundant supply of something

Glutton – an excessively greedy eater

Deluge, Inundation – a flood; a lot of something

Spate – a sudden, almost overwhelming, outpouring

Plethora – an excess of something

Poverty – Living in Indigence

Impoverished – poor

Impecunious – having little or no money

Mendicant, Pauper – a beggar or very poor person

Penury, Destitution, Indigence – extreme poverty

Stingy and Penny-pinching

Frugal – careful with money, frugal

Thrifty – careful about managing money, economical

Parsimonious – stinginess, excessive frugality

Few

Scarce – hard to find, rare

Scant – Insufficient or inadequate

Meager – very small amount

Negligible – too small to even be considered

Sparse – thinly dispersed or scattered

Paucity – the presence of something only in small or insufficient quantities

The Rich & the Poor 279


Dearth – scarcity or lack of something

Infinitesimal – very small

Minute – very small in size

Paltry – worthless, insignificant, petty

Greedy

Covet – overly desiring wealth or possessions

Avaricious – greedy

Cupidity – greediness

The Life of a Commuter

I’m a commuter so it should come as no surprise that I spend copious amounts of time on the train. I hate sitting

on the train. It is pretty boring and things to do are scarce. So I spend most of my time surveying the crowd and

fabricating stories about their lives. Take the women sitting on my right. An opulent looking lass, sporting an

extravagant hat.

She has a haughty air to her, and her nose is thrust high in the air. Her prodigal habits are evident from the

surfeit of Bloomingdales bags that clutter the floor at her feet. But it probably doesn’t matter. Her husband is

involved in a lucrative business and can probably support her profligacy indefinitely. That is until she grows old,

and her once ample bosom doubles in size, and not in a good way. The increase in size will be caused by her

gluttonous ways and not by any corrective surgery.

Then he’ll probably realize that there are a myriad of pretty young girls that would be excited to have him wrap

a ring around their finger in return for a lavish lifestyle. Eventually he’ll stray, pay some of his surplus of money

in alimony and call it a day. The supercilious one to my right probably won’t mind. It’s not like she’ll be plunged

into penury or anything. She’ll still have a plethora of money.

My reverie was disturbed by an acrid smell that filled the compartment as a haggard looking mendicant crawled

in. He proceeded to shine the shoes of several passengers. Almost all of the people were too frugal to even give

the impoverished man a dime. I imagined the paltry amount of money the prosperous women to my right

would give him. She surprised me by lavishing the indigent man with clothing form her Bloomingdales bag. She

actually seemed to be a congenial and magnanimous woman. I felt bad. My imagination had not been kind to

her. Well, if her husband strayed, I’d be there for her.

280 Word List 10


Review Exercises


1. She had an opulent home crafted with gold and marble.

Her house was filled with ____________________(noun).

2. Hudson threw an extravagant party with catering and parting gifts.

Its __________ was apparent.

3. The prodigal queen spent money without a thought.

Her _______ (noun) was obvious.

4. Evelyn had a profuse amount of shoes that was astonishing.

Evelyn’s ____________________ (noun) of shoes was astonishing.

5. The researcher wrote an extensive report about her findings.

The ____________________ (noun) of her report was admirable.

6. Finn had a myriad of solutions to the problem.

Finn had ____________________ (adj) solutions to the problem.

7. Samuel was one member of a legion who trained for combat.

He was a ____________________ (adj) member.

He was a ____________________ (noun).

8. After the fundraiser, they had a surplus of finances.

They had ____________________ (adj) finances after the fundraiser.

9. Isla always has a glut of food at her house.

Isla eats ___________ (adj) amounts of food.

The condition of overeating in called ____________ (noun).

10. There was an inundation of water on the kitchen floors due to the leak.

Water ____________________ (verb) the kitchen floors.

11. Professor Weinraub has a plethora of knowledge.

He has a ____________________ (adj) amount of knowledge.

12. The family was left in an impoverished state after the recession.

The recession worked to ____________________ (verb) the family.

The recession worked as an ____________________ (noun)to the family.

The ____________________ (noun) of the family was devastating.

13. Wyatt had an impecunious family and rarely received gifts.

He rarely received gifts because of his family’s ___________ (noun).

14. Because Hazel was indigent, she required financial aid.

Because of Hazel’s ____________________, (noun) she required aid.

15. The country was left destitute due to economic failures.

The ____________________ (noun) was caused by economic failures.

16. A pauper does not exist within that wealthy country.

____________________ (noun) is not a reality within that country.

The country has not been ____________________ (verb).

17. The mendicant asked Jack for money.

Due to the girl’s ____________________, (noun) she asked Jack for money.

18. Aubrey has lived in a constant state of penury since birth.



She has been ____________________ (adj) since birth.

19. Reluctant to splurge on extravagancies, Miles has always been frugal.

He displays _____ (noun) frugality in his changes.

His ____________________ (noun) is marked by how he spends money.

20. Cora is thrifty and can style her clothing inexpensively.

Her ____________________ (noun) forces her to style her clothing inexpensively.

21. He created a parsimonious budget to help save money.

His ____________________ (noun) will help him to save money.

22. Food was scarce because of low crop production.

There was a ____________________ (noun) of food.

23. The amount of care he gave was unfortunately negligible.

He was a ____________________ (adj) caregiver.

His ____________________ (noun) was obvious due to the terrible care he gave.

24. The trees were sparse due to the forest fires.

There was a ____________________ (noun) of trees.

25. Carter has been warned not to covet other’s possessions.

Carter has been warned not to be ____________________ (adj).

26. They had an avaricious plan to swindle the partygoers.

They used ____________________ (noun) to swindle the partygoers.


SET 1

1. An excess of something ___________

2. A beggar ___________

3. Careful with money, economical ___________

4. A flood ___________

5. Greediness ___________

6. Sumptuously rich, elaborate, or luxurious ___________

7. The presence of something only in small or insufficient quantities ___________

8. Wasteful, especially of money; extravagant ___________

Cupidity, Deluge, Frugal, Lavish, Mendicant, Paucity, Plethora, Prodigal

SET 2

1. A flood ___________

2. An excessively abundant supply of something ___________

3. Careful about managing money ___________

4. Greedy ___________

5. Large number ___________

6. Ostentatiously rich and luxurious or lavish ___________

7. Scarcity or lack of something ___________

8. Without the basic necessities of life ___________

282 Word List 10


Avaricious, Dearth, Destitute, Glut, Inundation, Myriad, Opulent, Thrifty

SET 3

1. Overly desiring wealth or possessions ___________

2. Worthless, insignificant, petty ___________

3. Stinginess, excessive frugality ___________

4. Extreme poverty, destitution ___________

5. Sudden, almost overwhelming, outpouring ___________

6. Unit of 3,000-6,000 men in the ancient Roman army ___________

7. Highly profitable ___________

8. Lacking restraint in spending money or using resources ______________

Covet, Extravagant, Legion, Lucrative, Paltry, Parsimonious, Penury, Spate


1. Lavish – Luxurious ___________

2. Plethora – Excess ___________

3. Ample – Scant ___________

4. Avaricious – Content ___________

5. Frugal – Parsimonious ___________

6. Copious – Meager ___________

7. Minute – Infinitesimal ___________

8. Profuse – Sparse ___________

9. Spate – Inundation ___________

10. Legion – Myriad ___________

11. Opulent – Destitute ___________

12. Surfeit –Surplus ___________

13. Impecunious – Rich ___________

14. Prodigal – Thrifty __________

15. Scrupulous – Negligent __________

16. Economical – Spendthrift __________

17. Indigence – Lavishness __________

18. Covetous – Content __________

19. Avarice – Cupidity __________

IV Answer Yes or No

1. Would a company that earns billions of dollars be considered lucrative? ___________

2. Do the residents of affluent neighborhoods live in destitution? ___________



3. Would a month-long rainstorm cause an inundation of floodwaters? ___________

4. Would an impoverished community have a surplus of food? ___________

5. Would an opulent mansion have exquisite decorations? ___________

6. Does the paucity of diamonds make them easier to find? ___________

7. Would I be avaricious if I donate most of my money to charity? ___________

8. Would a mendicant drive a BMW convertible? ___________

9. Would a glutton abstain from food? ___________

10. Would the Library of Congress have a copious amount of books? ___________

11. Would a spendthrift have prodigal tendencies? ___________

12. Would a penurious man bequeath a fortune to his kids? __

13. Would a fire hydrant release a spate of water when it opens? ___________

14. Does an impecunious person have a surfeit of food? ___________

15. Would a country export wheat if they had a meager supply of it? _______

16. Would a frugal person be economical in his spending? _________

17. Does New York City have a sparse population? ___________

18. Does the English language have a myriad of words? ___________

19. Does a homeless person live in indigence? ___________


1. Ostentatiously rich and luxurious: O__________, L__________, E__________

2. Profitable: L__________

3. Wasteful, especially of money: P__________, S__________

4. Large amount: C__________, P__________, M__________, L__________

5. Of great extent: E__________

6. Sufficient: A__________

7. Excess: S__________, S__________, S__________, G__________, P__________

8. Flood: I__________, D__________

9. Poor: I__________, I__________, I__________, D__________, P__________, P__________

10. A beggar: M__________

11. Stingy or careful with money: F__________, P__________, E__________, T__________

12. Greedy: C__________, A__________, C__________

13. Rare: S__________

14. To small to even be considered: N__________

15. Small amount: S__________, M__________, P__________, D__________, I__________,

P__________

16. Thinly dispersed or scattered: S__________

284 Word List 10


Word List 11

Important Roots I

Bizarre

Carnivore

Circumlocution

Circumnavigation

Circumscribe

Circumspect

Circumvent

Disparage

Disparity

Eccentric

Effete

Equivocal

Equivocate

Exorbitant

Expiate

Explicate

Expropriate

Expurgate

Extradite

Extricate

Herbivore

Idiosyncratic

Nescient

Omnibus

Omnipotent

Omnipresent

Omniscient

Omniscient

Omnivore

Outlandish

Parity

Prescient

Ubiquitous

Unconventional

Unequivocal

Unorthodox

Vocal

Vociferous

Voracious

Wary

286 Word List 11



From the root circum meaning around

Circumspect – “looking around,” wary and unwilling to take risks

Circumnavigation – sail around

Circumlocution – to speak around the point

Circumvent – find a way around

Circumscribe – “write around,” restrict something within limits

From the root par meaning equal

Parity – the state or condition of being equal, especially regarding status or pay

Disparity – inequality

Disparage – regard or represent as being of little worth; to criticize

From the root omni meaning all

Omniscient – knowing everything

Omnipresent – present everywhere, ubiquitous

Omnivore – eats plants and meat

Herbivore – eats plants

Carnivore – eats meat

Voracious – devouring great quantities of food

Omnipotent – all powerful

Omnibus – a volume containing several novels or other items previously published separately

From the root ex meaning out

Extricate – free (someone or something) from a constraint or difficulty

Explicate – analyze and develop (an idea or principle) in detail

Expurgate – remove matter thought to be objectionable or unsuitable from (a book or account)

Expiate – atone for (guilt or sin)

Extradite – hand over (a person accused or convicted of a crime) to the jurisdiction of the foreign state in

which the crime was committed

Eccentric – (of a person or their behavior) unconventional and slightly strange

Bizarre – very strange or unusual

Idiosyncratic – of or relating to idiosyncrasy; peculiar or individual

Unconventional – not based on or conforming to what is generally done or believed

Unorthodox – contrary to what is usual, traditional, or accepted

Outlandish – looking or sounding bizarre or unfamiliar

Expropriate – take away (property) from its owner

Effete – no longer capable of effective action

Exorbitant – out of reason in terms of amount

From the root voc meaning voice

Vocal – of or relating to the human voice, expressing opinions or feelings freely.

Vociferous – vehement or clamorous (making loud noise)

Important Roots I 287


Equivocate (equivocation)– use ambiguous language so as to conceal the truth or avoid committing

oneself

Equivocal – open to more than one interpretation; ambiguous

Unequivocal – leaving no for confusion, unambiguous

From the root the root sci meaning to know

Omniscient – knows all

Prescient – knows before

Nescient – knows nothing, ignorant

The Misunderstanding

In order to expiate for his sins the church demanded that Fred expurgate his book of many of the claims

he made against the church. In his book he had vociferously argued that God was no longer omnipotent.

Why would God allow an exorbitant amount of bad things to happen to good people if he was capable of

stopping them from happening? Fred had concluded that God had either become effete, or was never

capable of action.

After being disparaged by the church for months at a time for his unorthodox beliefs, and repeatedly

threatened with excommunication, Fred came to the church to seek exoneration. When he arrived, he

announced his intention to extricate himself from the situation. “I would like to retract my statements and

make things right,” he said.

“Well well,” said the Reverend with a malicious grin spreading across his face, “Now you come in

clamoring for our forgiveness. Have you abandoned your views?”

“It’s not that I changed my mind. Just that I want to. I thought I believed that stuff and now,” he trailed

off. “I just want.”

“I never saw circumlocution like this. I don’t want you to equivocate. I want you to unequivocally state

that you believe that your statements were outlandish. That you believe that god is omniscient, all

knowing. Otherwise we will expropriate your home and throw you in jail.”

“Ok fine. I no longer believe that God is effete. I believe that he is omnipotent and I am willing to release

a statement saying so,” Fred finally conceded.

The Reverend looked at Fred with a perplexed expression etched across his face. “My son, your

statements about God’s capabilities were not the problem. We just want you to retract your statements that

the people that dress up as Santa Claus must be bizarre and idiosyncratic people. They are just kind men

that are trying to bring joy to others!”

288 Word List 11


Review Exercises


1. The detective was circumspect when questioning high profile suspects.

The detective used ____________________ (noun) when questioning suspects.

2. He sailed the first ship to complete a full circumnavigation of the world.

He ____________________ (verb) the world.

He is a ____________________ (noun) of the world.

3. The lawyer relied on circumlocution to confuse the witness.

The lawyer relied on ____________________ (adj) speech to confuse the witness.

4. He tried to circumvent the law by omitting the truth.

His ____________________ (noun) of the law was through omitting the truth.

5. John’s boss had to circumscribe his job description to avoid redundancies.

The ____________________ (noun) of John’s job description avoided redundancies.

6. Veena often aimed to disparage those she felt were less important.

She’s ____________________ (noun) of others happened often.

She is ____________________ (adj) towards others.

7. Mr. Bowery, the omniscient narrator of the story knew all.

The ____________________ (noun) of the narrator allowed him to know all.

8. Zuma needed a break from the omnipresent nature of her mother.

She needed a break from the ____________________ (noun) of her mother.

9. Humans have become omnivores over time.

Humans have become ____________________ (adj) beings over time.

10. My cow, Bessie, is an herbivore.

She is ____________________ (adj).

11. A great white shark is a carnivore.

They are ____________________ (adj).

12. Babies are voracious eaters who must eat every few hours.

Their ____________________ (adj) cause them to eat every few hours.

13. Mark’s omnipotent rule lasted several decades.

The ____________________ (noun) of his rule lasted several decades.

14. It was difficult trying to extricate Billy after he fell into the well.

He was hardly ____________________ (adj) after falling into the well.

His ____________________ (noun) was difficult.

15. The economist tried his best to explicate the Great Depression.

He gave an ____________________ (adj) account of the Great Depression.

He made the Great Depression ____________________ (adj) due to his account of it.

The Great Depression requires great ____________________ (noun).

16. The editor had to expurgate parts of the presentation.

She is an ____________________ (noun).

She made ____________________ (adj) adjustments to the presentation.

The presentation needed ____________________ (noun).

17. Christian felt compelled to expiate his offenses against his brother.



His offenses were ____________________ (adj).

He made ____________________ (noun) to his brother.

He made ____________________ (adj) remarks towards his brother.

18. The government had to extradite the foreign criminal back to her country.

The criminal submitted to ____________________ (noun).

The ____________________ (adj) criminal went back to her country.

19. The city plans to expropriate various houses in order to build the highway.

The city has plans for the ____________________ (noun) of houses.

The city is an ____________________ (adj) of people’s homes.

20. Kim is very vocal in her support of roof top gardening.

Her ____________________ (noun) of her support is evident.

She likes to ____________________ (verb) her support of roof top gardening.

21. The vociferous advocates pleaded for new legislation.

The advocates ____________________ (verb) for new legislation.

The ____________________ (noun) of the advocates was made for new legislation.

22. Jermaine chose to equivocate in order to avoid being direct.

His ____________________ (noun) was to avoid being direct.

His ____________________ (adj) speech was to avoid being direct.

He did not have ____________________ (antonym, adj) speech.


SET 1

1. All powerful ___________

2. Devouring great quantities of food ___________

3. Find a way around, overcome ___________

4. Knowing everything ___________

5. Ubiquitous ___________

6. Restrict (something) within limits ___________

7. Sail all the way around ___________

8. Of a person or their behavior unconventional and slightly strange ___________

9. Speaking around the point ___________

10. Wary and unwilling to take risks ___________

Circumlocution, Circumnavigation, Circumscribe, Circumspect, Circumvent, Eccentric, Omnipotent,

Omnipresent, Omniscient, Voracious

SET 2

1. Analyze and develop (an idea or principle) in detail ___________

2. Atone for (guilt or sin) ___________

3. Eats meat ___________

4. Eats plants and meat ___________

5. Free (someone or something) from a constraint or difficulty ___________

6. Hand over (a person accused or convicted of a crime) to the jurisdiction of the foreign state in

which the crime was committed ___________

290 Word List 11


7. Not conforming to what is generally done or believed ___________

8. Remove matter thought to be objectionable or unsuitable ___________

9. Very strange or unusual ___________

Bizarre, Carnivorous, Expiate, Explicate, Expurgate, Extradite, Extricate, Omnivorous, Unconventional

SET 3

1. No longer capable of effective action ___________

2. Contrary to what is usual, traditional, or accepted ___________

3. Eats plants ___________

4. Looking or sounding bizarre or unfamiliar ___________

5. Expressing opinions or feelings freely ___________

6. Take away (property) from its owner ___________

7. Use ambiguous language so as to conceal the truth ___________

8. Vehement or clamorous ___________

9. Volume containing several novels published separately ___________

Effete, Equivicate, Expropriate, Herbivorous, Omnibus, Outlandish, Unorthodox, Vocal, Vociferous


1. Circumspect – Wary ___________

2. Circumlocution – Directness ___________

3. Open – Circumscribe ___________

4. Parity – Inequality ___________

5. Disparage – Belittle ___________

6. Omniscient – All-knowing ___________

7. Omnipresent – Ubiquitous ___________

8. Omnipotent – Weak ___________

9. Involve – Extricate ___________

10. Explicate – Analyze ___________

11. Expurgate – Permit ___________

12. Expropriate – Give ___________

13. Vociferous – Quiet ___________

14. Extradite – Bring to justice ___________

15. Eccentric – Common ____________

IV Answer Yes or No

1. Are animals that only eat plants carnivorous? ___________

2. If I never did anything wrong, do I need to expiate for my sins? ___________

3. If I speak out very loudly in favor of the law, am I a vociferous proponent of it? ___________

4. When someone is extricated from jail, is he is under complete lockdown? ___________

5. Did slave-owners often disparage their slaves? ______



6. Would a rebellious person try to circumvent the law? ___________

7. Would an omniscient narrator know all of the characters’ thoughts? ________

8. Would obscene content need to be expurgated from a children’s book? ___

9. Would a good history teacher explicate the details of World War II? ______

10. Are computers ubiquitous among most households? ___________

11. Would an unconventional practice be considered traditional? ___________

12. Would it be considered eccentric to eat three meals a day? ___________

13. Is an unequivocal statement open for many interpretations? ___________

14. Is there disparity between rich owners and their workers? ___________

15. Would everyone believe someone who makes outlandish claims? ___________

16. Would a vocal person hold back most of his opinions? ___________

17. Would someone be circumspect walking around in a dangerous neighborhood at midnight?

__________

18. Would a parent circumscribe a child’s behavior during a formal event? __________

19. Would one equivocate if he or she wants to take a definite stance? __________

20. Would an omnibus contain only an author’s most recent work?


1. All powerful: O___________

2. Devouring great quantities of food: V___________

3. Find a way around, overcome: C___________

4. Knowing everything: O___________

5. Present everywhere: U___________, O__________

6. Restrict (something) within limits: C___________

7. Sail all the way around: C___________

8. Speaking around the point: C___________

9. Wary and unwilling to take risks: C___________

10. Analyze and develop (an idea or principle) in detail: E___________

11. Atone for (guilt or sin): E___________

12. Eats meat: C___________

13. Eats plants: H__________

14. Eats plants and meat: O___________

15. Free (someone or something) from a constraint or difficulty: ___________

16. Hand over (a person accused or convicted of a crime) to the jurisdiction of the foreign state in which

the crime was committed: E___________

17. Remove matter thought to be objectionable or unsuitable: E___________

18. Very strange or unusual: B___________, E__________, O__________

19. A particular trait that is unique to a person: I__________

20. No longer capable of effective action: E___________

21. Contrary to what is usual, traditional, or accepted: U___________, U__________

22. Leaving no room for confusion or doubt: U___________

23. Take away (property) from its owner: E___________

24. Use ambiguous language so as to conceal the truth: E___________

292 Word List 11


25. Vehement or clamorous: V___________

26. Volume containing several novels published separately: O___________

Word List 12

Important Roots II

Acrophobia

Adolescent

Anachronistic

Arsonist

Chronic

Chronicle

Chronological

Chronometer

Circumspect

Claustrophobia

Coalescent

Compulsion

Conspicuous

Convalescent

Equanimity

Equilibrium

Equinox

Equivalent

Equivocate

Evanescent

Incendiary

Inflammatory

Introspection

Kleptomania

Lucid

Monomania

Nascent

Obsolescent

Perspicacious

Perspicuous

Polygamy

Polyglot

Polymath

Polytheism

Pyromania

Recuperating

Specious

Spectacle

Synchronize

Unequivocal

Xenophobia

294 Word List 12



From the root spec/spic meaning to see or to look

Spectacle – a visually striking performance or display

Specious – misleading in appearance (seems to be true)

Perspicacious – having a ready insight into and understanding of things

Perspicuous – clearly expressed and easily understood; lucid

Circumspect – wary and unwilling to take risks

Introspection – to examine one’s own thoughts or feelings (look inwards)

Conspicuous – easily seen, noticeable

From the root mania meaning obsession or compulsion

Compulsion – strong desire to do something

Kleptomania – compulsion to steal

Pyromania – compulsion to light fires for the thrill

Incendiary – designed to cause fires; tending to stir up conflict, inflammatory

Arsonist – lights fires, often for revenge

Monomania – obsessive desire for or preoccupation with one thing

From the root phobia meaning fear

Acrophobia – fear of heights (think of acrobat)

Claustrophobia – fear of tight spaces

Xenophobia – fear of foreigners

From the root poly meaning many

Polygamy – many marriages

Polymath – wide-ranging knowledge

Polyglot – can speak many languages

Polytheism – belief in many gods

From the root chrono meaning time

Anachronistic (anachronism) – out of its time

Chronic – occurring time and time again

Synchronize (synchronization) – cause to occur or operate at the same time or rate

Chronometer – device that measures time

Chronological – in order of time

Chronicle – a work of fiction or nonfiction that describes a particular series of events

From the root escent meaning becoming

Obsolescent – becoming obsolete (out of date)

Evanescent – disappearing; short-lived

Convalescent – recovering from injury or illness, recuperating

Adolescent – becoming an adult

Coalescent – coming together

Important Roots II 295


Nascent – coming to be born, the beginning

From the root equi meaning equal

Equivalent – equal in value, amount, function, meaning

Equivocate (equivocation, equivocator) – “speak with two equal voices” – purposely mislead by

intentional ambiguity

Unequivocal – definite and unambiguous

Equanimity – evenness of temper, composure

Equinox – when the day and night are of equal length

Equilibrium – state of physical balance

The Apple Store I didn’t know it would cause such a spectacle. I really didn’t. But let me backtrack and tell the story in chronological order. It all started when I was 5 years old and got my first compulsion to steal. Back then I was a circumspect little kid. I was hardly a risk taker. But when I saw my 3rd mother’s purse lying there and a clean 20-dollar bill protruding from it, I just felt this need to pilfer it. I just figured it was an innocuous action. She wouldn’t even realize. And she wasn’t even my birth mother. My dad just coerced me to call all eight of his wives mom. Damn polygamists. The rush I got was incredible, but it was fleeting. A few days later I was craving the rush again. Over the next ten years I stole anything and everything. I even stole obsolete objects like old newspapers and tape recorders. If it wasn’t mine then I had to have it. If I had performed even a minute of introspection it would have been apparent to me that my chronic burglaries probably made me a kleptomaniac. Either I never did a second of introspection, or no one ever gave me a perspicuous definition of what a kleptomaniac was, because I never even considered the possibility. Finally I got caught. I was at the Apple store and I figured I would really like to taste one of the redder apples. At this point it was easy for me to maintain my equanimity prior to a theft. I rarely ever broke a sweat. So I just took one and absconded. Unfortunately, my theft was a conspicuous one. The storeowner noticed my actions and decided my actions were equivalent to the most heinous crimes. He grabbed me, hung me from the roof of his store and proceeded to pelt me with apples. As I said it was quite a spectacle.

296 Word List 12


Review Exercises


1. The performance was a spectacle for the audience.

It was a ____________________ (adj) performance.

The audience were ____________________ (noun).

2. The perspicacious observer noticed what others had not.

His ____________________ (noun) allowed him to notice what others had not.

3. She made a perspicuous argument supported with clear evidence.

Her ____________________ (noun) helped her support her argument with clear evidence.

4. With quiet introspection, the philosopher contemplated life.

She had ____________________ (adj) thoughts about life.

5. She has the compulsion to apologize even when she’s done nothing.

She offers ____________________ (adj) apologies even when she’s done nothing wrong.

Her apologies are not ____________________, (adj) but she offers them anyways.

Her ____________________ (noun) almost forces her to apologize for everything.

6. Leili steals because she suffers from kleptomania.

She is a ____________________ (noun).

7. He lights fires due to his pyromania.

He lights fires due to his ____________________ (adj) tendencies.

He is a ____________________ (noun).

8. He made incendiary remarks to the group that were shocking.

He’s an ____________________ (noun) who likes to shock people with his remarks.

His ____________________ (noun) shocks people.

9. Investigators suspect an arsonist started the fires.

They suspect an ____________________ (adj) act started the fires.

They suspect ____________________ (noun) with the fires.

10. His monomania made him a great scientific researcher.

He is a ____________________ (noun) about scientific research.

He is ____________________ (adj) about scientific research.

11. Jeff was surprised he climbed the mountain considering he has acrophobia.

He is ____________________ (adj).

He is an ____________________ (noun).

12. Due to Andrew’s claustrophobia, he never takes the elevator.

He is a ____________________ (noun).

He is ____________________ (adj).

13. Adalyn’s xenophobia makes it difficult for her to meet new people.

She is ____________________ (adj).

She is a ____________________ (noun).

14. Eleanor not only believes in polygamy, but practices it as well.

She has ____________________ (verb) the normative view of marriage.

She participates in ____________________ (adj) practices.

15. Brielle is a polymath who has knowledge on almost everything.



Her ____________________ (noun) helps her have knowledge about almost everything.

Her ____________________ (adj) knowledge is incredible.

16. Adelaide lives in a polyglot community that speaks five languages.

She is a ____________________ (noun).

The community embraces ____________________ (noun).

17. Ancient Greece accepted the ideals of polytheism.

Ancient Greece was ____________________ (adj).

Ancient Greeks were ____________________ (noun).

18. Arabella has an anachronistic fashion sense from the Victorian age.

She is an ____________________ (noun) with her Victorian fashion sense.

19. Paul has irritatingly chronic hip pain.

The ____________________ (noun) of Paul’s pain is irritating.

20. It’s difficult to synchronize a swim routine.

Creating a swim routine that has perfect ____________________ (noun) is difficult to attain.

It is difficult to create a ____________________ (adj) swim routine.

21. A scientist created a chronometer that can display accurate seasonal changes.

She created a ____________________ (adj) device that displays seasonal changes.

She studying ____________________ (noun) created a device that displays the seasons.

22. The professor made a historical timeline in chronological sequence.

He is a historical ____________________ (noun).

He made a ____________________ (noun) of the historical events.

23. Patsy created a chronicle of her life long adventures.

She tried to ____________________ (verb) her life long adventures.

She is a ____________________ (noun) of her life long adventures.

24. That new technology will be obsolescent in a few months.

It will reach ____________________ (noun) in a few months.

It will become ____________________ (adj) in a few years.

It will ____________________ (verb).

25. Rainbows are beautifully evanescent phenomena.

They ____________________ (verb) beautifully.

A rainbow’s ____________________ (noun) is beautiful.

26. Many months passed before the wounded athlete felt the benefit of her convalescent stay.

Many months passed before she ____________________ (verb).

Many more months passed before her ____________________ (noun) was complete.

27. His parents could barely cope with his adolescent behavior.

They could barely deal with his ____________________ (noun).

They could barely deal with him as an ____________________ (noun).

28. The movement gained momentum once the groups became coalescent.

It gained momentum once the groups reached ____________________ (noun).

It gained momentum once the groups ____________________ (verb).

29. The amounts are equivalent to each other.

There is an ____________________ (noun) to the amounts.

30. There is equal day and night during the spring equinox.

This occurs when the sun passes the ____________________ (adj) point.

298 Word List 12


31. The scale reached equilibrium when the second object of equal weight was added.

The second object ____________________ (verb) the scale.

The second object acted as an ____________________ (noun).

III Match the definition to the word in the box

SET 1

1. A visually striking performance or display ___________

2. Compulsion to light fires for the thrill ___________

3. Compulsion to steal ___________

4. Fear of foreigners ___________

5. Fear of heights ___________

6. Fear of tight spaces ___________

7. Misleading in appearance ___________

8. Obsessive desire for or preoccupation with one thing ___________

9. Strong desire to do something ___________

10. Wary and unwilling to take risks ___________

Acrophobia, Circumspect, Claustrophobia, Compulsion, Kleptomania, Monomania, Pyromania,

Specious, Spectacle, Xenophobia

SET 2

1. Belief in many gods ___________

2. Can speak many languages ___________

3. Cause to occur at the same time ___________

4. Designed to cause fires; tending to stir up conflict ___________

5. Device that measures time ___________

6. In order of time ___________

7. Many marriages ___________

8. Occurring time and time again ___________

9. Out of its time ___________

10. Wide-ranging knowledge ___________

Anachronistic, Chronic, Chronological, Chronometer, Incendiary, Polygamy, Polyglot, Polymath,

Polytheism, Synchronize

SET 3

1. Becoming out of date ___________

2. Coming together ___________

3. Day and night are equal length ___________

4. Definite and unambiguous ___________

5. Disappearing; short-lived ___________

6. Equal in value, amount, function, meaning ___________

7. Evenness of temper, composure ___________

8. Lights fires, often for revenge ___________



9. State of physical balance ___________

10. Recuperating ___________

11. Purposely mislead by intentional ambiguity ____________

Arsonist, Coalescent, Convalescent, Equanimity, Equilibrium, Equinox, Equivalent, Equivocate,

Evanescent, Obsolescent, Unequivocal


1. Coalescent – Divergent ___________

2. Unequivocal – Unambiguous ___________

3. Circumspect – Wary ___________

4. Polygamy – Monogamy ___________

5. Spectacle – Display ___________

6. Specious – Accurate ___________

7. Equanimity – Agitation ___________

8. Equilibrium – Balance ___________

9. Compulsion – Desire ___________

10. Chronic – Temporary ___________

11. Chronological – Anachronistic ___________

12. Evanescent – Long-lasting ___________

13. Convalescent – Recuperating ___________

14. Obsolescent – Avant-garde ___________

IV Answer Yes or No

1. Would you leave jewelry unattended in the presence of a kleptomaniac? ___________

2. Would a polygamous society approve of a man who had more than one wife? ___

3. Must basketball players maintain equanimity when shooting the game winning foul shot?

___________

4. Does evanescent fame last for a long time? ___________

5. Would a fistfight in the middle of Time Square create a spectacle? ___________

6. Would it be safe if a firefighter were a pyromaniac? ___________

7. Would a cellphone in a film about George Washington be anachronistic? ___________

8. Does a couple coalesce when they break up? ___________

9. Is a polymath’s skill limited to one subject? ___________

10. Are claustrophobics fearful of heights? ___________

11. Would a compulsive gambler be able to quit easily? ___________

12. Would someone equivocate to circumvent a direct response? ___________

13. Is the use of a landline home phone obsolescent? __________

14. Would an acrophobic be willing to climb Mount Everest? ___________

15. Would synchronized watches display the same time? ___________

300 Word List 12


16. Would New Year’s be considered a time for introspection? __________


1. A visually striking performance or display: S___________

2. Compulsion to light fires for the thrill: P___________

3. Compulsion to steal: K___________

4. Fear of foreigners: X___________

5. Fear of heights: A___________

6. Fear of tight spaces: C___________

7. Misleading in appearance (seems to be true): S___________

8. Obsessive desire for or preoccupation with one thing: M___________

9. Strong desire to do something: C___________

10. Wary and unwilling to take risks: C___________

11. Belief in many gods: P___________

12. Can speak many languages: P___________

13. Cause to occur at the same time: S___________

14. Designed to cause fires; tending to stir up conflict: I___________, I___________

15. Device that measures time: C___________

16. In order of time: C___________

17. Many marriages: P___________

18. Occurring time and time again: C___________

19. Out of its time: A___________

20. Wide-ranging knowledge: P___________

21. Becoming out of date: O___________

22. Coming together: C___________

23. Day and night are equal length: E___________

24. Definite and unambiguous: U___________

25. Disappearing; short-lived: E___________

26. Evenness of temper, composure: E___________

27. Lights fires, often for revenge: A___________

28. State of physical balance: E___________

29. Recuperating: C___________

30. Purposely mislead by intentional ambiguity: E___________

31. Examine one’s own thoughts or feelings: I___________


Review of Lists 10-12



1. When Sharon was asked for her hand in

marriage, she answered with a(n) ------ yes

considering there was no one else with whom

she could imagine spending the rest of her life.

(A) spurious (B) voracious (C) meager (D) unequivocal (E) impecunious 2. Renee’s mother seems to be ------ because she

always knows if he’s doing something wrong

even if she’s in the other room.

(A) wary (B) acrophobic (C) evanescent (D) impoverished (E) ubiquitous 3. Ever since Ross went shopping for the party,

there has been a(n) ------ of food in the

cupboards and refrigerator.

(A) plethora (B) equinox (C) polymath (D) paucity (E) polyglot 4. The old lady living in the run-down mansion is

a(n) ------ woman who wears her cardigan as a

skirt and feeds the raccoons living in her attic.

(A) eccentric (B) extensive (C) extravagant (D) chronological (E) vociferous 5. It’s been reported that the fires erupting across

the city are not accidental but being purposely lit

by a(n) ------ seeking revenge from all those who

wronged him.

(A) kleptomaniac (B) arsonist (C) polyglot (D) legion (E) polygamist

6. Laura grew up with a single mother who always

had to be ------ with her money to ensure her

children were fed and clothed.

(A) prodigal (B) outlandish (C) incendiary (D) frugal (E) anachronistic 7. Due to the storm, there were ------ amounts of

rain, and all the houses along the shoreline were

flooded.

(A) negligible (B) equivocal (C) copious (D) perspicuous (E) synchronized 8. Although the explorer, Magellan, died on the

expedition, his men were the first to ------ the

world.

(A) extricate (B)expiate (C) covet (D) inundate (E) circumnavigate 9. Despite the fact that Darius was trained soldier,

he is still ------ when walking the streets of his

hometown.

(A) xenophobic (B) minute (C) adolescent (D) circumspect (E) omnivorous 10. Due to the recession, Franklin has been without

a job for the past year, leaving his family ------

and struggling to survive.

(A) lavish (B) destitute (C) omnipotent (D) bizarre (E) gluttonous



11. Mary knew very little about gardening, but the

article she found ------ the subject very well

leaving her feeling somewhat more

knowledgeable.

(A) explicated (B) extradited (C) expurgated (D) circumscribed (E) equivocated 12. Even though Takashi has ------ back pain, he

still works out three times a week causing him

even more distress.

(A) economical (B) penurious (C) chronic (D) perspicacious (E) unconventional 13. The band of thieves developed a(n) ------

scheme to cheat the naïve couple out of

thousands of dollars.

(A) scarce (B) disparaged (C) adolescent (D) avaricious (E) sparse 14. Carol was ------ and liked to examine the state of

her relationship with Bill, however, he was less

reflective and grew weary of her need to discuss

every issue.

(A) spectacular (B) compulsive (C) carnivorous (D) introspective (E) circumlocutory 15. The politician was a master ------, always

allowing for multiple interpretations in his

speech as to not offend any of his constituents.

(A) equivocator (B) pauper (C) pyromaniac

(D) monomaniac (E) mendicant

16. Because homelessness is still prevalent, there are

various programs within the community to help

relieve ------.

(A) equilibrium (B) cupidity (C) indigence

(D) polytheism (E) claustrophobia

17. Although calculus can be a very difficult subject

to understand, the ------ of Gina’s explanations

helped the study group grasp the complex

content.

(A) chronicle (B) omnibus (C) deluge (D) perspicuity (E) dearth

18. Annie had always lived in poverty and wasn’t

used to her adoptive parent’s ------ home

with crystal chandeliers and marble

staircases.

(A) opulent (B) scant (C) infinitesimal

(D) idiosyncratic (E) effete

19. Often times people were banished or

migrated voluntarily to new lands when their

------ religious views didn’t conform to their

country’s established doctrine.

(A) unorthodox (B) indigent (C) thrifty

(D) ubiquitous (E) recuperating

20. Although the group of musicians began as a

misfit of music lovers, they slowly began to -

---- into a proper band.

(A) equivocate (B) inflame (C) vocalize

(D) circumvent (E) coalesce



21. To ensure that a heavier wrestler doesn’t have

an advantage over a lighter opponent, they are

grouped by weight class to create some level of -

-----.

(A) parity (B) surplus (C) penury

(D) lucidity (E) spate 22. The job offered was exactly what Aaron wanted,

but the ------ salary would have meant taking a

huge pay cut.

(A) ample (B) paltry (C) lucrative

(D) equivalent (E) omniscient

23. The old cathedrals are known for the ------ of

its architecture with their intricate stained glass

windows and gold incrusted inlays.

(A) indigence (B) extravagance (C) frugality (D) parsimony (E) wariness 24. Even though John’s son is only nine years old,

he’s full of ------ from his love of Shakespearean

literature to his respect for a well made

cappuccino.

(A) paucities (B) avarice (C)anachronisms (D) chronometers (E) synchronizations 25. Little Timmy has such a(n) ------ appetite that

he’s always going back for second and third

helpings of meals.

(A) lucid (B) negligible (C) incendiary (D) voracious (E) minute



Answer Key 1. D; unequivocal 2. E; omnipresent 3. A; plethora 4. A; eccentric 5. B; arsonist 6. D; frugal 7. C; copious 8. E; circumnavigate 9. D; circumspect 10. B; destitute 11. A; explicated 12. C; chronic 13. D; avaricious 14. D; introspective 15. A; equivocator 16. C; indigence 17. D; perspicuity 18. C; opulent 19. A; unorthodox 20. E; coalesce 21. A; parity 22. B; paltry 23. B; extravagance 24. C; anachronisms 25. D; voracious

Word List 13

Beliefs & Ideological Movements

Agnosticism

Altruism

Anarchism

Asceticism

Atheism

Chauvinism

Conservatism

Cynicism

Egalitarianism

Egocentrism

Epicureanism

Fatalism

Hedonism

Iconoclasm

Jingoism

Liberalism

Monotheism

Sadism

Stoicism

308 Word List 13



Asceticism – belief in simplicity and austerity

Atheism – belief in no god

Monotheism – belief in one god

Agnosticism – belief that one cannot know whether god exists

Epicureanism – belief in “eat and drink for tomorrow we die”

Stoicism – belief in bearing pain without showing emotion

Chauvinism – belief in the superiority of your affiliations

Cynicism – belief in the negativity of mankind

Jingoism – belief that your country should go to war

Egocentrism – belief that oneself exists as the center of the universe

Altruism – belief that one lives to help others

Conservatism – belief that government should conserve past traditions

Liberalism – belief that government should undertake political and social reform

Iconoclasm – belief that traditions bear little or no value

Sadism – practice of excessive cruelty

Anarchism – belief in the abolition of government [no rule]

Egalitarianism – belief that all people are equal and deserve equal rights

Fatalism – belief that all events are predetermined

Hedonism – belief that pleasure is the highest objective of life

A Diverse Group

"Hitler killed god," the atheist muttered. “Who could believe in a god when such sadism exists?”

"Boy are you cynical," said the monotheist. "Can you just ignore the altruistic acts of benevolent

volunteers?" he asked. "They work every day with no ulterior motive; they work simply to help others."

"Are you kidding?" inquired the epicurean as he threw back yet another glass of wine and dug his fingers

greedily into a bowl of chicken wings. "Those kids just want to meet girls. They are a bunch of hedonists

like me, masquerading around as egalitarians. They pretend they want the rich and poor to be equal, but

really they just want an equal shot at landing the girl as the cool kids."

From the back of the room, a man robed in the complete garb of a king piped in. "Why does everyone have

to be so iconoclastic these days, tearing down any established belief or tradition?"

Beliefs & Ideological Movements 309


A mousy looking women cleared her throat before circumspectly chiming in. "I'm no ascetic, I wear nice

cloths and eat good meals, but I can hardly believe you two. One of you is wearing a crown - I'm not sure

why - and the other is throwing back wine. We are at a funeral!"

"Shut up, woman!" shouted a chauvinist. "I liked it way better when women couldn't even work let along

open their mouths in public."

"It's because of people like you that I hate conservatives!" shouted a lanky mustache-wearing man. "They

are so busy clamoring for the past that they can't appreciate that we have made progress as a country.”

It seemed that his progressive views angered the man dressed as a king. "Army seize this man! I declare

war!" This jingoistic sentiment angered the anarchist who had already decided that all government should

be abolished. He stood and ran at the poor man dressed as a king. Using the silverware lining the table as a

weapon, he proceeded to bury it repeatedly in the man’s neck. "Long live anarchy!" he shouted.

But through all of this the stoic just sat there unaffected and watched.

310 Word List 13


Review Exercises


1. Pearl’s asceticism prevents her from having a lavish lifestyle.

An ___________________ (noun) is a person who believes in asceticism.

2. Mathieu believes in atheism, meaning there is no god.

An ___________________ (noun) is a person who believes there is no god.

He has ___________________ (adj) beliefs.

3. Some religions prescribe to monotheism believing there is only one god.

They prescribe to ___________________ (adj) beliefs.

___________________ (noun) are people who believe in monotheism.

4. Willard believes in agnosticism and cannot truly say whether a god exists.

He has ___________________ (adj) views.

An ___________________ (noun) is a person who believes in agnosticism.

5. Martha’s Epicureanism leads her to seek pleasures above all.

Her ___________________ (adj) needs lead her to seek pleasures above all.

An ___________________ (noun) is a person who seeks pleasures above all.

6. Joan’s stoicism makes her indifferent to pleasure or pain.

A ___________________ (noun) is a person who lives with a level of stoicism.

She has ___________________ (adj) behavior.

7. The team’s chauvinism makes them rude to others because they think they’re the best.

They have ___________________ (adj) behaviors.

___________________ (noun) are people who live by chauvinism.

8. Her cynicism about politics gives her a negative view about all politicians.

A ___________________ (noun) is a person whose life is governed by cynicism.

She is a ___________________ (adj) person.

9. His jingoism makes him believe all countries should follow his country’s policies.

He has ___________________ (adj) beliefs.

A ___________________ (noun) is a person who supports jingoism.

10. The egocentrism of children slowly transforms into care for others.

An ___________________ (noun) is a person who is influenced by egocentrism.

Their ___________________ (noun) slowly transforms.

11. Steve’s conservatism makes it difficult to discuss progressive legislature.

He has ___________________ (adj) opinions.

A ___________________ (noun) is someone who prescribes to conservatism.

12. Stewart’s liberalism directs conversation towards government reform.

He has ___________________ (adj) ideas.

He is a ___________________ (noun) who believes in social security and universal healthcare.

13. His sadism leads him to attack strangers for enjoyment.

He is a ___________________ (noun) who enjoys inflicting pain on others.



He plans ___________________ (adj) attacks.

14. Judy’s egalitarianism makes her a great activist for people’s equality.

She has ___________________ (adj) motives.

An ___________________ (noun) is a person who supports egalitarianism.

15. Having been to war, Jerry has developed a sense of fatalism.

He has a ___________________ (adj) sense.

A ___________________ (noun) is a person who believes in fatalism.

16. Lola’s hedonism makes her prone to choose pleasure over sensibility.

A ___________________ (noun) is a person who subscribes to hedonism.

She has ___________________ (adj) tendencies.


SET 1

1. Belief in “eat and drink for tomorrow we die” ___________

2. Belief in bearing pain without showing emotion ___________

3. Belief in no god ___________

4. Belief in one god ___________

5. Belief in simplicity and austerity ___________

6. Belief in that people are motivated by self-interest ___________

7. Belief in the superiority of your affiliations ___________

8. Belief that one cannot know whether god exists ___________

9. Belief that oneself exists as the center of the universe ___________

10. Belief that your country should go to war ____________

Agnosticism, Asceticism, Atheism, Chauvinism, Cynicism, Egocentrism, Epicureanism, Jingoism,

Monotheism, Stoicism

SET 2

1. Belief in the abolition of government ___________

2. Belief that all events are predetermined ___________

3. Belief that all people are equal and deserve equal rights ___________

4. Belief that government should conserve past traditions ___________

5. Belief that government should undertake political and social reform ___________

6. Belief that one lives to help others ___________

7. Belief that pleasure is the highest objective of life ___________

8. Belief that traditions bear little or no value ___________

9. Practice of excessive cruelty ___________

312 Word List 13


Altruism, Anarchism, Conservatism, Egalitarianism, Fatalism, Hedonism, Iconoclasm, Liberalism,

Sadism


1. Altruistic – Egocentric ___________

2. Atheism – Monotheism ___________

3. Agnostic – Believer ___________

4. Epicurean – Hedonism ___________

5. Chauvinist – Modest ___________

6. Cynicism – Optimism ___________

7. Liberal – Conservative ___________

8. Anarchy – Monarchy ___________

9. Fatalism – Predestination ___________

10. Iconoclast – Traditionalist ___________

11. Sadistic – Vicious ___________

12. Hedonism – Asceticism ___________

13. Stoicism – Emotional ___________

14. Jingoism – Violent Patriotism ___________

15. Egalitarian – Inequality ___________

IV Answer Yes or No

1. Does a monotheist believe in many Gods? ___________

2. Is an egocentric person humble? ___________

3. Would an egalitarian believe that some citizens deserve more rights? ___________

4. Would an altruistic person self-centered? ___________

5. Would an iconoclast cherish traditions? ___________

6. Would an anarchist favor strong government? ___________

7. Would a stoic complain from his suffering? ___________

8. Do ascetics participate in extravagant feasts and parties? ___________

9. Would a jingoist prefer a peaceful solution? ___________

10. Do hedonists abstain from all pleasure? ___________

11. Would a chauvinist be known as arrogant? ___________

12. Do fatalists believe in complete free choice? ___________

13. Would a conservative want to change the government completely? ___________

14. Would a sadist be a gentle and kind person? ___________

15. Would a cynic believe the goodness of mankind? _________




1. Belief in the abolition of government: A___________

2. Belief that all events are predetermined: F___________

3. Belief that all people are equal and deserve equal rights: E___________

4. Belief that government should keep past traditions: C___________

5. Belief that government should undertake political and social reform: L___________

6. Belief that one lives to help others: A___________

7. Belief that pleasure is the highest objective of life: H___________

8. Belief that traditions bear little or no value: I___________

9. Practice of excessive cruelty: S___________

10. Belief in “eat and drink for tomorrow we die”: E___________

11. Belief in bearing pain without showing emotion: S___________

12. Belief in no god: A___________

13. Belief in one god: M___________

14. Belief in simplicity and austerity: A___________

15. Belief in that people are motivated by self-interest: C___________

16. Belief in the superiority of your affiliations: C___________

17. Belief that one cannot know whether god exists: A___________

18. Belief that oneself exists as the center of the universe: E___________

19. Belief that your country should go to war: J___________

314 Word List 13


Word List 14

Disputes & Resolutions

Abscond

Accord

Adjudicate

Altercation

Appease

Arbitrate

Armistice

Assuage

Biased

Bipartisan

Conciliate

Consensus

Controversy

Culpable

Culprit

Culprit

Deadlock

Delinquent

Discord

Discord

Discriminatory

Disinterested

Disputation

Embezzle

Equitable

Exculpate

Exonerate

Fracas

Genocide

Homicide

Impartial

Impasse

Impeccable

Implicate

Incriminate

Inevitable

Intercede

Intervene

Mediate

Mollify

Neutral

Non

Objective

Pacify

Palliate

Partial

Partial

Partisan

Partisan

Peccadillo

Perpetrator

Pilfer

Placate

Prejudiced

Propitiate

Quarrel

Reconcile

Stalemate

Standstill

Strife

Subjective

Unanimity

Unbiased

316 Word List 14



Often a dispute arises between opposing parties.

Strife – angry or bitter disagreement over fundamental issues

Discord – disagreement between people

Altercation – a noisy argument or disagreement

Quarrel – an angry argument or disagreement, typically between people who are usually on good terms

Controversy – disagreement, typically when prolonged, public, and heated

Disputation – debate or argument, formal academic debate

Fracas – a noisy disturbance or quarrel

Opposing sides attempt to reach accord...

Accord – agreement or harmony

Consensus – general agreement

Unanimity – agreement by all people involved

Armistice – agreement to stop fighting for a certain time

…but sometimes an impasse is inevitable

Discord – disagreement

Impasse, Deadlock, Stalemate, Standstill – cannot reach an agreement

Inevitable – unavoidable

A mediator or arbitrator to may need to intervene, or a judge to adjudicate

Arbitrate – reach an authoritative judgment or settlement

Mediate – intervene between people in a dispute in order to bring about an agreement or reconciliation

Intercede, Intervene – come between

Adjudicate - make a formal judgment or decision about a problem or disputed matter

A third party tries to reconcile the issue by placating opposing sides.

Conciliate – stop from being angry or discontented

Reconcile – restore friendly relations between, cause to coexist in harmony

Placate – make less angry or hostile

Pacify – quell the anger, agitation, or excitement of

Mollify – appease the anger or anxiety of someone

Assuage – make less intense; satisfy a desire

Propitiate – win or regain the favor by doing something that pleases them

Palliate – make less severe without removing the cause

Appease – pacify or placate by acceding to their demands

Disputes & Resolutions 317


If a jury is necessary to reconcile the dispute, the jury must be unbiased and equitable.

Unbiased – showing no prejudice for or against something; impartial

Impartial – treating all rivals or disputants equally; fair and just

Non-partisan – not biased or partisan

Equitable – fair and impartial

Disinterested – not influenced by considerations of personal advantage

Neutral – not helping or supporting either side in a conflict, disagreement

Objective – not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts

A prejudiced or biased jury can skew the system of justice.

Biased, Partial, Partisan – unfairly prejudiced for or against someone or something

Subjective – based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions

Partial – favoring one side in a dispute above the other

Bipartisan – of or involving the agreement or cooperation of two political parties that usually oppose

each other's policies

Prejudiced – having or showing a dislike or distrust that is derived from a preconceived opinion

Discriminatory – making or showing an unfair or prejudicial distinction between different categories

of people or things

Trial for a criminal

Implicate, Incriminate – show (someone) to be involved in a crime

Peccadillo – a small, relatively unimportant offense or sin

Impeccable – in accordance with the highest standards of propriety; faultless

Embezzle – steal or misappropriate (money placed in one's trust or belonging to the organization for

which one works)

Abscond – leave hurriedly and secretly, typically to avoid detection of or arrest for an unlawful action

such as theft

Pilfer – steal (typically things of relatively little value)

Homicide – the deliberate and unlawful killing of one person by another; murder

Genocide – the deliberate killing of a large group of people, esp. those of a particular ethnic

group or nation

Culprit*, Delinquent, Perpetrator – a person who is responsible for a crime or other misdeed

Etymology

From the root culp meaning to blame.

Culpable – deserving blame

Exculpate – show or declare that (someone) is not guilty of wrongdoing; Exonerate

Culprit – a person who is responsible for a crime or other misdeed

318 Word List 14


She Likes Him Because His Daddy is Rich

After Jack pilfered Edwards pencil case, a quarrel ensued. It started with minor name-calling, but after

Edward called Jack a fat gorilla, Jack hit him. The other students had to intervene and pry the two apart.

Later that day they found themselves in front of their teacher, Ms. Freedman, who was supposed to be an

unbiased mediator. They went to her to help alleviate the discord between the two of them. She decided

that Edward was culpable because he engaged in name-calling, which was strictly forbidden.

Edward was outraged and argued that the teacher was subjective. She was partial towards Jack because his

daddy was opulent. She would placate the rich kids parents while ignoring the plight of the poor students.

Edward was a sharp little kid and actually proved Ms. Freedman’s lack of objectivity. He demonstrated a

drastic disparity in the average grades of the rich students and the poor students. Ms. Freedman tried to

conciliate Edward by retracting her original adjudication, exculpating Edward, and stating that Jack was

actually the culprit. But Edward would not be palliated.

In attempt to mollify Edward, the administration interceded and demanded that Ms. Freedman be fired

and be replaced by an equitable teacher. This placated Edward until he joined the basketball team, and

realized that the coach was even more discriminatory.



Review Exercises


1. The competing cities have a long history of tense discord.

The city’s __________________ (noun) is tense.

The ___________________ (adj) cities have tension.

2. He experienced several altercations with his teacher this year.

He _______________ (verb) with his teacher this year.

3. The waitress used to quarrel with her employer and was disliked.

The ________________ (adj) waitress was disliked by her employer.

4. The student council aroused much controversy and upset the senior class.

The ___________________ (adj) student council upset the senior class.

5. There was a serious disputation over the true songwriter.

A ____________________ (noun) is a person who disputes.

The ________________ (adj) discussion was about the true songwriter.

6. She was accorded certain privileges because of her status with the company.

In ___________________ (noun) with her status, she will receive certain privileges.

____________________ (adj) with her status, she will receive certain privileges.

7. The consensus of the faculty was to buy the new literacy program.

The faculty _________________ (verb) to buy the new literacy program.

The ___________________ (adj) decision of the faculty was to buy the new literacy program.

8. In a moment of unanimity, the family decided to take a vacation to Florida.

The ________________ (adj) decision of the family was to take a vacation to Florida.

9. The council will arbitrate between the two groups in disagreement.

An ___________________ (noun) is one who arbitrates.

___________________ (noun) by the council will settle the disagreement between the two groups.

10. At recess her job was to mediate disputes between classmates.

A ____________________ (noun) is one who mediates.

The ___________________ (noun) helped settle disputes between classmates.

11. They intervened when their mother seemed to no longer be able to care for herself.

An __________________ (noun) is one who intervenes.

The ________________ (noun) occurred when their mother seemed to no longer be able to care for

herself.

12. The union will adjudicate the issue on behalf of the teachers.

The _______________ (noun) of the issue by the union is on behalf of the teachers.

13. It was difficult for him to reconcile his differences with his father.

The _______________ (noun) with his father was difficult because of their differences.

14. The king’s intention was to pacify the angry citizens.

A ___________________ (noun) is a person who pacifies.

The kind had intentions of _______________ (noun).

320 Word List 14


15. She tried to mollify her angry friends with an apology.

A _______________ (noun) is one who mollifies.

Her ________________ (noun) was an apology to her friends.

16. He tried to assuage his feelings of guilt after the divorce.

He was ________________ (adj) in his feelings of guilt after the divorce.

The only ___________________ (noun) of his guilt came after the divorce.

17. He busily cleaned his room to propitiate his disappointed parents.

A ______________________ (noun) is one who propitiates.

18. The giant hamburger appeased his growling stomach.

His growling stomach found _____________________ (noun) after the giant hamburger.

His growling stomach was ____________________ (adj) after the giant hamburger.

19. This is a nonpartisan organization that offers help to anyone in need.

The _____________________ (noun) of this organization ensures that it offers help to anyone in

need.

20. The importance of equitable treatment of all students is stated in the handbook.

The ______________ (noun) of all students and its importance is stated in the handbook.

21. The disinterested decision of the judge was fair and unbiased.

The judge’s ___________________ (noun) in the decision was fair and unbiased.

22. His objective opinion about the student’s behavior was not influenced by other teachers.

The ____________________ (noun) of his opinion was not influenced by the other teachers.

23. The partial witness is being excused because of her personal relationship to the defendant.

She is being excused because of her _____________________ (noun) to the defendant.

24. His partisan politics would not allow for him to see any other point of view.

His ______________________ (noun) would not allow for him to see any other point of view.

25. His subjective perception of the world was based on his past experiences.

The ____________________ (noun) of his perception was based on his past experiences.

26. President Obama believes that a bipartisan policy would best represent both parties.

President Obama believes that _____________ (noun) would best represent both parties.

27. She was prejudiced against the church because of its policies on gay marriage.

She had a __________ (noun) against the church because of its policies on gay marriage.

28. The evidence implicates him in the shooting of innocent bystanders.

The _________________ (noun) is based on evidence that he shot innocent bystanders.

29. His testimony was able to incriminate the man responsible for the murder.

An ______________ (noun) is one who incriminates.

The ________________ (noun) of the man responsible for the murder was based on his testimony.

30. Her impeccable record helped get her a promotion.

The ______________ (noun) on her record helped get her a promotion.

31. The employee embezzled thousands of dollars from company funds.

An _______________ (noun) is one who embezzles.

The _________________ (noun) of thousands of dollars was executed by an employee.

32. The thief quickly absconded with the money.



An ______________ (noun) is one who absconds.

33. He pilfered pens and paper from his job at an office supply store.

A ______________ (noun) is one who pilfers.

He performed a ______________ (noun) of pens and paper from his job.

34. The genocide of millions of innocent people was a historical travesty.

The _______________ (adj) event was a historical travesty.

35. The men were planning to perpetrate a bank robbery.

A ___________________ (noun) is one who perpetrates.

The ________________ (noun) of robbing a bank was being planned by the men.

36. She’s more culpable than the other because she is old enough to know right from wrong.

She has more _______________ (noun) than the other because she is old enough to know right

from wrong.

37. He was exculpated from any wrong doing after the thorough investigation.

His _______________ (noun) of any wrong doing was announced after a thorough investigation.

38. The DNA testing finally exonerated the man, who had been thought guilty for years.

The _______________ (adj) decision was based on DNA testing.

The _______________ (noun) was based upon the DNA testing.


SET 1

1. Agreement to stop fighting for a certain time ___________

2. Based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions ___________

3. Can’t reach an agreement ___________

4. Deserving blame ___________

5. Leave hurriedly and secretly, typically to avoid detection of or arrest ___________

6. Noisy disturbance or quarrel ___________

7. Reach an authoritative judgment or settlement ___________

8. Stop (someone) from being angry or discontented ___________

9. Treating all rivals or disputants equally ____________

Abscond, Arbitrate, Armistice, Conciliate, Culpable, Fracas, Impartial, Impasse, Subjective

SET 2

1. Disagreement ___________

2. General agreement ___________

3. Intervene between people in a dispute in order to bring about an agreement or reconciliation

___________

4. Prejudiced in favor of a particular cause ___________

5. Restore friendly relations between, cause to coexist in harmony ___________

322 Word List 14


6. Show (someone) to be involved in a crime ___________

7. Show or declare that (someone) is not guilty of wrongdoing ___________

8. Showing no prejudice for or against something; impartial ___________

9. Steal (typically things of relatively little value) ____________

Consensus, Discord, Exonerate, Implicate, Mediate, Partisan, Pilfer, Reconcile, Unbiased

SET 3

1. Agreement or Harmony ___________

2. An angry argument or disagreement, typically between people who are usually on good terms

___________

3. Make a formal judgment or decision about a problem or disputed matter __________

4. Make an unpleasant feeling less intense ___________

5. Murder ___________

6. Not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering facts ___________

7. Person who is responsible for a crime or other misdeed ____________

Accord, Adjudicate, Assuage, Culprit, Homicide, Objective, Quarrel

SET 4

1. Agreement by all people involved ___________

2. Can’t reach an agreement ___________

3. Come between ___________

4. Fair and impartial ___________

5. Having or showing a dislike or distrust ___________

6. Make (someone) less angry or hostile ___________

7. Unavoidable ___________

8. Win or regain the favor by doing something that pleases someone ____________

Equitable, Inevitable, Intercede, Placate, Prejudiced, Propitiate, Stalemate, Unanimity




1. Strife – Discord ___________

2. Accord – Altercation ___________

3. Disputation – Debate___________

4. Unanimity – Consensus___________

5. Adjudicate – Mediate___________

6. Peccadillo – Misdemeanor___________

7. Equitable –Subjective___________

8. Impartial – Prejudiced___________

9. Implicate – Incriminate___________

10. Partial – Biased___________

11. Conciliate – Provoke ___________

12. Embezzle – Pilfer ___________

13. Fracas – Quarrel ___________

14. Inevitable – Unavoidable ___________

15. Armistice – Disputation ___________

16. Assuage – Aggravate ___________

17. Malefactor – Criminal ___________

18. Abscond – Sneak Away ___________

19. Objective – Subjective ___________

20. Appease – Placate ___________

21. Mollify – Exacerbate __________

IV Answer Yes or No

1. Would an impartial witness be biased? ___________

2. Would someone who committed a peccadillo be given the death penalty? ______

3. Does an arbitrator make a judgment between opposing parties? ___________

4. Do siblings often quarrel? ___________

5. Does everyone agree in a unanimous decision? ___________

6. It is inevitable that each person will die someday? ___________

7. Would parents try to placate siblings during a fight? ___________

8. Does someone who intervenes get involved? ___________

9. Would a defense lawyer try to exonerate his client? ___________

10. Did the United States have an accord with Germany during World War II? ___________

11. Would a store try to mollify an angry customer? ___________

12. Do judges try to be subjective when adjudicating a case? ___________

13. Would one find fault with someone who demonstrates impeccable character? __________

14. Would stealing a pencil be considered pilfering? ___________

15. If everyone agrees, is there strife? ___________

16. Should a mediator be non-partisan? ___________

17. If I propitiate with my friend after an argument, are we still not speaking to each other? ___________

18. Is my friend culpable if he cheats on a test? ___________

19. Is it discriminatory to refuse to hire women? ___________

324 Word List 14



1. A noisy argument or disagreement: A__________, Q__________

2. Disagreement between people: S__________, D__________

3. Agreement: A__________, C__________

4. Agreement by all people involved: U__________

5. Agreement to stop fighting for a certain time: A__________

6. Cannot reach agreement: I__________, D__________, S__________, S__________

7. Someone who helps conflicting parties reach agreements: M__________, A__________

8. To come between: I__________, I__________

9. To make less intense; to stop from being angry: C__________, R__________, P__________,

P__________, M__________, A__________, P__________, A__________

10. Neutral and not one-sided: U__________, I__________, N__________, O__________,

D__________

11. One-sided: B__________, P__________, P__________, S__________

12. Of or involving the agreement or cooperation of two political parties that usually oppose each other's

policies: B__________

13. Making or showing an unfair or prejudicial distinction between different categories of people or things:

D__________

14. Show some to be involved in a crime: I__________, I__________

15. Small offense: P__________

16. In accordance with the highest standards of propriety; faultless: I__________

17. Steal: P__________, E__________

18. Run away to escape detection or arrest: A__________

19. Deserving blame: C__________

20. Show or declare that someone is not guilty: E__________, E__________

Word List 15

Tone Words

Abstruse

Apprehensive

Arcane

Baffled

Bolster

Conjecture

Contest

Disdainful

Dismissive

Distinct

Esoteric

Evocative

Lament

Maudlin

Mawkish

Melancholy

Misconception

Myopic

Mystified

Nonplussed

Nostalgic

Obscure

Ominous

Parochial

Perplexed

Plausible

Practical

Pragmatic

Provocative

Quizzical

Recondite

Resignation

Saga

Sardonic

Satire

Sentimental

Somber

Speculate

Undermine

Underscore

Visceral

Vitriolic

Wistful

326 Word List 15



Apprehensive – anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen

Bolster – to support or strengthen

Contest – to argue

Dismissive, Disdainful – feeling or showing that something is unworthy of consideration

Distinct – recognizably different in nature from something else of a similar type

Esoteric, Abstruse, Arcane, Obscure, Recondite – not widely known or understood

Evocative – bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind

Lament – a passionate expression of grief or sorrow; to mourn

Maudlin, Mawkish – self-pityingly or tearfully sentimental

Melancholy – a feeling of pensive sadness

Misconception – a view that is incorrect because it is based on faulty thinking or understanding

Myopic, Parochial – lacking imagination, foresight, or intellectual insight

Nostalgic, Wistful – a sentimental longing for the past

Ominous – threatening

Pragmatic, Practical, Plausible – sensible and realistic

Provocative – causing annoyance, anger, or another strong emotion

Quizzical, Perplexed, Baffled, Mystified, Nonplussed – confused or bewildered

Resignation – an act of retiring or giving up a position

Saga – a long, involved story, account, or series of incidents

Sardonic – grimly mocking or cynical

Satire – using of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or

faults

Sentimental – of or prompted by feelings of tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia

Somber – oppressively solemn or sober in mood

Speculate, Conjecture – form a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence

Undermine – damage or weaken

Underscore – to emphasize

Visceral – relating to deep inward feelings rather than to the intellect; Instinctive

Vitriolic – filled with bitter criticism or malice

Tone Words 327


An Authors Response

After the local newspaper published a number of sardonic reviews of an author’s book, he decided to

respond:

“There is no need to be so disdainful of my arguments. Sure, some of them are based on speculation and

conjecture, but the bulk of my arguments are based in facts. I feel like every time I try to say something you

contest my claims, and attempt to undermine my theories.

I remember that time I tried to bolster my opinion with an evocative story of the day my cat died. You

characterized my positions as mawkish and overly sentimental. Now I am apprehensive to sound even

slightly wistful when talking about my past lest you call me maudlin. It is a misconception to believe

everything in the world should be treated so pragmatically. There are visceral elements too.

Or what about that time I laid out an esoteric argument. You dismissed it off the cuff, without paying it so

much as a second thought. Are you so myopic that you don’t realize that arguments like those take time to

understand? At first I was nonplussed as to how someone could be so vitriolic. But I realize you are

probably just trying to fill that pit of melancholy inside of you. Now I pity you.”

328 Word List 15


Review Exercises


1. She felt apprehensive about the safety of the students riding the bus at night.

The ___________________ (noun) she felt was due to the students riding the bus at night.

2. My mom came with me to the audition in order to bolster my confidence.

A ________________ (noun) is one who bolsters.

3. She is eager to contest a seat on the student council this year.

This is a ________________ (adj) election for student council this year.

The ___________________ (noun) of this election is due to the widely watched debates.

4. The disrespectful teenager had a disdainful attitude towards authority.

The teenager's ______________ (noun) came from a lack of respect towards authority.

5. We knew he was not from America, because he had a very distinct British accent.

The ____________________ (noun) of his accent was a clue that he was not from America.

6. The esoteric terminology in the science text book prompted us to buy a newer edition.

The ____________ (noun) of the science book terminology prompted us to buy a newer edition.

7. The abstruse theories about the holocaust had no place in our history class.

The _____________ (noun) of the holocaust theories had no place in our history class.

8. He knew a lot about lost languages and other arcane matters.

He knew a lot about the ________________ (noun) of matters such as lost languages.

9. We decided to hire a lawyer to help us understand the obscure language in the contract.

The ______________ (noun) of the contract prompted us to hire a lawyer.

10. The recondite fact about dinosaurs is constantly being questioned by archeologists.

The ____________ (noun) of this fact on dinosaurs is constantly being questioned.

11. The relaxing song was evocative of a peaceful summer day.

The _____________ (noun) of the song reminded me of a peaceful summer day.

12. When my father went away, my mother could only lament his absence.

A __________________ (noun) is one who laments.

13. Oliver is a maudlin story of a little orphan and his struggle to find love.

Oliver contains _____________ (noun) because of the story of a littler orphan and his struggle to

find love.

14. The mawkish plea for donations to the charity were embarrassing to watch.

The _____________ (noun) of the plea for donations to the charity were embarrassing to watch.

15. The long and sad winter months have left me feeling melancholy.

The ______________ (noun) of the long and sad winter months is depressing.

16. The parochial leaders of the church are having difficulty adapting to new doctrine.

The leaders' _______________ (noun) is causing difficulty in adapting to new doctrine.

17. I was overcome with nostalgia when I saw my childhood best friend.

I was overcome with _____________ (adj) feelings when I saw my childhood best friend.

Tone Words 329


18. He wrote a wistful memoir about his childhood dog.

His memoir was full of _______________ (noun) for his childhood dog.

19. The ransom note is ominous and not to be ignored.

The _____________ (noun) of the ransom note should not be ignored.

20. The pragmatic opinions of the clergy left no room for new or risky decisions.

The _____________ (noun) of the clergy's opinion left no room for new or risky decisions.

21. The nursing program seems practical and fairly easy to complete.

The nursing program's ________________ (noun) makes it seem fairy easy to complete.

22. The teacher is allowing her to retake the test, because of her plausible excuse.

The _____________ (noun) of her excuse is allowing her to retake the test.

23. Her provocative actions have resulted in her immediate suspension from school.

Her actions displayed ___________________ (noun) and she was therefore suspended from school.

She _______________ (verb) her teacher and was therefore suspended from school.

24. The teacher determined that she was confused because of her quizzical expression.

The _________________ (noun) of her expression showed that she was confused.

25. The surprise ending left her in a perplexed state of mind.

A _______________ (noun) is one who perplexes.

The _____________ (noun) of her state of mind was a result of the surprise ending.

26. He was baffled by the instructor's explanation of the brain and how it functions.

A _________________ (noun) is one who baffles.

He was in a state of ___________ (noun) after the instructor's explanation of the brain.

27. She is able to mystify her audience with her unique voice and engaging mannerisms.

A ________________ (noun) is one who mystifies.

She creates a sense of ___________________ (noun) with her unique voice.

28. His resignation from the elementary school was an action that nobody anticipated.

He ____________ (verb) from the school.

29. The chief's sardonic grin was a hint to his people that he had hidden motives.

The _______________ (noun) in the chief's grin was a hint to his people.

30. The play was a satire, making fun of cultural stereotypes.

The _____________ (adj) play was making fun of cultural stereotypes.

31. There was a sentiment of pity at the funeral in which she was left a widow.

The _______________ (adj) funeral was one of pity for the widower.

32. The somber mood in the room was the result of the poor test scores.

The mood of ______________ (noun) was a result of the poor test scores.

33. We can only speculate what happened because we were not there.

We only have a ______________ (noun) because we were not there.

Our _______________ (adj) conclusions are all we have because we were not there.

34. The book is mostly made up of conjecture, not fact.

A _________________ (noun) is one who conjectures.

The ______________ (adj) book is not made up of fact.

35. She tried to undermine my authority by sending a complaint to my boss.

330 Word List 15


An __________________ (noun) is one who undermines.


SET 1

1. A feeling of pensive sadness, typically with no obvious cause __________

2. To support or strengthen __________

3. A passionate expression of grief or sorrow; to mourn __________

4. A view or opinion that is incorrect because it is based on faulty thinking or understanding

__________

5. Anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen __________

6. Bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind __________

7. Feeling or showing that something is unworthy of consideration __________

8. Intended for only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest _________

9. Recognizably different in nature from something else of a similar type __________

10. Self-pityingly or tearfully sentimental, often through drunkenness __________

Apprehensive, Bolster, Dismissive, Distinct, Esoteric, Evocative, Lament, Maudlin, Melancholy,

Misconception

SET 2

1. A long, involved story, account, or series of incidents __________

2. An act of retiring or giving up a position __________

3. Causing annoyance, anger, or another strong emotion __________

4. A sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past __________

5. Practical __________

6. Threatening __________

7. Grimly mocking or cynical __________

8. Not clearly expressed or easily understood __________

9. Indicating mild or amused puzzlement __________

10. Lacking imagination, foresight, or intellectual insight ___________

Myopic, Nostalgic, Obscure, Ominous, Pragmatic, Provocative, Quizzical, Resignation, Saga, Sardonic

SET 3

1. Using of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or

faults __________

2. Damage or weaken __________

3. Oppressively solemn or sober in mood __________

Tone Words 331


4. Filled with bitter criticism or malice __________

5. Form a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence __________

6. Having or showing a feeling of vague or regretful longing __________

7. Not easily convinced, dubious __________

8. Instinctive __________

9. To emphasize __________

10. To argue ___________

Contest, Satire, Skeptical, Somber, Speculate, Undermine, Underscore, Visceral, Vitriolic, Wistful


1. Apprehensive – Optimistic ___________

2. Skeptical – Gullible ___________

3. Dismiss – Underscore ___________

4. Contest – Agree ___________

5. Nostalgic – Wistful ___________

6. Quizzical – Perplexed ___________

7. Plausible – Pragmatic ___________

8. Conjecture – Bona fide evidence ___________

9. Myopic – Nearsighted ___________

10. Somber – Gloomy ___________

11. Obscure – Obvious ___________

12. Undermine – Strengthen ___________

13. Provocative – Stimulating ___________

14. Lament – Celebrate ___________

15. Esoteric – Known by everyone ___________

16. Satirical – Mocking ___________

17. Visceral – Instinctive

18. Abstruse – Easily understood __________

332 Word List 15


IV Answer Yes or No

1. Would someone contest a traffic violation if it were mistaken? ___________

2. Do horror movies usually have ominous settings? ___________

3. Are speculations backed with firm evidence? ___________

4. Is it plausible to expect to never to make a mistake? ___________

5. Would algebra seem obscure to a four year old? ___________

6. Would you be skeptical if you received an email saying you won a car? ___________

7. Was the common belief that the world was flat a misconception? ___________

8. Would misplacing crucial evidence bolster your case? ___________

9. Would one be nostalgic for pleasant childhood memories? ___________

10. Would someone dispose of an object that has sentimental value? ___________

11. Would a vitriolic newspaper article be highly critical? ___________

12. Is an esoteric concept widely understood? ___________

13. Would you lament the loss of a relative? ___________

14. Would a myopic person be open to innovative and imaginative ideas? ___________

15. Is giving everyone a million dollars a pragmatic solution for world poverty? ____

16. Would a mother be apprehensive leaving her child with a babysitter that had no experience?

__________

17. Would somber music make you laugh? ___________

18. Would a sardonic article about you be flattering? ___________

19. Does a visceral reaction pertain to one that is well thought out? ___________


1. A feeling of pensive sadness: M__________

2. To support or strengthen: B__________

3. A passionate expression of grief or sorrow; to mourn: L__________

4. A view or opinion that is incorrect because it is based on faulty thinking or understanding:

M__________

5. Anxious or fearful that something bad or unpleasant will happen: A__________

6. Bringing strong images, memories, or feelings to mind: E__________

7. Feeling or showing that something is unworthy of consideration: D__________, D__________

8. Understood or known by few: E__________, A__________, A__________, O__________,

R__________

9. Recognizably different in nature from something else of a similar type: D__________

10. Self-pityingly or tearfully sentimental: M__________, M__________

11. A long, involved story, account, or series of incidents: S__________

12. An act of retiring or giving up a position: R__________

13. Causing annoyance, anger, or another strong emotion: P__________

14. A sentimental longing for the past: W__________, N__________

15. Sensible and realistic: P__________, P__________, P__________

Tone Words 333


16. Threatening: O__________

17. Grimly mocking or cynical: S__________

18. Not clearly expressed or easily understood: O__________

19. Indicating mild or amused puzzlement: Q__________, P__________, B__________,

M__________, N__________

20. Lacking imagination, foresight, or intellectual insight: M__________

21. Using of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or faults:

S__________

22. Damage or weaken: U__________

23. Oppressively solemn or sober in mood: S__________

24. Filled with bitter criticism or malice: V__________

25. Form a theory about a subject without firm evidence: C__________, S__________

26. Not easily convinced, dubious: S__________

27. Instinctive: V__________

28. To emphasize: U__________

29. To argue: C__________

334 Word List 15




1. Rather than listen to her employees, Bridgette

was very ------ of their complaints and accused

them of being ungrateful.

(A) dismissive (B) mawkish (C) impartial

(D) conciliatory (E) wistful

2. The twelve jurors found themselves at a(n) ----

-- with six jurors wanting to vote guilty and six

jurors wanting to vote not guilty.

(A) consensus (B) armistice (C) impasse

(D) saga (E) peccadillo

3. Since taking over the company, Hans has

proven to be such a(n) ------ that his blind

devotion to upholding his father’s legacy will be

the demise of the corporation.

(A) chauvinist (B) ascetic (C) jingoist

(D) conservative (E) altruist

4. Although no one knew the actual monetary

value of Larissa’s new work contract, her friends

------ the amount to be $500,000 or more.

(A) speculated (B) pilfered (C) contested

(D) undermined (E) mediated

5. Evan revealed himself to be quite the ------ on

his recent trip to Cancun where he enjoyed

every pleasure without heed.

(A) hedonist (B) perpetrator (C) arbitrator

(D) fatalist (E) liberal

6. Sandra’s father is a(n) ------ man, not easily given

to whims but instead making sensible decisions

for the benefit of his family.

(A) chauvinistic (B) apprehensive (C) partial

(D) pragmatic (E) somber

7. When Drew saw a stranger threaten his

daughter, his first, ------ reaction was to respond

with force.

(A) neutral (B) visceral (C) abstruse

(D) maudlin (E) arcane

8. Although scientists have yet to discover

evidence to support this claim, many have

created ------ ideas that life could be sustained

on Mars.

(A) conjectural (B) lamentable (C) mollified

(D) embezzled (E) monotheistic

9. Charlotte admired Nathan’s ------ for he never

once complained about the pain during the

recovery process.

(A) equitability (B) stoicism (C) sadism

(D) quizzicality (E) impeccability

10. Whereas Dion is an idealist at heart who always

believes the best in others, her best friend

Jeremy is ------, believing that everyone has an

ulterior motive.

(A) prejudiced (B) cynical (C) controversial

(D) practical (E) provocative



11. Allan was so offended by the affront that no

gesture could possibly ------ him.

(A) incense (B) disinterest (C) mystify

(D) abscond (E) placate

12. Although he continued to maintain his

innocence towards the crime, the judge knew he

was ------ and sentenced him to prison.

(A) agnostic (B) objective (C) recondite

(D) melancholy (E) culpable

13. Due to the slamming and banging of doors,

Kami suspected that the neighbors upstairs were

having a(n) ------.

(A) distinction (B) mediation (C) accord

(D) misconception (E) altercation

14. Even though Steven has a fantastic life and

career now, he still gets ------ when he looks at

old photographs.

(A) ominous (B) wistful (C) egocentric

(D) homicidal (E) disdainful

15. From the time Tenzin Gyatso began his

monastic education at the age of six, he has lived

as a(n) ------ with a very simple and disciplined

life.

(A) atheist (B) delinquent (C) ascetic

(D) culprit (E) mediator

16. Frances and Diane were having a heated

argument and finally had to ask for a third party

------ opinion to settle the debate.

(A) biased (B) genocidal (C) obscure

(D) impartial (E) epicurean

17. The movie critic is usually ------ in nature,

however, this movie seemed to reveal the

sweeter, warmer side of him.

(A) vitriolic (B) nonplussed (C) bipartisan

(D) partial (E) deadlocked

18. Little is known about the cults of today and how

they lure in their members, which is why it

remains a(n) ------ subject at best.

(A) sardonic (B) satirical (C) esoteric

(D) plausible (E) sentimental

19. The math professor shared a very complex math

equation that ------ everyone until one student

finally answered it at the end of the year.

(A) assuaged (B) interceded (C) appeased

(D) confounded (E) incriminated

20. Patrick’s parents don’t normally attend his

games, but their presence ------ his confidence

and he played his best game ever.

(A) implicated (B) exculpated (C) bolstered

(D) discriminated (E) reconciled



21. The club members are usually in discord with

one another, but the beautiful weather caused

them to enjoy a rare state of ------.

(A) strife (B) stalemate (C) disputation

(D) fracas (E) unanimity

22. The dean’s personal visit to the classroom -----

- the very serious nature of the alleged cheating

scheme.

(A) intervened (B) underscored (C) baffled

(D) arbitrated (E) conciliated

23. Rubin normally likes performances with a

simple storyline; however, this play was

marvelously ------ with its grand orchestral

arrangement and delicate dancers.

(A) myopic (B) dubious (C) non-partisan

(D) evocative (E) partisan

24. Unlike Mark who does not believe that all

people are equal, Sasha is a(n) ------ at heart who

wishes equal rights for everyone.

(A) egalitarian (B) felon (C) iconoclast

(D) anarchist (E) skeptic

25. Because Trisha’s ------ views prevent her from

seeing things from a different perspective, it is

difficult to have a conversation with her that

doesn’t turn into an argument.

(A) inevitable (B) exonerated (C) arcane

(D) unanimous (E) myopic



Answer Key 1. A; dismissive 2. C; impasse 3. A; chauvinist 4. A; speculated 5. A; hedonist 6. D; pragmatic 7. B; visceral 8. A; conjectural 9. B; stoicism 10. B; cynical 11. E; placate 12. E; culpable 13. E; altercation 14. B; wistful 15. C; ascetic 16. D; impartial 17. A; vitriolic 18. C; esoteric 19. D; confounded 20. C; bolstered 21. E; unanimity 22. B; underscored 23. D; evocative 24. A; egalitarian 25. E; myopic

Word List 16

Verbs I

Admonish

Ameliorate

Beleaguer

Burgeon

Cajole

Cede

Coerce

Decimate

Denigrate

Elucidate

Eschew

Flummox

Repudiate

Transgress

Vilify

342 Word List 16



Admonish – to warn strongly

Repudiate – to reject as untrue,

Transgress – to pass beyond (limits or boundaries)

Vilify – to spread negative information about

Beleaguer – to surround so as to force to give up; annoy persistently

Ameliorate – to make better

Burgeon – to grow and flourish

Cede – to relinquish possession or control over; give over; surrender or relinquish to the physical

control of another

Coerce – to compel by force of authority; using force to cause something

Cajole – to convince by flattery or sweet–talking

Elucidate* – to make clear

Eschew – to avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of

Flummox – to be a mystery or bewildering to

Denigrate – to disparage

Decimate – to kill in large numbers

Etymology

From the root luc meaning clear.

Elucidate – to make clear Lucid – expressed in a clear style; showing ability to think clearly

Verbs I 343


Bequeath Yourself to Me

“Allow me to elucidate my position more clearly,” she said with her eyes burning. “No amount of

beleaguering will coerce me to cede it to you. And let me admonish you. If I see your men around me

one more time, I will decimate them.”

The man on the other side of the line paused feeling slightly flummoxed. Never had a woman refused to

bequeath herself to him. And the way she lambasted him. The gall. On the other hand it was alluring. He

considered abducting her for a second. But he realized it would be better if he could cajole her into

acquiescing. So he proceeded with flattery to ameliorate the situation.

“Damn, your fine. You are probably one of the strongest women I know. I would be willing to squander

millions for one day with you.”

He grinned to himself. Of course he would never remunerate her. He would claim that the contract was a

forgery and nullify it. He would repudiate her claims that he agreed to pay her any money. He would

accost her and vilify her by claiming she was just trying to profit from him. After he debunked her claims

(with fake evidence of course), everyone in the community would ostracize her and refuse to speak with

her. He was so smart.

“I’m not sure what it is in your mind that is obfuscating this issue for you. I will never be with you. You

are an abhorrent man,” she denigrated him. “Steer clear of me or I will kill you.”

344 Word List 16


Review Exercises


1. The family was admonished to take the last train out of the city.

An ______________ (noun) is one who admonishes.

The ______________ (noun) prompted the family to take the last train out of the city.

2. He repudiated the unfair debt.

A ______________________ (noun) is one who repudiates.

The ___________________ (adj) debt was one he refused to pay.

3. She thought she could transgress the company rules, but ultimately paid the consequences.

A _____________________ (noun) is one who transgresses.

Her __________________ (noun) of ignoring company rules ended with consequences.

Her ___________________ (adj) actions of ignoring company rules ended with consequences.

4. The author was vilified in the article for his false memoir.

A _______________ (noun) is one who vilifies.

The _______________ (noun) of the author was due to his false memoir.

5. The enemy soldiers have beleaguered the castle for months.

A _____________________ (noun) is one who beleaguers.

The ________________ (noun) of the castle by the enemy soldiers went on for months.

6. The missionary attempted to ameliorate the suffering of people who had lost everything.

The _________________ (noun) by the missionary was to help ease the suffering of the people.

The _________________ (adj) actions of the missionary were to help the suffering people.

7. With structure and guidance, the town burgeoned into a prosperous city.

The _______________ (adj) town was the result of structure and guidance.

8. Reluctantly, she ceded her leadership of the company.

Her ___________________ (noun) of leadership happened reluctantly.

9. The confession was unfairly coerced from the small child.

The ___________________ (noun) happened unfairly.

The ___________________ (adj) detectives unfairly gained a confession from the child.

10. The sneaky boy cajoled his sister into doing his laundry.

The sneaky boy's _________________ (noun) resulted in his sister doing his laundry.

11. When asked for more details, the saleswoman was unable to elucidate further.

The saleswoman's ________________ (noun) was clear when she was unable to give further details.

When asked for more details, the _______________ (adj) saleswoman was unable to give further

information.

12. The pastor claims to be able to eschew all evil.

An _________________ (noun) is one who eschews.

An _________________ (noun) of all evil is one of the pastor's claims.

13. After numerous verbal attacks, the women decided he was denigrating their achievements.

Verbs I 345


His ______________ (noun) of their achievements left the women angry.

His _______________ (adj) attacks on the achievements of women are absurd.

14. The disease decimated the population at an alarming rate.

A __________________ (noun) is one who decimates.

The disease caused the ________________ (noun) of thousands of people.


SET 1

1. To make clear ____________

2. To warn strongly ____________

3. To disparage ____________

4. To pass beyond (limits or boundaries) ____________

5. To avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of ____________

6. To convince by flattery or sweet–talking ____________

7. To grow and flourish ____________

Admonish, Burgeon, Cajole, Denigrate, Elucidate, Eschew, Transgress

SET 2

1. To compel by force of authority; using force to cause something ____________

2. To kill in large numbers ____________

3. To make better ____________

4. To reject as untrue ____________

5. To spread negative information about ____________

6. To be a mystery or bewildering to ____________

7. To relinquish possession or control over; give over; surrender or relinquish to the physical control

of another ____________

8. To surround so as to force to give up; annoy persistently ______________

Ameliorate, Beleaguer, Cede, Coerce, Decimate, Flummox, Repudiate, Vilify

346 Word List 16



1. Admonish – Applaud _______

2. Ameliorate – Worsen _______

3. Beleaguer – Annoy _______

4. Burgeon – Sprout _______

5. Cajole – Sweet-talk _______

6. Cede – Capitulate _______

7. Coerce – Intimidate _______

8. Decimate – Annihilate _______

9. Denigrate – Compliment _______

10. Elucidate – Complicate _______

11. Eschew – Shun _______

12. Flummox – Baffle _______

13. Repudiate – Renounce _______

14. Transgress – Abide by _______

15. Vilify – Commend _______

IV Answer Yes or No

1. Would it be right to admonish someone who has done nothing wrong? _______

2. If a landlord repudiated a signed lease agreement, could the tenant take legal action? _______

3. Are you abiding by the law when you transgress it? _______

4. Would a loyal friend typically vilify someone he or she loves? _______

5. Does a violent bully beleaguer his or her victim? _______

6. Would renovations and refurbishments ameliorate a home? _______

7. Do flowers burgeon during springtime? _______

8. Is a parent supposed to cede control of his or her young child to anyone? _______

9. Would it be fair to coerce someone into signing a legal document? _______

10. Do siblings sometimes cajole each other into doing each other’s chores? _______

11. Would ignoring a problem help to elucidate the solution to it? _______

12. Could it be beneficial to eschew any person that is a negative influence? _______

13. Would someone who is easily flummoxed by slight changes make a good leader? _______

14. Would your confidence strengthen if someone denigrated your achievements? _______

15. Would a building be structurally sound if it were decimated? _______

Verbs I 347



1. Stay clear of: E___________

2. Be a mystery or bewildering: F___________

3. Using force cause something: C___________

4. Convince by flattery or sweet–talking: C____________

5. Disparage: D___________

6. Grow and flourish: B_____________

7. Kill in large numbers: D____________

8. Make better: A____________

9. Make clear: E_____________

10. Pass beyond (limits or boundaries): T____________

11. Reject as untrue: R____________

12. Give over: C__________

13. Spread negative information about: V___________

14. Annoy persistently: B___________

15. Warn strongly: A___________

348 Word List 16


Word List 17

Verbs II

Abduct

Abet

Accost

Acquiesce

Aggrandize

Ascertain

Bequeath

Debunk

Juxtapose

Lambaste

Nullify

Obfuscate

Ostracize

Remunerate

Squander

350 Word List 17



Ostracize – to avoid speaking to or dealing with

Juxtapose – to place side by side

Lambaste – to censure severely or angrily

Nullify – to show to be invalid

Obfuscate – to make obscure or unclear

Remunerate – to make payment to

Squander – to spend extravagantly

Debunk – to show to be untrue

Abduct – to kidnap

Abet – to assist, usually in a crime or wrongdoing

Accost – to confront verbally

Acquiesce – to agree without protesting

Aggrandize – to increase or make greater

Ascertain – to learn or discover

Bequeath – to pass something on to someone else

Verbs II 351


Bequeath Yourself to Me

“Allow me to elucidate my position more clearly,” she said with her eyes burning. “No amount of

beleaguering will coerce me to cede it to you. And let me admonish you. If I see your men around me one

more time, I will decimate them.”

The man on the other side of the line paused feeling slightly flummoxed. Never had a woman refused to

bequeath herself to him. And the way she lambasted him. The gall. On the other hand it was alluring. He

considered abducting her for a second. But he realized it would be better if he could cajole her into

acquiescing. So he proceeded with flattery to ameliorate the situation.

“Damn, your fine. You are probably one of the strongest women I know. I would be willing to squander

millions for one day with you.”

He grinned to himself. Of course he would never remunerate her. He would claim that the contract was a

forgery and nullify it. He would repudiate her claims that he agreed to pay her any money. He would accost

her and vilify her by claiming she was just trying to profit from him. After he debunked her claims (with fake

evidence of course), everyone in the community would ostracize her and refuse to speak with her. He was so

smart.

“I’m not sure what it is in your mind that is obfuscating this issue for you. I will never be with you. You are an

abhorrent man,” she denigrated him. “Steer clear of me or I will kill you.”

352 Word List 17


Review Exercises


1. She was ostracized by the community for years because of her liberal beliefs.

The ________________ (noun) she experienced was because of her liberal beliefs.

The ________________ (adj) community harassed her for years.

2. The museum exhibit is one that juxtaposes modern rock music to classic rock music.

It is a _____________________ (noun) of modern rock music and classic rock music.

The ________________ (adj) exhibit is one that compares different eras of music.

3. The ancient law was nullified by the Supreme Court.

A _________________ (noun) is one who nullifies.

The __________________ (noun) of the ancient law was enacted by the Supreme Court.

4. Citizens remain confused because politicians keep obfuscating the issues.

The _________________ (noun) of the issues keeps the citizens confused.

The _________________ (adj) issues keep the citizens confused.

5. She expects the landlord to remunerate her for damages caused by other tenants.

She expects a ________________ (noun) from her landlord for the damages.

She expects a ________________ (adj) service from her landlord to compensate for the damages.

6. The reckless man squandered away his life savings at a casino.

A __________________ (noun) is one who squanders.

7. The candidate tried to debunk the advertisements with a negative message.

A ____________________ (noun) is one who debunks.

8. The group planned to abduct the man's child and demand a ransom.

An ____________________ (noun) is one who abducts.

The planned ______________ (noun) of the man's child was for a ransom.

9. She will not be trusted if she abets the thief with his escape.

An _____________________ (noun) is one who abets.

If she is involved with an _______________ (noun) of the thief's escape, she is not to be trusted.

10. The strange woman on the street accosted me for money.

The _________________ (adj) woman on the street hounded me for money.

11. They demanded that he give them vital information and he acquiesced.

His __________________ (noun) resulted in his handing over of vital information.

The __________________ (adj) man gave them the vital information they demanded.

12. I felt the movie aggrandized the gang members and made the cops look ridiculous.

The _________________ (noun) of the gang members was obvious in the movie.

13. This information can be ascertained by anyone who owns a computer.

The _____________ (noun) of this information is easy if you have a computer.

The _______________ (adj) information is easy to find on a computer.

14. The millionaire bequeathed all his famous paintings to the museum.

The ________________ (noun) of all his famous paintings to the museum was generous.

Verbs II 353



SET 1

1. Avoid speaking to or dealing with ____________

2. Censure severely or angrily ____________

3. Make obscure or unclear ____________

4. Make payment to ____________

5. Place side by side ____________

6. Show to be invalid ____________

7. Spend extravagant ____________

Juxtapose, Lambaste, Nullify, Obfuscate, Ostracize, Remunerate, Squander

SET 2

1. Increase or make greater ____________

2. Agree without protesting ____________

3. Kidnap ____________

4. Assist, usually in a crime or wrongdoing ____________

5. Confront verbally ____________

6. Pass something on to someone else ____________

7. Learn or discover ____________

8. Show to be untrue ____________

Abduct, Abet, Accost, Acquiesce, Aggrandize, Ascertain, Bequeath, Debunk

354 Word List 17



1. Ostracize – Excommunicate ___________

2. Juxtapose – Pair ___________

3. Lambaste – Laud ___________

4. Nullify – Enact ___________

5. Obfuscate – Clarify ___________

6. Remunerate – Indemnify ___________

7. Squander – Expend ___________

8. Debunk – Prove ___________

9. Abduct – Release ___________

10. Abet – Prevent ___________

11. Accost – Confront ___________

12. Acquiesce – Oppose ___________

13. Aggrandize – Augment ___________

14. Ascertain – Determine ___________

15. Bequeath – Entrust ___________

IV Answer Yes or No

1. Is it plausible that someone would ostracize his or her friend after being done a favor? ______

2. Could you compare two painters when you juxtapose their paintings on a wall? ______

3. Should a teacher ever lambaste their student? ______

4. Could someone nullify his or her marriage? ______

5. Would a liar try to obfuscate the truth? ______

6. Is it important to remunerate a company after they’ve finished a service for you? ______

7. Is it wise to squander your money? ______

8. Would it be prudent to believe something after it has been debunked? ______

9. Is it against the law to abduct a child? ______

10. Can someone who abets a crime be criminally charged? ______

11. Is it kind to accost someone? ______

12. Do submissive employees normally acquiesce to their boss’ wishes? ______

13. Does bankruptcy usually help to aggrandize the wealth of its recipient? ______

14. Is it typical for someone who is ignorant to ascertain knowledge? ______

15. Would a king bequeath his kingdom to a peasant? ______

Verbs II 355



1. Assist, usually in a crime or wrongdoing: A___________

2. Place side by side: J___________

3. Confront verbally: A___________

4. Show to be invalid, untrue: D___________, N___________

5. Make obscure or unclear: O___________

6. Avoid speaking to or dealing with: O___________

7. Censure severely or angrily: L___________

8. Make payment to: R___________

9. Spend extravagantly: S___________

10. Increase or make greater: A___________

11. Agree without protesting: A___________

12. Kidnap: A___________

13. Pass something on to someone else: B___________

14. Learn or discover: A___________

356 Word List 17


Word List 18

Verbs III

Beseech

Capitulate

Consecrate

Defile

Desecrate

Emulate

Engender

Espouse

Fathom

Galvanize

Impute

Mar

Oscillate

Relegate

Stagnate

Subjugate

Sully

Taint

Tarnish

358 Word List 18



Beseech – to beg, implore

Capitulate – to surrender

Sully, Defile, Mar, Tarnish, Taint – to damage the purity or integrity

Desecrate – to treat a sacred place with disrespect

Consecrate – to make sacred

Emulate – to imitate or follow

Engender – to bring about, generate

Espouse – to give your support to an idea, principle, or belief

Impute – to attribute something (usually an undesirable action or event) to somebody

Oscillate – to move continuously from side to side

Relegate – to move someone or something to a less important position

Stagnate – to stay the same without growth or development

Subjugate – to force a defeated group of people to obey

Galvanize – to shock or affect someone, producing a strong and immediate reaction

Fathom – to come to understand

Verbs III 359


The Benching

“I can’t fathom why you would relegate me to the bench,” yelled Harry indignantly.

“Well, let’s see,” said the coach. “The offense is stagnant, and your playing is bereft of passion. Your

teammates emulate you. When you slouch around on the field it engenders a similar behavior in them, and it

sullies the integrity of the sport.”

The coach hoped that benching his star quarterback would galvanize the players, and it did. For about a

minute. The boost was so ephemeral that within 5 minutes they found themselves in a deeper hole.

“Put me in coach,” Harry beseeched him. “Your plan is futile. It is almost as if we are capitulating

intentionally. Benching me was an enigmatic move. If you don’t put me back in you will be notorious for this

decision for the rest of your life. It is not feasible that the team wins without me. Playing quarterback is an

exacting job. It requires precision and hard work in order to perform the arduous task.”

Harry wasn’t done. “Our offensive plays are convoluted. They are way too cryptic for someone who hasn’t

studied them and practiced them repeatedly. I am not clairvoyant, but I can guarantee you that benching me

will not be innocuous. We will lose, and you will have tarnished your reputation. They will impute the loss to

you. Nothing you say can mollify me; I am inexorable. Put me back in.”

The coach paused and said, “Honestly kiddo, I have no idea what you just said. We’ll talk after the game.”

360 Word List 18


Review Exercises


1. Parents ardently beseeched the Board of Education not to close the school.

A _________________ (noun) is one who beseeches.

The _______________ (adj) parents did not want the school to close.

2. The boss refused to capitulate: no eating or drinking while on duty.

A __________________ (noun) is one who capitulates.

The boss refused the ______________ (noun): no eating or drinking while on duty.

3. He sullied his reputation after years of constant partying.

His _______________ (adj) reputation was hurt by his constant partying.

4. The once beautiful countryside is now defiled by billboards and tourist traps.

A ______________ (noun) is one who defiles.

The ______________ (noun) of the countryside was due to billboards and tourist traps.

5. The hateful vandals desecrated the religious shrine.

A _________________ (noun) is one who desecrates.

The ________________ (noun) of the religious shrine was a shame.

6. This location has been consecrated by the church because of its historical significance.

The _________________ (noun) of this location was announced by the church.

The __________________ (adj) location was announced by the church.

7. She tried to emulate her sister as a successful pianist.

An __________________ (noun) is one who emulates.

Her _______________ (adj) behaviors proved she wanted to be a successful pianist like her sister.

8. Causes for their divorce had been engendering in their relationship.

An ______________________ (noun) is one who engenders.

9. The new ideas about education have been espoused by numerous parents.

An __________________ (noun) is one who espouses.

The ________________ (noun) of the new ideas by the parents has been tremendous.

10. The children imputed extraordinary powers to the old woman.

The _____________ (adj) children decided that the old woman had extraordinary powers.

The _________________ (noun) by the children was that the old woman had powers.

11. His moods oscillate regularly between elation and despair.

His _________________ (adj) moods go from elation and despair.

The ________________ (noun) of his moods go from elation to despair.

12. The doctor relegates his most unpleasant tasks to his assistant.

The _________________ (noun) of his most unpleasant tasks to his assistant is common.

The doctor's _________________ (adj) tasks always go to his assistant.

13. Without the talented actors on stage, the show started to stagnate.

The _______________ (noun) of the show happens when the talented actors leave the stage.

The show was _________________ (adj) without the talented actors on stage.

14. The conquering army subjugated the surrounding lands.

A ___________________ (noun) is one who subjugates.

The _________________ (noun) of the surrounding lands was enforced by the army.

Verbs III 361


15. The new website has galvanized public opinion about the issue.

A ____________________ (noun) is one who galvanizes.

The _________________(noun) of public opinion about the issue is due to the new website.

16. She was unable to fathom his mysterious reasons for leaving.

She saw no _______________ (adj) reason for him to leave.


SET 1

1. Bring about, generate ____________

2. Come to understand ____________

3. Shock or affect someone ____________

4. Force a defeated group of people to obey ____________

5. Give your support to an idea, principle, or belief ____________

6. Make sacred ____________

7. Stay the same without growth or development ____________

8. Damage the purity or integrity ____________

Consecrate, Engender, Espouse, Fathom, Galvanize, Stagnate, Subjugate, Tarnish

SET 2

1. Move someone or something to a less important position ____________

2. Treat a sacred place with disrespect ____________

3. Imitate or follow ____________

4. Surrender ____________

5. Beg, implore ____________

6. Attribute something undesirable to somebody ____________

7. Damage the purity or integrity ____________

8. Move continuously from side to side ____________

Beseech, Capitulate, Desecrate, Emulate, Impute, Mar, Oscillate, Relegate

362 Word List 18



1. Beseech – Implore ___________

2. Capitulate – Surrender ___________

3. Sully – Clean ___________

4. Desecrate – Honor ___________

5. Emulate – Mimic ___________

6. Engender – Instigate ___________

7. Espouse – Attack ___________

8. Impute – Accredit ___________

9. Oscillate – Fluctuate ___________

10. Relegate – Consign ___________

11. Stagnate – Flourish ___________

12. Subjugate – Enslave ___________

13. Galvanize – Energize ___________

14. Fathom – Misunderstand ___________

IV Answer Yes or No

1. Do children sometimes beseech their parents for things they want? ___________

2. Should someone capitulate an argument if it’s clear they’re losing? ___________

3. Could you sully your clothes after falling in the dirt? ___________

4. Is it proper behavior to desecrate a cemetery with graffiti? ___________

5. Do children often emulate their parents? ___________

6. Does unsteady work engender confidence in one’s ability to hold employment? ___________

7. Would you espouse a cause you thought was reckless? ___________

8. Could you impute someone’s good decisions to having wisdom? ___________

9. Does an electric fan that oscillates remain in the same place? ___________

10. Could a criminal be relegated to a maximum–security prison? ___________

11. Does a rushing river stagnate? ___________

12. Do commanders subjugate their soldiers? ___________

13. Would a controversial presidential decision galvanize political discussion? ___________

14. Is it easy to fathom the existence of flying unicorns? ___________

Verbs III 363



1. Treat a sacred place with disrespect: D___________

2. Surrender: C___________

3. Stay the same without growth or development: S___________

4. Shock or affect someone, producing a strong and immediate reaction: G___________

5. Move someone or something to a less important position: R___________

6. Move continuously from side to side: O___________

7. Make sacred: C__________

8. Imitate or follow: E___________

9. Give your support to an idea, principle, or belief: E___________

10. Force a defeated group of people to obey: S___________

11. Damage the purity or integrity: D___________, S___________, M___________, T___________,

T___________

12. Come to understand: F___________

13. Bring about, generate: E___________

14. Beg, implore: B___________

15. Attribute something (usually an undesirable action or event) to somebody: I___________

364 Word List 18




1. Although Veronica is considered to be a good

person, she was recently ------ by her best

friends claiming that she was a cheat and a liar.

(A) aggrandized (B) emulated (C) cajoled

(D) vilified (E) repudiated

2. The average ------ a year for a top tier actor is in

the billions of dollars whereas leading surgeons

are only paid around $300,000.

(A) espousal (B) remuneration (C) abetment

(D) subjugation (E) denigration

3. There is a(n) ------ market for clean energy

sources considering fossil fuels are depleting and

causing irreparable damage to the earth.

(A) lambasted (B) stagnating (C) tarnished

(D) beleaguered (E) burgeoning

4. After the mad cow disease scare, it was

suggested that people ------ red meat for fear

they might get infected.

(A) abduct (B) eschew (C) desecrate

(D) ostracize (E) obfuscate

5. The recent discoveries Anna made with her

medical research have ------ and propelled her

towards finding a cure.

(A) galvanized (B) tainted (C) admonished

(D) oscillated (E) engendered

6. Instead of focusing the conversation on the -----

- steps needed to make the situation better, the

team perseverated on the problem.

(A) oscillatory (B) coercive (C) ameliorative

(D) transgressive (E) denigratory

7. After arguing for hours, the final ------ of Ezra

came at a surprise since he is known to never

resign from a debate.

(A) relegation (B) imputation (C) capitulation

(D) bequeathal (E) transgression

8. The presentation ------ the lower and upper

classes with very telling signs of the disparity

amid the groups.

(A) debunks (B) acquiesces (C) nullifies

(D) ascertains (E) juxtaposes

9. At one point it was ------ that humans could

land on the moon, but today that idea has

become a very common reality.

(A) imputable (B) coercible (C) elucidative

(D)amelioratory (E) unfathomable

10. In the mid-1800s, the southern states ------ the

United States, fired cannons at a Union fort in

South Carolina, and the Civil War began.

(A) seceded (B) decimated (C) squandered

(D) flummoxed (E) bequeathed



11. Mario fervently ------ the inspector not to

submit the negative report because it would

surely shut down his business.

(A) defiled (B) remunerated (C) imputed

(D) besought (E) elucidated

12. Fabian is a selfish leader who only seeks the -----

- of his own family and personal friends rather

than the general population he leads.

(A) defilement (B) emulation (C) desecration

(D) aggrandizement (E) ascertainment

13. Lorenz is the consummate ------ and relishes

opportunities to mock those who claim to know

facts about European history but are false.

(A) cajoler (B) consecrator (C) abettor

(D) debunker (E) desecrater

14. The widespread ------ of the new laws passed

has been evident due to protests by activists

who oppose the latest regulations.

(A) elucidation (B) repudiation (C) consecration

(D) acquiescence (E) abduction

15. Rio resents the ------ remark that she is only

kind to others because she expects something in

return.

(A) obfuscatory (B) imputative (C) acquiescent

(D) remunerative (E) juxtapositional

16. Considering the opposition did not like the new

law proposed to Congress, they sought for its

total ------.

(A) nullification (B) oscillation (C) cajolery

(D) beleagurment (E) amelioration

17. Johan is a great ------ of new age thinking,

especially since he’s become a yoga instructor

and supports homeopathic medicine.

(A) subjugator (B) abettor (C) espouser

(D) transgressor (E) repudiator

18. Since Kendra’s offense was slight, she only

received mild ------ from her parents and was

asked to make an official apology.

(A) vilification (B) eschewal (C) stagnation

(D) obfuscation (E) admonishment

19. Because the land had grown dry and with no

accessible fresh water, the migrating animals had

only stale, ------ water to drink.

(A) stagnant (B) fathomable (C) consecratory

(D) denigrative (E) ascertainable

20. After the fight had ceased, both boxers were ----

-- with bruises and scars not only on their faces

but to the rest of their bodies.

(A) marred (B) burgeoned (C) coerced

(D) capitulated (E) subjugated



21. Cassie will often ------ the less pleasant duties to

her assistant in order to free up time for her to

work on more important matters.

(A) transgress (B) repudiate (C) cede

(D) accost (E) relegate

22. Jamie and Casey have decided to ------ their love

with a formal marriage ceremony inviting their

close friends and family.

(A) beleaguer (B) consecrate (C) beseech

(D) denigrate (E) sully

23. Rather than be forceful and use ------ to obtain a

confession, the officer used plain facts and the

criminal had no choice but to admit guilt.

(A) juxtaposition (B) stagnancy (C) coercion

(D) galvanization (E) elucidation

24. The magician was able to ------ the entire

audience with his show stopping illusion of

making an elephant disappear.

(A) emulate (B) espouse (C) lambaste

(D) abet (E) flummox

25. The lawyer is a(n) ------ choosing to confuse the

jury instead of making arguments with sound

reasoning and clear facts.

(A) abductor (B) admonisher (C) obfuscator

(D) ameliorator (E) denigrator



Answer Key 1. D; vilified 2. B; remuneration 3. E; burgeoning 4. B; eschew 5. A; galvanized 6. C; ameliorative 7. C; capitulations 8. D; juxtaposes 9. E; unfathomable 10. A; seceded 11. D; besought 12. D; aggrandizement 13. D; debunker 14. B; repudiation 15. E; imputative 16. A; nullification 17. C; espouser 18. E; admonishment 19. A; stagnant 20. A; marred 21. E; relegate 22. B; consecrate 23. C; coercion 24. D; flummox 25. C; obfuscator

Word List 19

Adjective I

Abstemious

Analogous

Arduous

Beguiled

Bereft

Clairvoyant

Convoluted

Cryptic

Endemic

Enigmatic

Ephemeral

Evanescent

Exacting

Feasible

Fleeting

Futile

Indigenous

Indignant

Inexorable

Innocuous

Nefarious

Notorious

Noxious

Transient

372 Word List 19



Abstemious – sparing in consumption of especially food and drink

Analogous – similar or equivalent in some respects though otherwise dissimilar

Arduous – difficult to accomplish; demanding considerable mental effort and skill

Bereft – suffering from unrequited love; sorrowful through loss or deprivation

Beguiled – filled with wonder and delight

Clairvoyant – foreseeing the future; perceiving things beyond the natural range of the senses

Convoluted – rolled or coiled together; highly complex or intricate

Cryptic –of an obscure nature; having a secret or hidden meaning

Endemic, Indigenous – native to or confined to a certain region

Enigmatic – not clear to the understanding

Ephemeral, Fleeting, Transient, Evanescent – lasting a very short time

Exacting – requiring precise accuracy

Feasible – capable of being done with means at hand and circumstances as they are

Futile – producing no result or effect; unproductive of success

Indignant – angered at something unjust or wrong

Innocuous – unlikely to harm or disturb anyone

Noxious – harmful or poisonous

Inexorable – not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty

Nefarious – extremely wicked

Notorious – famous for something negative

The Benching

“I can’t fathom why you would relegate me to the bench,” yelled Harry indignantly.

“Well, let’s see,” said the coach. “The offense is stagnant, and your playing is bereft of passion. Your

teammates emulate you. When you slouch around on the field it engenders a similar behavior in them, and

it sullies the integrity of the sport.”

The coach hoped that benching his star quarterback would galvanize the players, and it did. For about a

minute. The boost was so ephemeral that within 5 minutes they found themselves in a deeper hole.

“Put me in coach,” Harry beseeched him. “Your plan is futile. It is almost as if we are capitulating

intentionally. Benching me was an enigmatic move. If you don’t put me back in you will be notorious for

this decision for the rest of your life. It is not feasible that the team wins without me. Playing quarterback is

an exacting job. It requires precision and hard work in order to perform the arduous task.”

Adjective I 373


Harry wasn’t done. “Our offensive plays are convoluted. They are way too cryptic for someone who hasn’t

studied them and practiced them repeatedly. I am not clairvoyant, but I can guarantee you that benching

me will not be innocuous. We will lose, and you will have tarnished your reputation. They will impute

the loss to you. Nothing you say can mollify me; I am inexorable. Put me back in.”

The coach paused and said, “Honestly kiddo, I have no idea what you just said. We’ll talk after the game.”

Review Exercises


1. She is quite an abstemious eater, living off of vegetables, fruits and grains.

The __________________ (noun) of her diet is apparent when you see what she eats.

2. Spreading rumors about your friend is analogous to slapping her in the face.

The ______________ (noun) of spreading rumors about your friend is just like slapping her in the

face.

3. She went through a long and arduous summer school program.

She suffered through the ________________ (noun) of the summer school program.

4. The bereft school lacked necessities like notebooks and pencils.

The _______________ (noun) of necessities in the school was shocking.

The school was _____________ (verb) of necessities like notebooks and pencils.

5. The beguiled tourist was unsure how to react to the street magician's trickery.

The ______________ (noun) of the tourist was evident after the magician's trickery.

The magician _____________ (verb) the tourist with his trickery.

6. The psychic's clairvoyant visions gained her respect within the community.

The psychic's _______________ (noun) gained her respect within the community.

7. The substitute teacher's convoluted way of explaining the project was not helpful.

The substitute teacher ______________ (verb) the directions through a confusing explanation.

The _____________ (noun) of her explanation was not helpful.

8. In many poorer countries, unemployment in endemic.

The _______________ (noun) of unemployment is present in many poorer countries.

9. These indigenous plants can only be found in parts of Southeast Asia.

The _______________ of these plants makes it impossible for them to be found outside of

Southeast Asia.

10. There was an enigmatic discovery of an object from space.

The _________________ (noun) was the discovery of an object from space.

11. The short life of a butterfly is special because it is so ephemeral.

The _______________ (noun) of a butterfly's short life is special.

12. I caught a fleeting glimpse of the falling star.

The _______________ (noun) of the falling star made it hard to glimpse.

374 Word List 19


13. The transient guests at the hotel seemed to arrive as quickly as they left.

The _____________ (noun) were guests at the hotel who seemed to arrive as quickly as they left.

14. The evanescent rainbow was in the sky but quickly disappeared.

The ______________ of the rainbow left it quickly disappearing.

15. The exacting teacher had extremely rigid rules and routines.

The ___________________ (noun) of the teacher was implied in her rigid rules and routines.

The teacher ________________ (verb) rigid rules and routines from her students.

16. Although young, my brother had a very feasible plan for saving money.

The _____________ of my brother's plan to save money was exceptional for his age.

17. We made a futile attempt to try and keep the sick animal alive.

The ________________ (noun) of our attempt to keep the sick animal alive was heartbreaking.

18. She wrote an indignant letter to the editor, expressing her anger.

The __________________ (noun) of her letter to the editor expressed her anger.

19. The innocuous home remedy for the cough was nothing harmful.

The ________________ (noun) of the home remedy assured her that there would be no side effects.

20. The noxious fumes quickly spread throughout the apartment building.

The ________________ (noun) of the fumes made the apartment building very dangerous.

21. The inexorable truth about what really happened that night will eventually surface.

The truth holds _____________ (noun) that will eventually surface.

22. The nefarious plot was one in which there could only be a wicked outcome.

The ______________ (noun) of the plot could only have a wicked outcome.

23. He was known as a notorious gambler, winning a little too frequently.

The _________________ (noun) of his gambling was known all over town.


SET 1

1. Sparing in consumption of especially food and drink ____________

2. Not clear to the understanding ____________

3. Requiring precise accuracy ____________

4. Rolled or coiled together ____________

5. Having a secret or hidden meaning ____________

6. Native to or confined to a certain region ____________

7. Producing no result or effect; unproductive of success ____________

Abstemious, Convoluted, Cryptic, Endemic, Enigmatic, Exacting, Futile

SET 2

1. Angered at something unjust or wrong ____________

Adjective I 375


2. Lasting a very short time; anything short–lived ____________

3. Unlikely to harm or disturb anyone ____________

4. Harmful or poisonous ____________

5. Not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty ____________

6. Extremely wicked ____________

7. Famous for something negative ____________

8. Demanding considerable mental effort and skill ____________

Arduous, Ephemeral, Indignant, Inexorable, Innocuous, Nefarious, Notorious, Noxious

SET 3

1. Sorrowful through loss or deprivation ____________

2. Filled with wonder and delight ____________

3. Native to or confined to a certain region ____________

4. Foreseeing the future ____________

5. Capable of being done with means at hand and circumstances as they are ____________

6. Lasting a very short time ____________

7. Similar or equivalent in some respects though otherwise dissimilar ____________

Analogous, Bereft, Beguiled, Indigenous, Clairvoyant, Feasible, Transient

376 Word List 19



1. Convoluted – Simplistic ___________

2. Feasible - Manageable ___________

3. Futile – Worthwhile ___________

4. Abstemious – Disciplined ___________

5. Transient – Permanent ___________

6. Evanescent – Ephemeral ___________

7. Exacting – Rigorous ___________

8. Beguiled – Wooed ___________

9. Clairvoyant – Psychic ___________

10. Analogous – Dissimilar ___________

11. Arduous – Laborious ___________

12. Bereft – In Love ___________

13. Endemic – Rare ___________

14. Innocuous – Safe ___________

15. Nefarious – Reputable ___________

16. Indigenous – Native ___________

17. Enigmatic – Lucid ___________

18. Indignant – Vexed ___________

19. Noxious – Harmless ___________

20. Inexorable - Relentless ___________

21. Cryptic – Puzzling ___________

22. Notorious - Infamous ___________

IV Answer Yes or No

1. Is an elephant an abstemious eater? _________

2. Is being a “busy bee” analogous to someone who is lazy? __________

3. Does joining the military involve long and arduous training? __________

4. Would a parent whose child has gone missing be bereft? __________

5. Could a child be beguiled by a magician’s optical illusion? __________

6. Are psychics thought to be clairvoyant? __________

7. Do lucid manuals have convoluted instructions? __________

8. Do teachers send a cryptic message when they say, “Do your homework”?

9. Are Native Americans endemic to North America? __________

10. Is the universe an enigmatic entity? __________

11. Would ephemeral fame last for years? __________

12. Should surgeons be exacting in their practices? __________

13. Is it feasible to eat a five-course meal in ten seconds? __________

14. Would it be a futile effort to speak English to someone who only speaks Japanese? __________

Adjective I 377


15. Would you feel indignant after being kindly complimented? __________

16. Is smoke in an enclosed room innocuous? __________

17. Would an inexorable judge be someone you could easily persuade? ___________

18. Would you describe a fairy godmother as nefarious? __________

19. Could a scandal that has wide press coverage be considered notorious? ___________


1. Angered at something unjust or wrong; I___________

2. Unlikely to harm or disturb anyone; I___________

3. Harmful or poisonous; N__________

4. Not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty; I__________

5. Extremely wicked; N__________

6. Famous for something negative; N__________

7. Difficult to accomplish; A__________

8. Sparing in consumption of especially food and drink; A__________

9. Not clear to the understanding; E__________

10. Requiring precise accuracy; E__________

11. Similar or equivalent in some respects though otherwise dissimilar; A__________

12. Highly complex or intricate; C__________

13. Having a secret or hidden meaning; C__________

14. Native to or confined to a certain region; E__________, I____________

15. Producing no result or effect; F__________

16. Sorrowful through loss or deprivation; B__________

17. Filled with wonder and delight; B__________

18. Foreseeing the future; C__________

19. Capable of being done with means at hand and circumstances as they are; F__________

20. Lasting a very short time; E__________, E____________, T_____________, F____________

378 Word List 19


Word List 20

Adjectives II

Bucolic

Cognizant

Eclectic

Fecund

Indelible

Ineffable

Innocuous

Ornate

Pensive

Prevalent

Pristine

Resolute

Serendipitous

Serene

Soporific

Unscrupulous

Unsullied

Vacuous

Vituperative

Whimsical

380 Word List 20



Ornate – rich in decorative detail

Pristine, Unsullied – completely free from dirt or contamination

Resolute – firm in purpose or belief

Serendipitous – lucky in making unexpected and fortunate discoveries

Serene – completely clear and fine; not agitated

Soporific – sleep inducing

Unscrupulous – without morals or principals

Vacuous – devoid of matter or intelligence

Vituperative – marked by harshly abusive criticism

Whimsical – determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason

Prevalent – widespread

Pensive – persistently or morbidly thoughtful

Bucolic – used of idealized country life

Cognizant – having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception

Eclectic – selecting what seems best of various styles or ideas

Fecund – capable of producing offspring or vegetation; intellectually productive

Indelible – cannot be removed, washed away or erased

Ineffable – too sacred to be uttered; defying expression or description

Innocuous – not injurious to physical or mental health; not causing

Toxic Mixtures

Ted sat there pensively in his ornate mansion pondering how things went so wrong. He expected at this age to

have achieved some sort of serenity and not to feel such inner turmoil. Things started off so well for him. At

age 18 he serendipitously discovered a way to cure a prevalent disease. He was just mixing a couple of

chemicals for fun when he became cognizant of the fact that the chemical composition could help cure the

disease.

Back then he was so idealistic. He was resolute in his belief that he would only mix chemicals that would help

people. He proceeded to concoct a mixture that would help infertile people become fecund. His image was

pristine.

All that was before he met Jim, an unscrupulous businessman. Jim believed that people were vacuous and that

taking drugs was probably the best use of their time. He managed to convince Ted that so long as a chemical

was not noxious it was ethical to sell it. His influence on Ted was indelible.

Adjectives II 381


Together they produced a chemical that induced a soporific feeling. It became a major hit among people that

lived in bucolic settings. The tranquility of there homes combined with the drug to produce a euphoric high.

The drug proved to be far from innocuous. One of its side effects was that it caused excessively whimsical

decision-making. People became exceedingly unpredictable and the results were disastrous. The newspapers

launched vituperative attacks on Ted and sullied his reputation. Now he sat alone in his big house brooding

over his mistakes.

Review Exercises


1. They bought an ornate piece of jewelry from a high end store in Manhattan.

The ______________ (noun) of the piece of jewelry is sure to please.

2. The resolute decision was finally reached after hours of debate.

The _______________ (noun) was finally reached after hours of debate.

3. The sudden discovery of the missing child was serendipitous.

The ________________ (noun) of discovering the missing child was sudden.

4. The serene landscape was still and unchanging.

The _________________ (noun) of the landscape was still and unchanging.

5. The soporific drug quickly brought on a deep sleep.

The drug was a ____________________ (noun) that quickly brought on a deep sleep.

6. The unscrupulous businessman talked them into spending more money than they had.

The _________________ (noun) of the businessman was evident when he talked them into spending

more money than they had.

7. The vacuous air had not a single breeze or gust of wind.

The _________________ (noun) of the air has not a single breeze or gust of wind.

8. The vituperative threats began after the community found out about his crime.

The _____________ (noun) began after the community found out about his crime.

9. He was eventually fired because he was too whimsical with regard to his work.

The __________________ (noun) in which he regarded his work eventually got him fired.

10. Although the religion was once prevalent, it's now only practiced in small communities.

The religion once had _________________ (noun) but is now only practiced in small communities.

11. The rainy days always leave me feeling pensive, dreamy and a little sad.

Rainy days always bring ___________________ (noun), leaving me dreamy and a little sad.

12. He is too young to be fully cognizant of his duties as a father.

His lack of ________________ (noun) about the duties of fatherhood is due to his age.

13. His eclectic beliefs were a combination of many different religions.

An ___________________ (noun) is one who follows an eclectic method.

14. The indelible memories of war will always be with him.

The ________________ (noun) of his war memories will always be with him.

15. He was incapable of expressing his ineffable feelings of joy.

The _________________ (noun) of his feelings left him helpless.

382 Word List 20



SET 1

1. Completely clear and fine; not agitated ____________

2. Completely free from dirt or contamination ____________

3. Without morals or principals ____________

4. Sleep inducing ____________

5. Rich in decorative detail ____________

6. Marked by harshly abusive criticism ____________

7. Firm in purpose or belief ____________

8. Devoid of matter or intelligence ____________

9. Determined by chance or impulse or whim ____________

10. Lucky in making unexpected and fortunate discoveries ____________

Ornate, Pristine, Resolute, Serendipitous, Serene, Soporific, Unscrupulous, Vacuous, Vituperative,

Whimsical

SET 2

1. Widespread ____________

2. Persistently or morbidly thoughtful ____________

3. Used of idealized country life ____________

4. Having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception ____________

5. Selecting what seems best of various styles or ideas ____________

6. Capable of producing offspring or vegetation; intellectually productive ____________

7. Cannot be removed, washed away or erased ____________

8. Too sacred to be uttered; defying expression or description ____________

9. Not injurious to physical or mental health; not causing ____________

10. Completely free from dirt or contamination ____________

Bucolic, Cognizant, Eclectic, Fecund, Indelible, Ineffable, Innocuous, Pensive, Prevalent, Unsullied

Adjectives II 383



1. Ornate – Unadorned ___________

2. Pristine – Sullied ___________

3. Unsullied – Clean ___________

4. Resolute – Unyielding ___________

5. Serendipitous – Opportune ___________

6. Serene – Tranquil ___________

7. Soporific – Stimulating ___________

8. Unscrupulous – Honest ___________

9. Vacuous – Hollow ___________

10. Vituperative – Insulting ___________

11. Whimsical – Practical ___________

12. Prevalent – Widespread ___________

13. Pensive – Contemplative ___________

14. Bucolic – Urban ___________

15. Cognizant – Ignorant ___________

16. Eclectic – Narrow ___________

17. Fecund – Barren ___________

18. Indelible – Permanent ___________

19. Ineffable – Definable ___________

20. Innocuous – Toxic ___________

IV Answer Yes or No

1. Would a rich, Victorian castle have ornate decorations? __________ 2. Would a pristine white shirt have a stain on it? __________

3. Would someone who wavers in her purpose be considered resolute? __________

4. Is it serendipitous to find someone by chance after looking for years? __________

5. Does going to a heavy metal concert sound like it would be serene? __________

6. Is it a good idea to take soporific medicine before driving a car? __________

7. Would a saint be considered unscrupulous? __________

8. Would a vacuous stare be given by someone who comprehended the idea? __________

9. Would you be friends with someone who is vituperative? __________

10. Are dramatic movies whimsical? __________

11. Is the use of cell phones prevalent today? __________

12. Can rainy days put you in a pensive mood? __________

13. Is New York City a bucolic region of the U.S.? __________

14. Would someone in a coma be cognizant of his or her surroundings? __________

15. Would someone with eclectic style have many different influences? __________

16. Was Albert Einstein a fecund scientist? __________

17. Does someone suffering from amnesia have an indelible memory? __________

384 Word List 20


18. Do some things in this world have an ineffable beauty? ___________


1. Cannot be removed, washed away or erased: I____________

2. Capable of producing offspring or vegetation; intellectually productive: F____________

3. Completely clear and fine; not agitated: S____________

4. Completely free from dirt or contamination: P____________, U____________

5. Determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason: W____________

6. Devoid of matter or intelligence: V____________

7. Firm in purpose or belief: R____________

8. Having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception: C____________

9. Lucky in making unexpected and fortunate discoveries: S____________

10. Marked by harshly abusive criticism: V____________

11. Not injurious to physical or mental health; not causing: I____________

12. Persistently or morbidly thoughtful: P____________

13. Rich in decorative detail: O____________

14. Selecting what seems best of various styles or ideas: E____________

15. Sleep inducing: S____________

16. Too sacred to be uttered; defying expression or description: I___________

17. Used of idealized country life: B____________

18. Widespread: P____________

19. Without morals or principals: U____________

Word List 21

Adjectives III

Insular

Moribund

Obstreperous

Pernicious

Pertinent

Germane

Petulant

Quiescent

Scathing

Scintillating

Solicitous

Superlative

Virulent

Slovenly

Disheveled

Unkempt

Extemporaneous

Impromptu

Spontaneous

Perfidious

Tenacious

Relentless

Rudimentary

Precocious

Insidious

Docile

386 Word List 21



Insular – narrowly restricted in outlook or scope; relating to or characteristic of or situated on an island

Moribund – being on the point of death; not growing or changing; without force or vitality

Obstreperous – boisterously and noisily aggressive; noisily and stubbornly defiant

Pernicious – working or spreading in a hidden and usually injurious way; exceedingly harmful

Pertinent, Germane – relevant and applicable

Petulant – easily irritated or annoyed

Quiescent – causing no symptoms; being quiet or still or inactive

Scathing – marked by harshly abusive criticism

Scintillating – brilliantly clever; marked by high spirits or excitement

Solicitous – showing hovering attentiveness; full of anxiety and concern

Superlative – highest in quality; an exaggerated expression (usually of praise)

Virulent – infectious; harsh or corrosive in tone

Slovenly, Disheveled, Unkempt – sloppy in appearance

Extemporaneous, Impromptu, Spontaneous – unrehearsed, unplanned

Perfidious – disloyal

Tenacious, Relentless – determined and not willing to stop in the process of achieving something

Rudimentary – basic, not developed or detailed

Precocious – having developed certain abilities or proclivities at an earlier age than usual

Insidious – proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, with harmful effects; treacherous, crafty

Docile – ready to accept control or instruction; submissive

The Cliffhanger

The disheveled man showed up at our door at 2 am. His knock was meek and he appeared moribund. It

looked like one more step would lead him to his demise. My mother opened the door but he lay there

quiescently. Finally he muttered, “Need food.”

My mother turned to him virulently and said, “Knock again and I call the police.” But the man was

tenacious. “I am not an obstreperous man. I won’t cause you any trouble,” he said, anguish dripping

from every word. “Deleterious events that were beyond my control overtook me. I am a docile man. I am

willing to help around the house, but I need a place to stay.”

His speech was clearly extemporaneous, but his vocabulary was far from rudimentary. He actually

appeared to posses scintillating wit. My mother turned to him about to unleash more scathing remarks

when my father interceded. “Have we become so insular that we won’t tolerate anyone different?” He

turned to the slovenly man and invited him in.

Adjectives III 387


I was so proud. Little did I know that this day began an insidious process that would ultimately have a

pernicious effect on our whole family.

Review Exercises


1. My lonely cousin has been sent to the insular world of boarding school.

The _______________ (noun) of boarding school will only make my cousin lonely.

2. The moribund commune is not expected to last more than a few more months.

The ________________ (noun) of the commune is evidence that it won't last more than a few more

months.

3. The obstreperous children were making it extremely hard for the teacher to gain control.

The _______________ (noun) of the children made it extremely hard for the teacher to gain

control.

4. The pernicious disease wiped out entire populations throughout the country.

The _______________ (noun) of the disease wiped out entire populations.

5. Please only share the pertinent details of the story as we don't have all day.

The ______________ of details are all we want you to share as we don't have all day.

6. Your personal opinion is not germane to the facts of this case.

The ________________ (noun) of your personal opinion is not relevant to the facts of this case.

7. Her petulant body language told us that she was not happy to be in class.

Her body's __________________ (noun) told us that she was not happy to be in class.

8. Finally she was able to relax and have a quiescent mind.

The __________________ (noun) of her mind came only when she was able to relax.

9. The scathing review of the play did not bring back audiences.

The writer ________________ (verb) the play which did not bring back audiences.

10. The scintillating conversation with my co-worker left me excited and full of new ideas!

The conversation left my mind to ____________________ (verb) with excitement!

11. She continued to be solicitous about her mother's failing health.

Her ______________ (noun) about her mother's failing health continued.

12. His superlative wisdom was evidence of his extensive research and experience.

The _________________ (noun) of his wisdom was evidence of his extensive research.

13. The slovenly appearance of the dorm room was quite uninviting.

The ______________ (noun) of the dorm room was quite uninviting.

14. She woke up late and had no time to comb her disheveled hair.

Sleep will _______________ (verb) your hair.

The _______________ (noun) of her uncombed hair was the result of walking up late.

15. My father is going to help our elderly neighbor with his unkempt lawn.

388 Word List 21


My father is going to help the __________________ (noun) of our neighbor's lawn.

16. With no rehearsal time, the extemporaneous performance was quite impressive.

The _________________ (noun) of the performance was quite impressive.

17. The president was welcomed with a spontaneous burst of applause.

The ________________ (noun) of applause broke out when the president entered the room.

18. We were betrayed by a perfidious friend.

We were betrayed by the _______________ (noun) of a friend.

19. He had a tenacious grip on my arm because he didn't want me to leave.

The _____________ (noun) of his grip on my arm was because he didn't want me to leave.

20. The relentless basketball team was determined to win the championship.

The ________________ (noun) of the basketball team will help them win the championship.

21. The new student only had a rudimentary knowledge of multiplication.

There was only a _______________ (noun) in his knowledge of multiplication.

22. Being a precocious pianist, he was giving concerts when he was only eight years old.

His ___________ (noun) as a pianist allowed him to give concerts when he was only eight years old.

23. The insidious house could not keep occupants and was thought to be haunted.

The ___________ (noun) of the house could not keep occupants and was thought to be haunted.

24. The wild animal was surprisingly docile.

The ____________ (noun) of the wild animal was surprising.


SET 1

1. Without force or vitality ____________

2. Noisily and stubbornly defiant ____________

3. Brilliantly clever ____________

4. Being quiet or still or inactive ____________

5. Easily irritated or annoyed ____________

6. Marked by harshly abusive criticism ____________

7. Narrowly restricted in outlook or scope ____________

8. Relevant and applicable ____________

9. Showing hovering attentiveness; full of anxiety and concern ____________

10. Exceedingly harmful ____________

Germane, Insular, Moribund, Obstreperous, Pernicious, Pertinent, Petulant, Quiescent, Scathing,

Scintillating, Solicitous

Adjectives III 389


SET 2

1. Basic, not developed or detailed ____________

2. Determined and not willing to stop in the process of achieving something ____________

3. Disloyal ____________

4. Having developed certain abilities or proclivities at an earlier age than usual ____________

5. Highest in quality ____________

6. Infectious; harsh or corrosive in tone ____________

7. Ready to accept control or instruction ____________

8. Sloppy in appearance ____________

9. Treacherous, crafty ____________

10. Unrehearsed, unplanned ____________

Superlative, Virulent, Slovenly, Extemporaneous, Perfidious, Tenacious, Rudimentary, Precocious,

Insidious, Docile


1. Insular – Open-Minded __________

2. Moribund – Vivacious __________

3. Obstreperous – Defiant __________

4. Pernicious – Harmless __________

5. Germane – Irrelevant __________

6. Pertinent – Applicable __________

7. Petulant – Serene __________

8. Quiescent – Hyperactive __________

9. Scathing – Complimentary __________

10. Scintillating – Clever __________

11. Solicitous – Concern __________

12. Superlative – High Praise __________

13. Virulent – Infectious __________

14. Unkempt - Slovenly __________

15. Disheveled – Sloppy __________

16. Impromptu – Rehearsed __________

17. Extemporaneous – Spontaneous __________

18. Perfidious – Disloyal __________

19. Tenacious, Relentless – Determined __________

20. Rudimentary – Detailed __________

21. Precocious – Prodigy __________

22. Insidious –Crafty __________

23. Docile – Submissive ___________

IV Answer Yes or No

1. Would living on an island make you an insular resident? ___________

2. Would a moribund patient need help with basic activities? ___________

390 Word List 21


3. Would a classroom full of obstreperous children be peaceful? ___________

4. Does poison have a pernicious effect on the body? ___________

5. Would talking about seat belts be pertinent to a conversation about safe driving? ___________

6. Would you enjoy babysitting a petulant child? ___________

7. Do you feel quiescent after eating a heavy meal? ___________

8. Do scathing reviews speak positively of its subject matter? ___________

9. Can a theater performance be scintillating? ___________

10. Would solicitous inquiries about your personal life be polite? ___________

11. Would superlative work be given positive recognition? ___________

12. Do cobras have a virulent bite? ___________

13. Should you arrive to a job interview with a slovenly appearance? ___________

14. Does an extemporaneous party involve much planning? ___________

15. Would you trust a perfidious employee with confidential information? ___________

16. Would you want a tenacious lawyer to represent you? ___________

17. Do you need at least a rudimentary knowledge of anatomy to become a doctor? ___________

18. Could a precocious child learn how to read before starting school? ___________

19. Can eating unhealthy foods have an insidious effect on the body? ___________

20. Would a docile animal be a good pet for an apartment? ___________


1. An exaggerated expression (usually of praise): S___________

2. Basic, not developed or detailed: R___________

3. Being quiet or still or inactive: Q___________

4. Determined and not willing to stop in the process of achieving something: R___________,

T______________

5. Disloyal: P___________

6. Easily irritated or annoyed: P___________

7. Exceedingly harmful: P___________

8. Full of anxiety and concern: S___________

9. Harsh or corrosive in tone: V___________

10. Having developed certain abilities or proclivities at an earlier age than usual: P___________

11. Marked by harshly abusive criticism: S___________

12. Marked by high spirits or excitement: S___________

13. Noisily and stubbornly defiant: O___________

14. Relating to or characteristic of or situated on an island: I___________

15. Relevant and applicable: P___________, G____________

16. Sloppy in appearance: S___________, D______________, U______________

17. Submissive: D___________

18. Treacherous, crafty: I___________

19. Unplanned: S___________, I________________, E_________________

20. Without force or vitality: M___________



1. The fact that they found each other on a

crowded street after not seeing each other for

ten years is pure ------.

(A) analogy (B) feasibility (C) virulence

(D) serendipity (E) insulation

2. Horses are not a(n) ------ species to North

America, but were brought over by the Spanish

hundreds of years ago.

(A) unsullied (B) endemic (C) solicitous

(D) tenacious (E) evanescent

3. Caught by surprise, Jose won the award and had

to make a(n) ------ speech at the ceremony.

(A) relentless (B) cryptic (C) indelible

(D) extemporaneous (E) nocuous

4. Not wanting to startle the deer, the hikers stood

in deep ------ in order to get a prolonged look at

the creature.

(A) petulance (B) perfidy (C) transience

(D) ineffability (E) quiescence

5. Being that Coral is a(n) ------ diner, she tends to

stay away from all-you-can-eat buffets.

(A) abstemious (B) unkempt (C) whimsical

(D) scrupulous (E) indignant

6. Eric believes films these days rely too heavily on

special effects rather than good content, which

makes them ------ and lacking imagination.

(A) eclectic (B) superlative (C) vacuous

(D) pertinent (E) beguiled

7. Once Ruth has made up her mind, she cannot

be moved, which makes her ------ difficult deal

with when trying to work as a team.

(A) docility (B) fecundation (C) inexorability

(D) clairvoyance (E) precocity

8. The boss would ------ his employees on a weekly

basis for various transgressions leaving the

workers feeling abused and undervalued.

(A) scintillate (B) vituperate (C) convolute

(D) cognize (E) analogize

9. Sparrow was always a(n) ------ child who could

read and do simple math computations before

she received any formal education.

(A) precocious (B) disheveled (C) pensive

(D) soporific (E) ephemeral

10. Brian was a leader of a gang who was put on

trial for ------ deeds that were far worse and

deadlier than any of his predecessors.

(A) arduous (B) nefarious (C) spontaneous

(D) scathing (E) bucolic



11. Much to Timothy’s ------, his son had done

exactly what he had advised him not to do and

chose not to apply to any colleges.

(A) eclecticism (B) notoriety (C) endemism

(D) indignation (E) scrupulosity

12. Soap opera dramas are filled with ------

characters whose sole purpose is to plot harmful

schemes against other characters on the show.

(A) innocuous (B) feasible (C) moribund

(D) pernicious (E) serendipitous

13. A(n) ------ crowd gathered in front of the

building with signs chanting in unison against

the new company changes they found

threatening.

(A) quiescent (B) ineffable (C) serene

(D) cognizable (E) obstreperous

14. The fact that this was the first time the team had

won the championship cemented the ------ of

the moment.

(A) vituperation (B) convolution (C) futility

(D) indelibility (E) tenacity

15. James worked a high profile job as a double

agent who was loyal to one employer but -----

- to the other.

(A) exacting (B) fleeting (C) perfidious

(D) rudimentary (E) resolute

16. Despite the progression of ideas for greater

society, the Amish have stayed a(n) ------

community that holds its precepts dear.

(A) germane (B) insular (C) scintillating

(D) slovenly (E) insidious

17. Josephine aimed to ------ Governor Jimez with

her cruel editorial that criticized his most recent

legislative bill.

(A) scathe (B) fecundate (C) beguile

(D) extemporize (E) insulate

18. The ------ of rainbows is a beautiful quality

because one must truly savor its wonder before

it dissipates into thin air.

(A) ephemerality (B) resolution (C) cognizance

(D) pertinence (E) prevalence

19. Thomas Edison was known to have a(n) -----

- imagination that has afforded society with such

inventions as the light bulb and phonograph.

(A) transient (B) inexorable (C) vituperative

(D) petulant (E) convoluted

20. The ------ woman was inconsolable considering

she had just lost her loved one to an

unspeakable tragedy.

(A) indigenous (B) noxious (C) bereft

(D) ornate (E) unscrupulous



21. The ------ of his long standing career was

evident after he was not only fired from his job,

but was having difficulty finding any other job

in his field.

(A) serenity (B) scintillation (C) transience

(D) moribundity (E) beguilement

22. Astronomy is a field of science that studies the

------ wonders of the universe such as galaxies,

dark matter, and all things celestial.

(A) pristine (B) enigmatic (C) prevalent

(D) cognizant (E) virulent

23. Sam is a(n) ------ personal trainer who pushes

her clients to the brink of physical ability in

order to bring them to the most fit version of

themselves.

(A) docile (B) tenacious (C) clairvoyant

(D) futile (E) exact

24. Blood mobiles regularly visit college campuses

for the ------ of much needed donor blood of all

types for use in medical emergencies.

(A) dishevelment (B) solicitation (C) whimsy

(D) evanescence (E) rudiment

25. When reading a book, one can sometimes find

------ parallels from one’s own life to the lives

of the characters within the novel.

(A) analogous (B) notorious (C) impromptu

(D) bucolic (E) indelible



Answer Key 1. D 2. B 3. D 4. E 5. A 6. C 7. C 8. B 9. A 10. B 11. D 12. D 13. E 14. D 15. C 16. B 17. A 18. A 19. E 20. C 21. D 22. B 23. B 24. B 25. A

Word List 22

Nouns I

Abstinence

Anguish

Anomaly

Antithesis

Autonomy

Deleterious

Demise

Fiasco, Debacle

Paradox

Progenitor

Resilience

Maxim

Aphorism

Adage

Axiom

Proverb

Dictum

398 Word List 22



Abstinence – act or practice of refraining from indulging an appetite

Anguish – extreme mental distress; extreme distress of body or mind

Anomaly– deviating from the general or common order or type

Antithesis – the juxtaposition of contrasting words or ideas

Autonomy – immunity from arbitrary exercise of authority

Deleterious – harmful to living things

Demise – the time when something ends

Fiasco, Debacle – a complete disaster

Paradox – a statement that contradicts itself

Progenitor – an ancestor in the direct line

Resilience – an occurrence of rebounding or springing back

Maxim, Aphorism, Adage, Axiom, Proverb, Dictum – a saying

The One with the Maxim

There is a famous maxim that goes like this- Give a precocious youth autonomy and a fiasco will

certainly ensue. Apparently my parents figured I would be an anomaly, because even though I was brilliant

they gave me plenty of freedom. Turns out adages are adages for a reason.

At age five I decided I would abstain from food and material pleasures on this earth. My asceticism led me

to faint multiple times, but, being as resilient as I was, I kept at it. Eventually, the deleterious effect

starving myself had on my body landed me in the hospital. The doctors predict that I have only a number of

weeks before my untimely demise. I can only imagine the anguish my parents feel.

And don’t think I am an anomaly. I know several other children who were afforded as much freedom as I

was. They were involved in similar debacles. One of them was even arrested for leading a communist rally.

That story is a story for a different time.

Nouns I 399


Review Exercises


1. The health instructor was encouraging abstinence from unhealthy foods and activity.

We should ____________________ (verb) from eating unhealthy foods.

We were __________________ (adj) when we declined to have unhealthy foods.

2. The anguish of grief she felt after the funeral was unbearable.

She ___________ (verb) with unbearable grief after the funeral.

3. With his introverted personality, he was an anomaly to his outgoing family.

The ____________ (adj) son was introverted while the rest of his family was outgoing.

4. Her calm demeanor is the very antithesis of my high strung personality.

Our _______________ (adj) personalities could not be more different.

5. The teacher encourages the individual autonomy of each student.

The __________________ (adj) individual is of utmost importance to the teacher.

6. The deleterious gases were contained in the area due to their highly toxic nature.

The ___________________ (noun) of the gases made them necessary to contain.

7. The demise of the Roman Empire was inevitable after the split of its territory.

The ________________ (adj) empire was once strong and impenetrable.

8. It's a paradox that technology often breaks down when it's meant to save people time.

Technology is _________________ (adj) because it's meant to save people time but it oftenbreaks

down.

9. Wild wolves were the progenitors of modern day dogs.

Wild wolves were ___________________ (adj) of modern day dogs.

10. The teenagers showed amazing resilience while working under harsh conditions.

The ________________ (adj) teenagers did an amazing job while working under harshconditions.

11. When missing a loved one far away, remember the famous aphorism, “Distance makes the heart

grow fonder.”

An ____________________ (noun) is one who uses aphorisms.

When missing someone, remember the __________________ (adj) saying, “Distance makesthe

heart grow fonder.”

12. The author used adages or traditional sayings throughout the novel.

The ____________________ (adj) novel was full of traditional sayings.

13. Joe has an educational proverb to tell for every situation.

He has __________________ (adj) sayings for every situation.

400 Word List 22



SET 1

1. The time when something ends _________

2. Immunity from arbitrary exercise of authority _________

3. Harmful to living things _________

4. Extreme mental distress; extreme distress of body or mind _________

5. Act or practice of refraining from indulging an appetite _________

6. A saying _________

7. A complete disaster _________

Abstinence, Anguish, Aphorism, Autonomy, Deleterious, Demise, Fiasco

SET 2

1. Deviating from the general or common order or type _________

2. The juxtaposition of contrasting words or ideas _________

3. Complete disaster _________

4. A saying _________

5. A statement that contradicts itself _________

6. An ancestor in the direct line _________

7. An occurrence of rebounding or springing back _________

Anomaly, Antithesis, Axiom, Debacle, Paradox, Progenitor, Resilience

Nouns I 401



1. Abstinence – Indulgence ___________

2. Anguish - Serene ___________

3. Anomaly – Irregularity ___________

4. Maxim - Aphorism ___________

5. Antithesis – Opposition ___________

6. Autonomy – Dependence ___________

7. Deleterious - Harmful ___________

8. Demise - Inception ___________

9. Axiomatic – Proverbial ___________

10. Fiasco - Success ___________

11. Debacle – Disaster ___________

12. Paradox – Fallacy ___________

13. Progenitor – Offspring ___________

14. Resilience – Resistance ___________

15. Adage – Dictum ___________

IV Answer Yes or No

1. Would someone practicing abstinence with dairy drink milk? ___________

2. Would getting a spa treatment cause you mental anguish? ___________

3. Would having snow in June be an anomaly for New England? ___________

4. Is freedom the antithesis of slavery? ___________

5. Do servants typically display autonomy? ___________

6. Is nuclear waste deleterious to the environment?

7. Would you look forward to your own demise? ___________

8. Would the stock market crashing be a financial debacle today? ___________

9. Is eating more food because you’re completely full a paradox? ___________

10. Would a great grandfather be the progenitor to his great grandson? ___________

11. Does splintered wood display resilience? ___________

12. Is the idea that you should “let sleeping dogs lie” a dictum? ___________

402 Word List 22



1. Act or practice of refraining from indulging an appetite: A____________

2. Harmful to living things: D____________

3. The juxtaposition of contrasting words or ideas: A____________

4. Extreme mental distress; extreme distress of body or mind: A____________

5. Deviating from the general or common order or type: A____________

6. An ancestor in the direct line: P____________

7. A statement that contradicts itself: P____________

8. A saying: A____________, A____________, A____________, P____________,

M____________, D____________

9. Complete disaster: D____________, F_____________

10. The time when something ends: D____________

11. Immunity from arbitrary exercise of authority: A____________

12. An occurrence of rebounding or springing back : R____________

Word List 23

Nouns II

Aplomb

Aspersion

Boon

Enfranchisement

Hiatus

Impediment

Interloper

Lampoon

Lull

Moratorium

Probity

Proximity

Sinecure

Sophistry

404 Word List 23



Aplomb – coolness and composure under strain

Hiatus, Moratorium, Lull – a suspension of activity

Boon – a desirable state

Probity – a moral and honest way of behaving

Aspersion – a statement that attacks reputation or character

Enfranchisement – Endowed with the rights of citizenship, such as voting

Sophistry – the use of fallacious arguments, with the intent to deceive

Proximity – the property of being close together

Sinecure – an office that involves minimal duties, but gives the holder status or financial benefit

Interloper – someone who intrudes on the privacy or property of another without permission

Lampoon – a composition that imitates somebody's style in a humorous way

Impediment – a hindrance or obstruction in doing something

The Oldest of 6

Dear Diary,

Ever since my baby brother was born I had to make concession after concession. The kid is such an

impediment. We had to take a hiatus from watching PG13 movies in the house anymore because his

bedroom is in close proximity to the TV, and my parents say the content will disrupt his development of

probity. Second of all, the kid acts with no propriety whatsoever. He is a regular interloper, showing up in

my room unannounced at the worst times. There was that time I was…well never mind.

The kid has also grown into a pedant. If he catches me doing even the smallest thing my parents would

disapprove of, he is quick to rat on me. He is constantly casting aspersions on my character. It is as if he is

my adversary. He even uses sophistry to convince my parents to punish me.

At the inception of his life I thought he would be a boon, but in hindsight he was a curse. He brought

more adversity to my life. What a dichotomy between what I expected and what happened. I try to handle

myself with aplomb around him, but sometimes he makes me cry. I guess even I have foibles in my

character. I think it is prudent never to have a kid.

-XOXO Harriet

Nouns II 405


Review Exercises


1. The overworked doctor needed a hiatus from his busy job.

He needed a __________________ (adj) break from his busy job.

2. Thankfully, the company decided on a moratorium of testing hazardous products on animals.

The __________________ (adj) decision about animal testing was finally made.

3. Finally, there was a lull in the raging storm.

A ________________ (noun) is one who lulls.

Do storms _______________ (verb) you to sleep or keep you awake?

4. The new evidence cast aspersions on her innocence.

An __________________ (noun) is one who asperses.

New witnesses have ________________ (verb) her innocence with new evidence.

5. The enfranchisement of its citizens was the first goal of the new government.

An ________________ (noun) is one who enfranchises.

The new government _______________ (verb) its citizens, giving them voting rights.

6. The proximity of the school and our new house is very convenient.

The distance between the school and our new house is very _________________ (adj).

7. Being of opposing beliefs, she felt like an interloper at the meeting.

She felt she was __________________ (verb) on the meeting, being of opposing beliefs.

8. The comedy was a lampoon of growing up in the eighties.

The comedy __________________ (verb) teenagers growing up in the eighties.

A _____________________ (noun) is one who lampoons.

9. The massive village was an impediment to the construction of the new highway.

The massive village __________________ (verb) the construction of a new highway.

The ___________________ (adj) village was delaying construction of the new highway.


SET 1

1. A desirable state ____________

2. A moral and honest way of behaving ____________

3. A statement that attacks reputation or character ____________

4. A suspension of activity ____________

5. Coolness and composure under strain ____________

6. Endowed with the rights of citizenship, such as voting ____________

Aplomb, Aspersion, Boon, Enfranchisement, Moratorium, Probity

406 Word List 23


SET 2

1. A composition that imitates somebody's style in a humorous way ___________

2. A hindrance or obstruction in doing something ___________

3. A suspension of activity ___________

4. An office that involves minimal duties, but gives the holder status or financial benefit

____________

5. Someone who intrudes on the privacy or property of another without permission ___________

6. The property of being close together ___________

7. The use of fallacious arguments, with the intent to deceive ___________

Impediment, Interloper, Lampoon, Lull, Proximity, Sinecure, Sophistry


1. Aplomb – Poise ___________

2. Aspersion – Plaudits ___________

3. Boon – Gain ___________

4. Enfranchisement – Empowerment ___________

5. Hiatus – Lull ___________

6. Moratorium – Cessation ___________

7. Impediment – Aide ___________

8. Interloper – Impostor ___________

9. Lampoon – Parody ___________

10. Probity – Immorality ___________

11. Proximity – Juxtaposition ___________

12. Sinecure – Difficult Position ___________

13. Sophistry – Clear Logic ___________

IV Answer Yes or No

1. Would someone who has aplomb show composure under stress? ___________

2. Would taking a hiatus from writing mean that you’ve been writing during it? ___________

3. Could someone doing you a favor be a boon to you? ___________

4. Would a criminal typically exhibit probity? ___________

5. Would you be friends with someone who spreads aspersions about you? ___________

6. Would a freed person need to experience enfranchisement? ___________

7. Could a cunning individual use sophistry when speaking? ___________

8. Would the proximity of curtains to a fireplace be a cause for concern? ___________

9. Would becoming the president of the U.S. be a sinecure? ___________

10. Is being an interloper synonymous with being a meddler? ___________

Nouns II 407


11. Do political cartoonists create lampoons? ___________

12. Would a clog in a pipe be an impediment to proper water flow? ___________


1. A composition that imitates somebody's style in a humorous way: L__________

2. A desirable state: B__________

3. A hindrance or obstruction in doing something: I__________

4. A moral and honest way of behaving: P__________

5. A statement that attacks reputation or character: A__________

6. A suspension of activity: H__________, M____________, L______________

7. An office that involves minimal duties, but gives the holder status or financial benefit:

S__________

8. Coolness and composure under strain: A__________

9. Someone who intrudes on the privacy or property of another without permission: I__________

10. The property of being close together: P__________

11. The use of fallacious arguments, with the intent to deceive: S__________

12. Endowed with the rights of citizenship, such as voting: E__________

408 Word List 23


Word List 24

Nouns III

Adversary

Adversity

Commencement

Concession

Dichotomy

Foible

Hindsight

Inception

Misnomer

Nuance

Pedant

Propriety

Prudence

Retrospect

410 Word List 24



Nuance – a subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression or sound

Concession – a thing that is granted, yielded, in response to demands

Hindsight, Retrospect – understanding of a situation only after it has happened or developed

Prudence – the ability to govern and discipline oneself by use of reason

Adversity – difficulties; misfortune

Adversary – one’s opponent in a contest, conflict, or dispute

Misnomer – a wrong or inaccurate name or designation

Propriety – the details or rules of behavior considered correct

Inception, Commencement – the starting point

Foible – weakness

Dichotomy – a division between two things that are shown to be entirely different and opposed

Pedant – a person who is excessively concerned with minor details and rules

The Oldest of 6

Dear Diary,

Ever since my baby brother was born I had to make concession after concession. The kid is such an

impediment. We had to take a hiatus from watching PG13 movies in the house anymore because his

bedroom is in close proximity to the TV, and my parents say the content will disrupt his development of

probity. Second of all, the kid acts with no propriety whatsoever. He is a regular interloper, showing up in

my room unannounced at the worst times. There was that time I was…well never mind.

The kid has also grown into a pedant. If he catches me doing even the smallest thing my parents would

disapprove of, he is quick to rat on me. He is constantly casting aspersions on my character. It is as if he is

my adversary. He even uses sophistry to convince my parents to punish me.

At the inception of his life I thought he would be a boon, but in hindsight he was a curse. He brought

more adversity to my life. What a dichotomy between what I expected and what happened. I try to handle

myself with aplomb around him, but sometimes he makes me cry. I guess even I have foibles in my

character. I think it is prudent never to have a kid.

-XOXO Harriet

Nouns III 411


Review Exercises


1. If you listen carefully, you can hear the subtle nuances in the animal's tone.

There are __________________ (adj) tones in the animal's voice.

2. After they went on strike, the workers won some important concessions from their company.

The company __________________ (verb) to many new terms after the workers went on strike.

A __________________ (noun) is one who concedes.

The strike created a __________________(adj) outcome for the workers!

3. In retrospect, my childhood with my grandmother was the happiest time of my life.

I ___________________ (verb) to a happy time in my childhood with my grandmother.

My thoughts became ___________________ (adj) when I thought about my childhood.

4. She is well off, as she always exercises prudence when managing her investments.

She gives ___________________ (adj) advice to others about managing investments.

5. The poor farmers had seen many times of adversity in their lives.

The _______________ (adj) times in the poor farmers' lives were many.

6. His political adversaries tried to keep him from winning the the election.

The __________________ (adj) opponents tried to keep him from winning the election.

7. The detectives agreed to help with everything from inception to completion.

The detectives only have an ________________ (adj) understanding of the case.

8. The commencement of hostilities began after the two brothers had a disagreement.

The hostilities _________________ (verb) after the two brothers had a disagreement.


SET 1

1. Understanding of a situation only after it has happened or developed _____________

2. The starting point _____________

3. The ability to govern and discipline oneself by use of reason _____________

4. One’s opponent in a contest, conflict, or dispute _____________

5. Difficulties; misfortune _____________

6. A thing that is granted, yielded, in response to demands _____________

7. A subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression or sound _____________

Adversary, Adversity, Commencement, Concession, Hindsight, Nuance, Prudence

412 Word List 24


SET 2

1. A division between two things that are shown to be entirely different and opposed

______________

2. A person who is excessively concerned with minor details and rules ______________

3. A wrong or inaccurate name or designation ______________

4. The details or rules of behavior considered correct ______________

5. The starting point _________________

6. Understanding of a situation only after it has happened or developed _______________

7. Weakness ______________

Dichotomy, Foible, Inception, Misnomer, Pedant, Propriety, Retrospect


1. Prudence - Haste ___________

2. Propriety - Decorum ___________

3. Pedant - Nitpicker ___________

4. Nuance - Distinction ___________

5. Misnomer – Properly categorized ___________

6. Inception - Commencement ___________

7. Foresight - Retrospect ___________

8. Foible - Strength ___________

9. Dichotomy - Unity ___________

10. Concession – Giving in ___________

11. Adversity - Troubles ___________

12. Adversary – Foe ___________

IV Answer Yes or No

1. Would a nuance be overt? ___________

2. Would you make a concession of guilt when you have solid proof that you are innocent?

___________

3. Can you have hindsight before an event has happened? ___________

4. Would having prudence mean using caution in a risky situation? ___________

5. Would facing adversity mean dealing with misfortune? ___________

6. Is an adversary your friend? ___________

7. Would you want to avoid using misnomers in a legal document? ___________

8. Would you use propriety when meeting someone important? ___________

Nouns III 413


9. Are businesses always successful at their inception? ___________

10. Do you sometimes tolerate the foibles of people you love? ___________

11. Is there dichotomy within a population with the same income and education? ___________

12. Would a pedant be humble in their knowledge? ___________


1. Weakness: F______________

2. Understanding of a situation only after it has happened or developed: H______________,

R________________

3. The starting point: C______________, I_________________

4. The details or rules of behavior considered correct: P______________

5. The ability to govern and discipline oneself by use of reason: P______________

6. One’s opponent in a contest, conflict, or dispute: A______________

7. Difficulties; misfortune: A______________

8. A wrong or inaccurate name or designation: M______________

9. A thing that is granted, yielded, in response to demands: C______________

10. A subtle difference in or shade of meaning, expression or sound: N______________

11. A person who is excessively concerned with minor details and rules: P______________

12. A division between two things that are shown to be entirely different and opposed:

D______________

414 Word List 24




1. Even though the reporters had become almost aggressive in pursuit of Ronan, she demonstrated great ------ with them.

(A) adversity (B) aplomb (C) proximity (D) inception (E) hindsight 2. It’s a common ------ that the “early bird gets the

worm,” however, that isn’t always true in every case.

(A) maxim (B) fiasco (C) moratorium (D) enfranchisement (E) propriety 3. Within a culture there can be several ------

differences exhibited by its people such as subtle accents and dialects that go unnoticed by outsiders.

(A) nuanced (B) resilient (C) aphoristic (D) pedantic (E) retrospective 4. In order to be the head of any disciplinary

office, one must be of indisputable ------ and fairness.

(A) probity (B) deleteriousness (C) demise (D) dichotomy (E) anguish 5. Rather than to speak privately to Miriam about

what was bothering him, he cast ------ against her so that others would dislike her too.

(A) misnomers (B) anomalies (C) proverbs (D) aspersions (E) boons

6. He wasn’t willing to ------ her point until after realizing that there was no way he could win the argument.

(A) interlope (B) resile (C) dichotomize (D) incept (E) concede

7. Despite his ------, we admired our teacher because he not only had a good heart, but also wanted the best for us.

(A) resilience (B) axioms (C) foibles (D) abstinence (E) autonomy 8. Because Clara’s always in the press, she must be

careful not to say ridiculous things or she’ll become the target of their ------.

(A) sinecures (B) lampoons (C) adages (D) concession (E) prudence 9. With Pam’s consent, Eric made her into a

vampire over 100 years ago so he would be considered her ------.

(A) sophist (B) impeder (C) dichotomist (D) commencer (E) progenitor 10. Despite all the planning Jenna did for the party,

it was a complete ------ because the caterer and servers canceled last minute.

(A) antithesis (B) paradox (C) aphorism (D) debacle (E) nuance 11. Michelle has always been a shy and timid girl,

which has been a(n) ------ to her making new friends.

(A) hiatus (B) dictum (C) impediment (D) commencement (E) boon

12. Allowing children minor ------ decision-making opportunities helps build their self-efficacy as well as motivation to succeed.

(A) autonomous (B) adversarial (C) demised (D) anguished (E) proverbial



13. Buying a new and flashy car was exciting at the time, but in ------, Timothy realizes it was not a wise purchase.

(A) demise (B) proximity (C) abstinence (D) retrospect (E) adversity 14. The governor continued to defend his actions

with ------ rather than with truth and a genuine apology.

(A) retrospection (B) sophistry (C) probity (D) prudence (E) misnomers 15. In the early 1900s, suffragists moved to ------

women across America by advocating for their long denied right to vote.

(A) asperse (B) enfranchise (C) aphorize (D) lull (E) impede 16. Sierra has always received straight A’s in school,

so when she got a C in history, it was a complete ------.

(A) lull (B) inception (C) axiom (D) anomaly (E) lampoon 17. When attending formal ceremonies, such as a

black tie event, one should always carry him or herself with poise and ------.

(A) anguish (B) retrospection (C) propriety (D) deleteriousness (E) sophistry

18. The locals of Lake George consider its summer visitors to be ------ because they have no deep commitment to the town’s welfare.

(A) pedants (B) adversaries (C) progenies (D) interlopers (E) abstainers

19. A six-month ------ was introduced on all commercial hunting of tuna to allow time for the species to replenish itself.

(A) moratorium (B) concession (C) fiasco (D) dictum (E) aspersion 20. With its dilapidated facilities and minimal

amenities, this establishment was the ------ of a luxury resort.

(A) paradox (B) adage (C) commencement (D) antithesis (E) enfranchisement 21. The latest reviews for his new film are extremely

------ with some saying it’s the new classic and others saying it’s utter garbage.

(A) dichotomous (B) adverse (C) abstinent (D) prudent (E) proximate 22. Rather than allow circumstances to rule her

emotions, she meets every negative situation with ------ and is able to recover quickly.

(A) sinecure (B) nuance (C) hindsight (D) resilience (E) impediments 23. Labeling the group an “all-star team” was

somewhat of a ------ considering several of the teammates were unknown.

(A) debacle (B) maxim (C) misnomer (D) foible (E) hiatus 24. Nicotine has long been known to have ------

effects on one’s health and can cause cancer as well as an increased risk of heart disease over time.

(A) sophistic (B) deleterious (C) anomalous (D) paradoxical (E) axiomatic



25. The ------ of having free will yet living a life that is predetermined has plagued philosophers over the centuries.

(A) aphorism (B) lull (C) proverb (D) aplomb (E) paradox



Answer Key 1. B 2. A 3. A 4. A 5. D 6. E 7. C 8. B 9. E 10. D 11. C 12. A 13. D 14. B 15. B 16. D 17. C 18. D 19. A 20. D 21. A 22. D 23. C 24. B 25. E

Vocabulary

Answer Key

422 Answer Key


Word List 1

Exercise I

1. Comprehend/comprehensibility or comprehensiveness

2. Punctilio 3. Sedulity or sedulousness 4. Assiduity or assiduousness 5. Superficiality 6. Dereliction 7. Procrastination 8. Indolence 9. Idly/idleness 10. Inertia 11. Lethargy 12. Languishing/languor 13. Torpor 14. Fatigable/indefatigable 15. Enervation 16. Fabricated/fabrication 17. Contrivance 18. Malingering 19. Truant 20. Incredulity or incredulousness 21. Skepticism/skeptic

Exercise II

1. Condone 2. Indefatigable 3. Fabricate 4. Perfunctory 5. Malinger 6. Slothful 7. Assiduous 8. Torpid 9. Incredulous 10. Derelict 11. Dilatory 12. Meticulous

Set 2

1. Sedulous 2. Comprehensive 3. Painstaking 4. Phlegmatic * 5. Idle 6. Enervated

7. Credulous 8. Skeptical 9. Inert 10. Dilapidated 11. Remiss

Exercise III

1. A 2. S 3. A 4. S 5. A 6. A 7. A 8. A 9. A 10. S 11. S 12. S 13. S 14. S 15. A 16. S 17. S

Exercise IV

1. Yes 2. No 3. No 4. No 5. Yes 6. No 7. No 8. Yes 9. Yes 10. Yes 11. Yes 12. No 13. No 14. Yes 15. Yes 16. Yes 17. Yes 18. No 19. No 20. No 21. No

Answer Key 423


22. Yes

Exercise V

1. Fabricate, Contrive, Concoct 2. Assiduous, Sedulous, Industrious 3. Meticulous, Thorough, Punctilious 4. Lethargic, Listless, Fatigued, Phlegmatic,

Torpid 5. Enervated 6. Indolent, Slothful 7. Malinger 8. Truancy 9. Condone 10. Dilatory 11. Superficial, Cursory, Punctilious 12. Derelict 13. Comprehensive 14. Comprehensible 15. Indefatigable 16. Incredulous, Dubious, Skeptical 17. Naïve, Credulous 18. Credo 19. Inertia

Word List 2 Exercise I

1. Inept 2. Dexterity or dexterousness 3. Ambidexterity or ambidextrousness 4. Proficiency 5. Punditry 6. Inveteracy or inveterateness 7. Virtuosic/virtuosity 8. Connoisseurship 9. Exemplifies 10. Archetypal or archetypical 11. Epitomic or epitomical/epitomizes 12. Quintessential 13. Novitiate 14. Dabble 15. Dilettantish/dilettantism 16. Bungles/bunglesome 17. Sophistication 18. Decorum 19. Couth 20. Vulgarity or vulgarism

21. Crudity or crudeness 22. Boor 23. Novelist 24. Innovative 25. Renovations

Exercise II

1. Adept 2. Summit 3. Novice 4. Dilettante 5. Gourmand 6. Uncouth 7. Inveterate 8. Prototype 9. Epitome 10. Gauche

Set 2

1. Urbane 2. Virtuoso 3. Raconteur 4. Consummate 5. Nadir 6. Quintessence 7. Maladroit 8. Novice 9. Decorous 10. Innovation

Set 3

1. Prodigy 2. Crude 3. Greenhorn 4. Ambidextrous 5. Zenith 6. Suave 7. Uncouth 8. Archetype 9. Inept 10. Inveterate

Exercise III

1. S 2. S 3. A

424 Answer Key


4. A 5. A 6. A 7. S 8. S 9. A 10. S 11. A 12. A 13. S 14. S 15. S 16. S

Exercise IV

1. No 2. No 3. No 4. Yes 5. Yes 6. No 7. Yes 8. Yes 9. Yes 10. Yes 11. Yes 12. Yes 13. No 14. No 15. Yes 16. Yes 17. No 18. No

Exercise V

1. Adept, Deft, Adroit, Dexterous, Consummate

2. Ambidextrous 3. Veteran 4. Inveterate 5. Proficient 6. Summit, Peak, Apex, Acme, Pinnacle,

Zenith, Crest 7. Nadir 8. Connoisseur 9. Gourmand, Gourmet 10. Raconteur

11. Anecdote 12. Prodigy 13. Virtuoso 14. Pundit 15. Gauche 16. Dilettante, Dabbler 17. Urbane 18. Decorous 19. Indecorous, Boorish, Uncouth, Crude,

Coarse, Crass 20. Epitome, Exemplary, Quintessence,

Archetype, Prototype 21. Maladroit

Exercise VI

1. S 2. S 3. A 4. A 5. A 6. A 7. S 8. S 9. A 10. S 11. A 12. A 13. S 14. S 15. S 16. S


1. Brief 2. Laconism 3. Pith 4. Reticence/reticency 5. Taciturnity 6. Explicit 7. Curtailment 8. Brusqueness or brusquerie 9. Verbosity or verboseness 10. Volubility or volubleness 11. Loquacity or loquaciousness 12. Superfluity or superfluousness

Answer Key 425


13. Cogency 14. Compel 15. Eloquence 16. Articulation or articulacy 17. Coherence or coherency 18. Rhetoric 19. Exhortations / Exhortative or

exhortatory 20. Cliché or clichéd 21. Banality 22. Platitudinous 23. Obsolescence / Obsolesce 24. Antiquates 25. Vapidity or vapidness 26. Colloquialism or colloquiality 27. Circumlocutory 28. Grandiloquence

Exercise II

1. Cogent 2. Vapid 3. Colloquial 4. Eloquent 5. Obsolete 6. Banal 7. Curt 8. Laconic 9. Explicit 10. Circumlocution 11. Tacit 12. Verbose

Set 2 1. Terse 2. Reticent 3. Tacit 4. Loquacious 5. Verbatim 6. Superfluous 7. Articulate 8. Exhort 9. Rhetorician 10. Voluble 11. Pithy 12. Derivative 13. Grandiloquent

Exercise III

1. S 2. A 3. S 4. A 5. S 6. A 7. S 8. S 9. S 10. S 11. A 12. S 13. S 14. S 15. A 16. A 17. S 18. A 19. A

Exercise IV

1. Yes 2. No 3. Yes 4. Yes 5. No 6. No 7. No 8. No 9. No 10. No 11. Yes 12. No 13. No 14. Yes 15. No 16. No 17. Yes 18. Yes 19. No

Exercise V

1. Tacit, Implicit 2. Loquacious, Garrulous 3. Prattle

426 Answer Key


4. Brief, Laconic, Pithy, Succinct 5. Terse, Curt, Gruff, Brusque 6. Curtail 7. Colloquial, Vernacular 8. Formal 9. Cogent, Compelling 10. Eloquent, Articulate 11. Rhetorician 12. Rhetoric 13. Mundane 14. Derivative 15. Cliché, Banal, Hackneyed, Prosaic,

Platitudinous, Trite 16. Vapid 17. Obsolete, Outdated 18. Circumlocution 19. Grandiloquent, Magniloquent


1. Commendable or commendatory/commendation

2. Applause or plaudits 3. Laudatory 4. Approbatory 5. Reprobated/reprobatory 6. Extoller/extolment 7. Exaltation/exalter 8. Lionization/lionizer 9. Adulation/adulatory 10. Reverence/reverent or reverential 11. Irreverence 12. Veneration 13. Eulogy or eulogium/eulogist 14. Sanction/sanctionable 15. Condemnation/condemnable or

condemnatory/condemner or condemnor

16. Denouncement 17. Censurable/censure 18. Chastisement/chastiser 19. Remonstration/remonstrative 20. Reproachable or reproachful/reproacher 21. Castigator/castigation 22. Derisive or derisory/derision 23. Dismissive/dismissal or dismission

24. Malignant/malignancy or malignance or malignity

25. Deprecatory/deprecation 26. Deplorableness/deplorable 27. Polemicist or

polemist/polemical/polemicize or polemize

28. Disdainful 29. Euphonic or euphonious 30. Cacophonous 31. Cacographical 32. Euphemize or euphemise/euphemism 33. Euphoric or euphoriant/euphoriant 34. Malevolence/benevolent/benevolence 35. Benignity or

benignancy/malignant/malignance or malignancy or malignity

36. Maladjustment 37. Benedictory/malediction/maledictory or

maledict 38. Malefaction/benefactor/benefaction 39. Malice 40. Malpractitioner 41. Malodor 42. Beneficial/benefit/benefit

Exercise II

1. Malevolent 2. Malign 3. Benediction 4. Euphoric 5. Cacography 6. Eulogy 7. Praise 8. Diatribe 9. Denounce 10. Adulation 11. Revere 12. Scold 13. Rant Set 2 1. Euphony 2. Euphemistic 3. Venerate 4. Dismiss 5. Upbraid 6. Decry

Answer Key 427


7. Benign 8. Malignant 9. Benefactor 10. Malfeasance 11. Lionize 12. Irreverent

Exercise III

1. A 2. S 3. S 4. A 5. A 6. A 7. A 8. A 9. S 10. S 11. S 12. S 13. A 14. A 15. S 16. A 17. S

Exercise IV

1. Disapproval 2. Disapproval 3. Approval 4. Approval 5. Disapproval 6. Disapproval 7. Approval 8. Disapproval 9. Approval 10. Disapproval 11. Approval 12. Disapproval 13. Approval 14. Disapproval 15. Approval 16. Disapproval 17. Approval

Exercise V

1. Yes

2. Yes 3. No 4. Yes 5. No 6. No 7. Yes 8. No 9. Yes 10. No 11. Yes 12. Yes 13. Yes 14. Yes 15. No 16. Yes 17. Yes 18. Yes


1. Amiability or amiableness 2. Amicability or amicableness 3. Enmity 4. Affability 5. Cordiality or cordialness 6. Geniality 7. Altruism 8. Flagrance or flagrancy 9. Extroversion 10. Introversion 11. Conviviality 12. Vivacity or vivaciousness 13. Effervescence 14. Ebullition (external

explosion)/ebulliency or ebullience (internal exuberance)

15. Submission or submissiveness 16. Subserviency or subservience/subserve 17. Yield 18. Sycophantic or

sycophantish/sycophantism or sycophancy

19. Acquiescent/acquiescence 20. Comply/compliance or compliancy 21. Deferent or deferential 22. Discernment/discern

428 Answer Key


23. Intuit/intuition 24. Perspicacity or perspicaciousness 25. Rationalize/Rationality/rationale 26. Sagaciousness or sagacity 27. Erudition 28. Alternate/alternation 29. Alterable/alteration 30. Altercate

Exercise II

1. Effervescent 2. Benevolent 3. Compliant 4. Altruistic 5. Amiable 6. Extroverted 7. Obsequious 8. Erudite

Set 2 1. Congenial 2. Yielding 3. Enmity 4. Innate 5. Convivial 6. Sycophant 7. Sagacious

Set 3 1. Ebullient 2. Cordial 3. Amity 4. Cerebral 5. Altercation 6. Toady 7. Alternate

Set 4 1. Rational 2. Alter 3. Amicable 4. Perspicacious 5. Vivacious 6. Introvert 7. Subservient

Exercise III

1. S 2. A 3. S 4. A

5. S 6. A 7. S 8. A 9. S 10. A 11. S 12. A 13. A 14. S 15. S 16. A 17. S 18. A 19. A 20. A

Exercise IV 1. No 2. Yes 3. Yes 4. Yes 5. No 6. Yes 7. Yes 8. Yes 9. Yes 10. Yes 11. No 12. No 13. Yes

Exercise V 14. Amiable, Amicable, Affable, Genial 15. Altruistic 16. Benevolent 17. Introverted 18. Gregarious 19. Convivial, Vivacious 20. Effervescent, Ebullient 21. Submissive 22. Subservient 23. Compliant 24. Obsequious 25. Sycophant 26. Acquiesce 27. Discerning, Astute, Perspicacious 28. Shrewd 29. Sagacious, Erudite

Answer Key 429


30. Rational 31. Alter 32. Altercation 33. Alternate 34. Intuitive 35. Innate

Word List 6

1. Audacity or audaciousness 2. Foolhardiness/foolhardily 3. Intrepid/intrepidity or intrepidness 4. Trepidation/trepidatious or trepid or

trepidant 5. Impudent/impudence 6. Presumes/presumable/presumption/

presumptive 7. Recalcitrance or recalcitrancy 8. Disdain 9. Condescension or

condescendence/condescends 10. Egotist/egotism 11. Narcissist/narcissism 12. Complacency or complacence 13. Conceit 14. Vanity or vainness 15. Hubristic 16. Pretension or pretense or

pretentiousness 17. Pomposity or pompousness 18. Ostentation or ostentatiousness 19. Apathy 20. Nonchalance 21. Indifference or indifferency 22. Ardency 23. Avidity or avidness 24. Zealot/zealotry or zeal or zealousness 25. Fervor or fervency/fervid 26. Vehemence 27. Maverick 28. Iconoclasm/iconoclastic 29. Eccentricity 30. Unorthodoxy 31. Unconventionality/conventional/

conventionality 32. Nonconformism or nonconformity or

nonconformance/conformist

33. Dissentient or dissenting or dissentious/dissension or dissent/consenter

34. Assenter or assentor/assentation 35. Dissidence 36. Idiosyncrasy 37. Reservations/reservist 38. Taciturnity/tacit 39. Reticence or reticency 40. Diffidence 41. Timidity or timidness or timorousness 42. Recluse/reclusion

Exercise II

1. Dissenter 2. Maverick 3. Supercilious 4. Audacious 5. Fervent 6. Narcissistic 7. Apathetic 8. Diffident 9. Swagger

Set 2 1. Presumptuous 2. Aloof 3. Ardent 4. Trepidation 5. Nonchalance 6. Haughty 7. Egotistical 8. Reticent 9. Pretentious

Set 3 1. Brazen 2. Braggart 3. Ostentatious 4. Intrepid 5. Vain 6. Vehement 7. Condescending 8. Timid 9. Eccentric

Exercise III

1. A 2. S

430 Answer Key


3. A 4. A 5. A 6. S 7. A 8. S 9. S 10. A 11. A 12. S 13. S 14. A 15. A 16. A 17. A 18. S

Exercise IV 1. No 2. No 3. No 4. No 5. No 6. Yes 7. Yes 8. No 9. No 10. Yes 11. No 12. Yes 13. Yes 14. No 15. No 16. No 17. No 18. Yes 19. No 20. No

Exercise V 1. Supercilious, Condescending, Disdainful,

Haughty 2. Diffident, Self-effacing, Timid 3. Audacious, Brazen 4. Complacent, Smug, Conceited, Vain,

Hubris 5. Reserved, Taciturn, Reticent, Introvert 6. Maverick, Iconoclast, Unconventional,

Nonconformist

7. Eccentric, Idiosyncratic 8. Foolhardy 9. Refractory 10. Cavalier, Pompous 11. Impudent, Presumptuous 12. Ardent, Avid, Zealous, Fervent, Fervid,

Vehement 13. Dissident 14. Aloof 15. Reclusive


1. Obduracy or obdurateness 2. Adamance or adamancy 3. Obstinacy or obstinateness 4. Intransigence 5. Intractability/tractable/tractability 6. Dogmatist/dogma/dogmatism 7. Malevolence 8. Antagonizes/antagonism 9. Rancor 10. Combatant/combat/combativeness 11. Pugnacity or pugnaciousness 12. Bellicosity 13. Belligerency or belligerence 14. Acrimony or acrimoniousness/acridity

or acridness 15. Saccharin/saccharinity 16. Savor/savoriness 17. Caprice or capriciousness 18. Vacillation/vacillator 19. Ambivalence 20. Ambiguity or ambiguousness 21. Despotism/despotic 22. Authoritative/authority/authorizes 23. Dictatorship/dictates/dictator 24. Tyrannized/tyranny/tyrant 25. Didacticism/didact 26. Pedagogy/pedagogical 27. Demagogic/demagogy or demagoguery 28. Atypicality/typical/typicality 29. Anarchists/anarchism/anarchic 30. Atrophic/atrophy

Exercise II 1. Acrid

Answer Key 431


2. Tractable 3. Malevolent 4. Amorphous 5. Anarchy 6. Pugnacious 7. Savory 8. Martinet 9. Adamant 10. Capricious 11. Nebulous

Set 2 1. Cantankerous 2. Tentative 3. Waver 4. Malignant 5. Atrophy 6. Saccharine 7. Despot 8. Unyielding 9. Ambivalent

Set 3 1. Acrimonious 2. Ambiguous 3. Mercurial 4. Vacillate 5. Bellicose 6. Atypical 7. Pedagogue 8. Dogmatic 9. Intransigent

Exercise III 1. A 2. S 3. A 4. A 5. A 6. A 7. S 8. A 9. S 10. S 11. A 12. A 13. S 14. S 15. A 16. S

17. S 18. A 19. S 20. A 21. A

Exercise IV 1. No 2. No 3. No 4. No 5. No 6. Yes 7. Yes 8. No 9. No 10. No 11. Yes 12. Yes 13. No 14. No 15. No 16. No 17. Yes 18. Yes 19. No 20. No 21. Yes

Exercise V 1. Obdurate, Adamant, Obstinate,

Unyielding, Intransigent, Intractable 2. Recalcitrant, Refractory 3. Dogmatic 4. Pedagogue 5. Malevolent 6. Antagonistic 7. Rancorous, Acrimonious 8. Didactic 9. Anarchy 10. Atrophy 11. Capricious, Mercurial, Fickle 12. Waver, Vacillate, Waffle 13. Ambivalent 14. Ambiguous, Nebulous 15. Tentative

432 Answer Key



1. Dispositional/disposes 2. Inclined or inclinable/inclines 3. Tends/tendentious 4. Prone 5. Contentment or contentedness 6. Joviality 7. Buoyancy or buoyance 8. Elated/elation or elatedness 9. Ecstasy 10. Exhilaration/exhilarates or exhilarated 11. Exuberates/exuberance 12. Sanguineness or sanguinity 13. Bliss or blissfulness 14. Despondence or despondency/despond 15. Disconsolation or disconsolateness 16. Consolation/consolatory 17. Gloom 18. Condolatory 19. Melancholic 20. Morosity or moroseness 21. Lividity or lividness 22. Infuriation 23. Miff 24. Vexation 25. Chagrin 26. Exasperate or exasperated/exasperation 27. Perturbation/perturbable or

perturbational 28. Irascibility or irascibleness 29. Antipathetic 30. Aversion or averseness 31. Abhorrence/abhorrent 32. Resentment or resentfulness/resentful 33. Loather/loathing or

loathsomeness/loathsome or loathly 34. Detestable/detestation or detestableness 35. Despisement/despicable/

despicableness 36. Contrition or contriteness 37. Remorseful 38. Compunctious 39. Penitence/penitent/penitentiary

40. Solemnity or solemnness or solemnization/solemnified or solemnized

41. Frivolity or frivolousness/frivol 42. Flippancy

Exercise II 1. Melancholy 2. Perturbed 3. Compunction 4. Disposition 5. Bliss 6. Loath 7. Grave 8. Facetious 9. Livid

Set 2 1. Solemn 2. Doleful 3. Contrite 4. Jovial 5. Irascible 6. Frivolous 7. Bent 8. Irate

Set 3 1. Penchant 2. Incensed 3. Chagrined 4. Jocular 5. Flippant 6. Animosity 7. Euphoria 8. Morose

Exercise III

1. A 2. A 3. S 4. S 5. S 6. S 7. S 8. A 9. A 10. A 11. A 12. S

Answer Key 433


13. S 14. S 15. S 16. A 17. A 18. A 19. A 20. S 21. S 22. A

Exercise IV

1. Yes 2. No 3. No 4. No 5. Yes 6. Yes 7. No 8. Yes 9. No 10. Yes 11. No 12. Yes 13. Yes 14. No 15. Yes 16. Yes 17. No 18. No 19. Yes 20. Yes 21. Yes 22. Yes 23. Yes

Exercise V

1. Elated 2. Incensed 3. Penitent 4. Aversion 5. Solemnity 6. Livid 7. Disconsolate 8. Jovial

Exercise VI

1. Disposition 2. Inclination, Proneness, Propensity,

Proclivity, Penchant, Bent, Predilection 3. Content 4. Jovial 5. Jocular 6. Buoyant 7. Elated, Euphoric, Ecstatic, Exhilarated,

Exuberant 8. Sanguine 9. Miffed, Vexed, Irked, Perturbed,

Chagrined, Exasperated 10. Irascible 11. Antipathy 12. Loath 13. Loathe, Detest, Despise, Abhor, Resent 14. Antagonist 15. Contrite, Remorse, Compunction,

Penitent 16. Blissful, Blithe 17. Frivolous, Flippant, Facetious


1. Perjurious/perjurer/perjured 2. Prevaricator/prevarication 3. Dissimulation/dissimulator 4. Mendacity or mendaciousness 5. Disingenuousness/ingenuous/ingenuity

or ingenuousness 6. Misguidance/guided/guidance 7. Fallacy/fallaciousness or fallacy 8. Unsoundness/sound/soundness 9. Error 10. Fiction/fictionalized or fictionized/

/fictionalization or fictionization or ficticiousness

11. Chicane 12. Duplicitous 13. Crafty/craft 14. Guileful/beguiled 15. Devious/deviance or deviance/deviant 16. Fraudulent/fraudulence 17. Machinated

434 Answer Key


18. Artificer 19. Clandestinity or clandestiness 20. Covert 21. Stealth 22. Candor 23. Integrality 24. Scruple/scrupulosity or scrupulousness 25. Virtuosity or virtuousness 26. Verifier/verification/verifiable 27. Veracious 28. Charlatanry or

charlatanism/charlatanistic 29. Quackery/quackish or quack 30. Impose 31. Mountebankery 32. Hoax/hoax

Exercise II

1. Charlatan 2. Fallacy 3. Ingenuous 4. Clandestine 5. Prevaricate 6. Perjure 7. Chicanery

Set 2 1. Belie 2. Mendacious 3. Duplicity 4. Façade 5. Ploy 6. Covert 7. Forthright 8. Quack

Set 3 1. Erroneous 2. Underhanded 3. Stratagem 4. Overt 5. Scrupulous 6. Mountebank 7. Integral

Exercise II 1. A 2. S 3. A 4. A

5. S 6. S 7. S 8. S 9. A 10. A 11. S 12. A 13. A 14. A 15. S 16. S

Exercise IV 1. Yes 2. No 3. No 4. No 5. Yes 6. No 7. Yes 8. No 9. Yes 10. Yes 11. No 12. No 13. Yes 14. Yes 15. No 16. No 17. Yes 18. Yes 19. No

Exercise V 1. Clandestine, Surreptitious, Stealthy, Covert 2. Overt 3. Candid, Frank, Aboveboard, Ingenuous,

Forthright, Upfront 4. Scrupulous 5. Charlatan, Quack 6. Imposter 7. Mountebank 8. Perjure 9. Prevaricate 10. Dissimulate, Dissemble 11. Mendacious 12. Disingenuous 13. Chicanery

Answer Key 435


14. Ploy, stratagem, Machination, Artifice 15. Duplicity 16. Fallacious 17. Erroneous 18. Fictitious 19. Integral


1. Opulence 2. Extravagance or extravagancy 3. Prodigality 4. Profusion or profuseness 5. Extensity or extensiveness 6. Myriad 7. Legionary/legionnaire or legionary 8. Surplus 9. Gluttonous/gluttony 10. Inundated 11. Plethoric 12. Impoverish/impoverisher/impoverishm

ent 13. Impecuniosity or impecuniousness 14. Indigence 15. Destitution or destituteness 16. Pauperism/pauperized 17. Mendicancy 18. Penurious 19. Frugality 20. Thrift or thriftiness 21. Parsimony 22. Scarcity 23. Negligent/negligence or negligibility 24. Sparsity or sparseness 25. Covetous 26. Avarice

Exercise II

1. Plethora 2. Mendicant 3. Frugal 4. Deluge 5. Cupidity 6. Lavish 7. Paucity 8. Prodigal Set 2

1. Inundation 2. Glut 3. Thrifty 4. Avaricious 5. Myriad 6. Opulent 7. Dearth 8. Destitute Set 3 1. Covet 2. Paltry 3. Parsimonious 4. Penury 5. Spate 6. Legion 7. Lucrative 8. Extravagant

Exercise III

1. S 2. S 3. A 4. A 5. S 6. A 7. S 8. A 9. S 10. S 11. A 12. A 13. A 14. A 15. A 16. A 17. A 18. A 19. S

Exercise IV

1. Yes 2. No 3. Yes 4. No 5. Yes 6. No 7. No

436 Answer Key


8. No 9. No 10. Yes 11. No 12. No 13. Yes 14. No 15. No 16. Yes 17. No 18. Yes 19. Yes

Exercise V

1. Ornate, Lavish, Extravagant 2. Lucrative 3. Prodigal, Spendthrift 4. Copious, Profuse, Myriad, Legion 5. Extensive 6. Ample 7. Surplus, Surfeit, Spate, Glut, Plethora 8. Inundation, Deluge 9. Impoverished, Impecunious, Indigence,

Destitution, Penury, Pauper 10. Mendicant 11. Frugal, Parsimonious, Economical,

Thrifty 12. Covet, Avaricious, Cupidity 13. Scarce 14. Negligible 15. Scant, Minute, Paltry, Dearth,

Infinitesimal, Paucity 16. Spare


1. Circumspection 2. Circumnavigated/circumnavigator 3. Circumlocutory 4. Circumvention 5. Circumscription 6. Disparagement/disparaging 7. Omniscience 8. Omnipresence 9. Omnivorous 10. Herbivorous

11. Carnivorous 12. Voracity or voraciousness 13. Omnipotence 14. Extricable/extrication 15. Explicative or explicatory

/explicable/explication 16. Expurgator/expurgatory or

expurgatorial/expurgation 17. Expiable/expiations/expiatory 18. Extradition/extraditable 19. Expropriation/expropriator 20. Vocalization or vocalism/vocalize 21. Vociferated/vociferation or

vociferousness 22. Equivocation/equivocal/

unequivocal

Exercise II

1. Omnipotent 2. Voracious 3. Circumvent 4. Omniscient 5. Omnipresent 6. Circumscribe 7. Circumnavigation 8. Eccentric 9. Circumlocution 10. Circumspect Set 2 1. Explicate 2. Expiate 3. Carnivorous 4. Extricate 5. Extradite 6. Unconventional 7. Expurgate 8. Bizarre Set 3 1. Effete 2. Unorthodox 3. Herbivorous 4. Outlandish 5. Vocal 6. Expropriate 7. Equivocate 8. Vociferous 9. Omnibus

Answer Key 437


Exercise III

1. S 2. A 3. A 4. A 5. S 6. S 7. S 8. A 9. A 10. S 11. A 12. A 13. A 14. S 15. A

Exercise IV

1. No 2. No 3. Yes 4. No 5. Yes 6. Yes 7. Yes 8. Yes 9. No 10. Yes 11. No 12. No 13. No 14. Yes 15. No 16. No 17. Yes 18. Yes 19. No 20. No

Exercise V

1. Omnipotent 2. Voracious 3. Circumvent 4. Omniscient 5. Ubiquitous, Omnipresent 6. Circumscribe

7. Circumnavigation 8. Circumlocution 9. Circumspect 10. Explicate 11. Expiate 12. Carnivore 13. Herbivore 14. Omnivore 15. Extricate 16. Extradite 17. Expurgate 18. Bizarre, Eccentric, Outlandish 19. Idiosyncratic 20. Effete 21. Unconventional, Unorthodox 22. Unequivocal 23. Expropriate 24. Equivocate 25. Vociferous 26. Omnibus


1. Spectacular/spectators 2. Perspicaciousness or perspicacity 3. Perspicuousness or perspicuity 4. Introspectional or introspective 5. Compulsive/compulsory/compulsiveness

or compulsivity 6. Kleptomaniac 7. Pyromaniacal/pyromaniac 8. Incendiary/incendiarism 9. Arsonous/arson 10. Monomaniac/monomaniacal 11. Acrophobic/acrophobe 12. Claustrophobe/claustrophobic 13. Xenophobic/xenophobe 14. Polygamized/polygamous or polygamic 15. Polymathy/polymath or polymathic 16. Polyglot/polyglotism 17. Polytheistic or polytheistical/polytheists 18. Anachronism 19. Chronicity 20. Synchroneity or synchronicity or

synchronism or synchronization or

438 Answer Key


synchronousness/synchronous or synchronic or synchronical or synchronistic or synchronized

21. Chronometric/chronometry 22. Chronologist or

chronologer/chronology 23. Chronicle/chronicler 24. Obsolescence/obsolete/obsolesce 25. Evanesce/evanescence 26. Convalesced/convalescence 27. Adolescence/adolescent 28. Coalescence/coalesced 29. Equivalence 30. Equinoctial 31. Equilibrated/equilibrator or equilibrant

Exercise II

1. Spectacle 2. Pyromania 3. Kleptomania 4. Xenophobia 5. Acrophobia 6. Claustrophobia 7. Specious 8. Monomania 9. Compulsion 10. Circumspect

Set 2 1. Polytheism 2. Polyglot 3. Synchronize 4. Incendiary 5. Chronometer 6. Chronological 7. Polygamy 8. Chronic 9. Anachronistic 10. Polymath

Set 3 1. Obsolescent 2. Coalescent 3. Equinox 4. Unequivocal 5. Evanescent 6. Equivalent 7. Equanimity 8. Arsonist

9. Equilibrium 10. Convalescent 11. Equivocate

Exercise III

1. A 2. S 3. S 4. A 5. S 6. A 7. A 8. S 9. S 10. A 11. A 12. A 13. S 14. A

Exercise IV

1. No 2. Yes 3. Yes 4. No 5. Yes 6. No 7. Yes 8. No 9. No 10. No 11. No 12. Yes 13. No 14. No 15. Yes 16. Yes

Exercise V

1. Spectacle 2. Pyromania 3. Kleptomania 4. Xenophobia 5. Acrophobia 6. Claustrophobia 7. Specious 8. Monomania

Answer Key 439


9. Compulsion 10. Circumspect 11. Polytheism 12. Polyglot 13. Synchronize 14. Incendiary, Inflammatory 15. Chronometer 16. Chronological 17. Polygamy 18. Chronic 19. Anachronistic 20. Polymath 21. Obsolescent 22. Coalescent 23. Equinox 24. Unequivocal 25. Evanescent 26. Equanimity 27. Arsonist 28. Equilibrium 29. Coalescent 30. Equivocate 31. Introspection


1. Ascetic 2. Atheist/atheistical or atheistic 3. Monotheistical or

monotheistic/monotheists 4. Agnostic/agnostic 5. Epicurean/epicurean 6. Stoic/stoic 7. Chauvinistic/chauvinists 8. Cynic/cynical 9. Jingoistic or jingoish/jingoist or jingo 10. Egocentric/egocentricity 11. Conservative/conservative 12. Liberalistic/liberalist or liberal 13. Sadist/sadistic 14. Egalitarian/egalitarian 15. Fatalistic/fatalist 16. Hedonist/hedonic or hedonistic

Exercise II

1. Epicureanism 2. Stoicism 3. Atheism 4. Monotheism 5. Asceticism 6. Egocentrism 7. Cynicism 8. Agnosticism 9. Egocentrism 10. Jingoism

Set 2 1. Anarchism 2. Fatalism 3. Egalitarianism 4. Conservatism 5. Liberalism 6. Altruism 7. Hedonism 8. Iconoclasm 9. Sadism

Exercise III

1. A 2. A 3. A 4. S 5. A 6. A 7. A 8. A 9. S 10. A 11. S 12. A 13. A 14. S 15. A

Exercise IV

1. No 2. No 3. No 4. No 5. No 6. No

440 Answer Key


7. No 8. No 9. No 10. No 11. Yes 12. No 13. No 14. No 15. No

Exercise V 1. Anarchism 2. Fatalism 3. Egalitarianism 4. Conservatism 5. Liberalism 6. Altruism 7. Hedonism 8. Iconoclasm 9. Sadism 10. Epicureanism 11. Stoicism 12. Atheism 13. Monotheism 14. Asceticism 15. Cynicism 16. Chauvinism 17. Agnosticism 18. Egocentrism 19. Jingoism


1. Discordance or discordancy/discordant 2. Altercated 3. Quarrelsome 4. Controversial 5. Disputant/disputatious 6. Accordance/accordant 7. Consented/consensual 8. Unanimous 9. Arbitrator/arbitration 10. Mediator/mediation 11. Intervener/intervention 12. Adjudication 13. Reconciliation 14. Pacifist/pacifism

15. Mollifier/mollification 16. Assuasive/assuagement 17. Propitiator 18. Appeasement/appeasable 19. Nonpartisanship 20. Equitability 21. Disinterest or disinterestedness 22. Objectivity or objectiveness 23. Partiality or partialness 24. Partisanship or partisanry 25. Subjectivity or subjectiveness 26. Bipartisanship or bipartisanism 27. Prejudice 28. Implication 29. Incriminator/incrimination 30. Impeccability 31. Embezzler/embezzlement 32. Absconder 33. Pilferer/pilferage 34. Genocidal 35. Perpetrator/perpetration 36. Culpability or culpableness 37. Exculpation 38. Exonerative/exoneration

Exercise II

1. Armistice 2. Subjective 3. Impasse 4. Culpable 5. Abscond 6. Fracas 7. Arbitrate 8. Conciliate 9. Impartial

Set 2 1. Discord 2. Consensus 3. Mediate 4. Partisan 5. Reconcile 6. Implicate 7. Exonerate 8. Unbiased 9. Pilfer Set 3 1. Accord

Answer Key 441


2. Quarrel 3. Adjudicate 4. Assuage 5. Homicide 6. Objective 7. Culprit Set 4 1. Unanimity 2. Stalemate 3. Intercede 4. Equitable 5. Prejudiced 6. Placate 7. Inevitable 8. Propitiate

Exercise III

1. S 2. A 3. S 4. S 5. S 6. S 7. A 8. A 9. S 10. S 11. A 12. S 13. S 14. S 15. A 16. A 17. S 18. S 19. A 20. S 21. A

Exercise IV

1. No 2. No 3. Yes 4. Yes 5. Yes 6. Yes 7. Yes

8. Yes 9. Yes 10. No 11. Yes 12. No 13. No 14. Yes 15. No 16. Yes 17. No 18. Yes 19. Yes

Exercise V

1. Altercation, Quarrel 2. Strife, Discord 3. Accord, Consensus 4. Unanimity 5. Armistice 6. Impasse, Deadlock, Stalemate, Standstill 7. Mediator, Arbitrator 8. Intercede, Intervene 9. Conciliate, Reconcile, Placate, Pacify,

Mollify, Assuage, Palliate, Appease 10. Unbiased, Impartial, Non-partisan,

Objective, Disinterested 11. Biased, Partial, Partisan, Subjective 12. Bipartisan 13. Discriminatory 14. Implicate, Incriminate 15. Peccadillo 16. Impeccable 17. Pilfer, Embezzle 18. Abscond 19. Culpable 20. Exonerate, Exculpate


1. Apprehensiveness 2. Bolsterer 3. Contestable/contestableness 4. Disdain or disdainfulness 5. Distinctness 6. Esotericism 7. Abstruseness

442 Answer Key


8. Arcaness 9. Obscurity or obscureness 10. Reconditeness 11. Evocativeness 12. Lamenter 13. Maudlinness or maudlinism 14. Mawkishness 15. Melancholia or melancholiness 16. Parochialness 17. Nostalgic 18. Wistfulness 19. Ominousness 20. Pragmaticality or pragmaticalness 21. Practicalness or practicality 22. Plausibleness or plausibility 23. Provocativeness/provoked 24. Quizzicalness or quizzicality 25. Perplexer/perplexedness 26. Baffler/bafflement 27. Mystifier/mystification 28. Resigned 29. Sardonicism 30. Satirical 31. Sentimental 32. Somberness 33. Speculation/speculative 34. Conjecturer/conjecturable 35. Underminer

Exercise II

1. Melancholy 2. Bolster 3. Lament 4. Misconception 5. Apprehensive 6. Evocative 7. Dismissive 8. Esoteric 9. Distinct 10. Maudlin

Set 2 1. Saga 2. Resignation 3. Provocative 4. Nostalgic 5. Pragmatic

6. Ominous 7. Sardonic 8. Obscure 9. Quizzical 10. Myopic

Set 3 1. Satire 2. Undermine 3. Somber 4. Vitriolic 5. Speculate 6. Wistful 7. Skeptical 8. Visceral 9. Underscore 10. Contest

Exercise III

1. A 2. A 3. A 4. A 5. S 6. S 7. S 8. A 9. A 10. S 11. A 12. A 13. S 14. A 15. A 16. S 17. S 18. A

Exercise IV

1. Yes 2. Yes 3. No 4. No 5. Yes 6. Yes 7. Yes 8. No 9. Yes

Answer Key 443


10. No 11. Yes 12. No 13. Yes 14. No 15. No 16. Yes 17. No 18. No 19. No

Exercise V

1. Melancholy 2. Bolster 3. Lament 4. Misconception 5. Apprehensive 6. Evocative 7. Dismissive, Disdainful 8. Esoteric, Abstruse, Arcane, Obscure,

Recondite 9. Distinct 10. Maudlin, Mawkish 11. Saga 12. Resignation 13. Provocative 14. Wistful, Nostalgic 15. Plausible, Pragmatic, Practical 16. Ominous 17. Sardonic 18. Obscure 19. Quizzical, Perplexed, Baffled, Mystified,

Nonplussed 20. Myopic 21. Satire 22. Undermine 23. Somber 24. Vitriolic 25. Conjecture, Speculate 26. Skeptical 27. Visceral 28. Underscore 29. Contest


1. Admonisher/admonishment 2. Repudiator/repudiable or repudiative 3. Transgressor/transgression/transgressive 4. Vilifier/vilification 5. Beleaguerer/beleagurment 6. Amelioration/ameliorative or amelioratory 7. Burgeoning 8. Ceder 9. Coercion or coercivity/coercive or

coercible 10. Cajolement or cajolery 11. Elucidation/elucidative 12. Eschewer/eschewal 13. Denigration/denigrative or denigratory 14. Decimator/decimation

Exercise II

1. Elucidate 2. Admonish 3. Denigrate 4. Transgress 5. Eschew 6. Cajole 7. Burgeon

Set 2 1. Coerce 2. Decimate 3. Ameliorate 4. Repudiate 5. Vilify 6. Flummox 7. Cede 8. Beleaguer

Exercise III

1. A 2. A 3. S 4. S 5. S 6. S 7. S 8. S 9. A

444 Answer Key


10. A 11. S 12. S 13. S 14. A 15. A

Exercise IV

1. No 2. Yes 3. No 4. No 5. Yes 6. Yes 7. Yes 8. No 9. No 10. Yes 11. No 12. Yes 13. No 14. No 15. No

Exercise V

1. Eschew 2. Flummox 3. Coerce 4. Cajole 5. Denigrate 6. Burgeon 7. Decimate 8. Ameliorate 9. Elucidate 10. Transgress 11. Repudiate 12. Cede 13. Vilify 14. Burgeon 15. Admonish


1. Ostracization or ostracism/ostracizable 2. Juxtaposition/juxtapositional 3. Nullifier/nullification

4. Obfuscation/obfuscatory 5. Remuneration/remunerative or

remunerable 6. Squanderer 7. Debunker 8. Abductor/abduction 9. Abettor/abetment or abettal 10. Accostable 11. Acquiescence/acquiescent 12. Aggrandizement 13. Ascertainment/ascertainable 14. Bequeathal or bequeathment

Exercise II

1. Ostracize 2. Lambaste 3. Obfuscate 4. Remunerate 5. Juxtapose 6. Nullify 7. Squander

Set 2 1. Aggrandize 2. Acquiesce 3. Abduct 4. Abet 5. Accost 6. Bequeath 7. Ascertain 8. Debunk

Exercise III

1. S 2. S 3. A 4. A 5. A 6. S 7. S 8. S 9. A 10. A 11. S 12. A 13. S 14. S 15. S

Answer Key 445


Exercise IV

1. No 2. Yes 3. No 4. Yes 5. Yes 6. Yes 7. No 8. No 9. Yes 10. Yes 11. No 12. Yes 13. No 14. No 15. No

Exercise V

1. Abet 2. Juxtapose 3. Accost 4. Debunk, Nullify 5. Obfuscate 6. Ostracize 7. Lambaste 8. Remunerate 9. Squander 10. Aggrandize 11. Acquiesce 12. Abduct 13. Bequeath 14. Ascertain


1. Beseecher/beseeching 2. Capitulator/capitulant or capitulation 3. Sulliable 4. Defiler/defilement 5. Desecrator or desecrater/desecration 6. Consecration/consecratory or

consecrative 7. Emulator/emulative 8. Engenderer 9. Espouser/espousal

10. Imputative or imputable/imputation or imputability

11. Oscillatory/oscillation 12. Relegation/relegable 13. Stagnation/stagnant or stagnation 14. Subjugator/subjugation 15. Galvanizer/galvanization 16. Fathomable

Exercise II

1. Engender 2. Fathom 3. Galvanize 4. Subjugate 5. Espouse 6. Consecrate 7. Stagnate

Set 2 1. Relegate 2. Desecrate 3. Emulate 4. Capitulate 5. Beseech 6. Impute 7. Mar 8. Oscillate

Exercise III

1. S 2. S 3. A 4. A 5. S 6. S 7. A 8. S 9. S 10. S 11. A 12. S 13. S 14. A

Exercise IV

1. Yes 2. Yes 3. Yes

446 Answer Key


4. No 5. Yes 6. No 7. No 8. Yes 9. No 10. Yes 11. No 12. Yes * 13. Yes 14. No

Exercise V

1. Desecrate 2. Capitulate 3. Stagnate 4. Galvanize 5. Relegate 6. Oscillate 7. Consecrate 8. Emulate 9. Espouse 10. Subjugate 11. Defile, Sully, Mar, Tarnish, Taint 12. Fathom 13. Engender 14. Beseech 15. Impute


1. Abstemiousness 2. Analogousness 3. Arduousness 4. Bereavement/bereaved 5. Beguilement/beguiled 6. Clairvoyance 7. Convoluted/convolutedness 8. Endemism or endemicity 9. Indigenousness or indeginity 10. Enigma 11. Ephemeralness 12. Fleetness or fleetingness 13. Transients 14. Evanescence 15. Exactness/exacts

16. Feasibility or feasibleness 17. Futileness 18. Indignation 19. Innocuousness or innocuity 20. Noxiousness 21. Inexorableness or inexorability 22. Nefariousness 23. Notoriousness or notoriety

Exercise II

1. Abstemious 2. Enigmatic 3. Exacting 4. Convoluted 5. Cryptic 6. Endemic 7. Futile

Set 2 1. Indignant 2. Ephemeral 3. Innocuous 4. Noxious 5. Inexorable 6. Nefarious 7. Notorious 8. Arduous

Set 3 1. Bereft 2. Beguiled 3. Indigenous 4. Clairvoyant 5. Feasible 6. Transient 7. Analogous

Exercise II

1. A 2. S 3. A 4. S 5. A 6. S 7. S 8. S 9. S 10. A 11. S

Answer Key 447


12. A 13. S 14. S 15. A 16. S 17. A 18. S 19. A 20. S 21. S 22. S

Exercise IV

1. No 2. No 3. Yes 4. Yes 5. Yes 6. Yes 7. Yes 8. No 9. Yes 10. Yes 11. No 12. Yes 13. No 14. Yes 15. No 16. No 17. No 18. No 19. Yes

Exercise V

1. Indignant 2. Innocuous 3. Noxious 4. Inexorable 5. Nefarious 6. Notorious 7. Arduous 8. Abstemious 9. Enigmatic 10. Exacting 11. Analogous 12. Convoluted 13. Cryptic

14. Endemic, Indigenous 15. Futile 16. Bereft 17. Beguiled 18. Clairvoyant 19. Feasible 20. Ephemeral, Evanescent, Transient,

Fleeting


1. Ornateness 2. Resolution or resoluteness 3. Serendipity 4. Serenity or sereneness 5. Soporific 6. Unscrupulousness or unscrupulosity 7. Vacuousness 8. Vituperation 9. Whimsicality or whimsicalness 10. Prevalence or prevalentness 11. Pensiveness 12. Cognizance 13. Eclecticist 14. Indelibleness or indelibility 15. Ineffableness or ineffability

Exercise II

1. Serene 2. Pristine 3. Unscrupulous 4. Soporific 5. Ornate 6. Vituperative 7. Resolute 8. Vacuous 9. Whimsical 10. Serendipitous

Set 2 1. Prevalent 2. Pensive 3. Bucolic 4. Cognizant 5. Eclectic 6. Fecund 7. Indelible

448 Answer Key


8. Ineffable 9. Innocuous 10. Unsullied

Exercise III

1. A 2. A 3. S 4. S 5. S 6. S 7. A 8. A 9. S 10. S 11. A 12. S 13. S 14. A 15. A 16. A 17. A 18. S 19. A 20. A

Exercise IV

1. Yes 2. No 3. No 4. No 5. No 6. No 7. No 8. No 9. No 10. No 11. Yes 12. Yes 13. No 14. No 15. Yes 16. Yes 17. No 18. Yes

Exercise V

1. Indelible 2. Fecund 3. Serene 4. Pristine, Unsullied 5. Whimsical 6. Vacuous 7. Resolute 8. Cognizant 9. Serendipitous 10. Vituperative 11. Innocuous 12. Pensive 13. Ornate 14. Eclectic 15. Soporific 16. Ineffable 17. Bucolic 18. Prevalent 19. Unscrupulous


1. Insularism or insularity 2. Moribundity 3. Obstreperosity or obstreperousness 4. Perniciousness 5. Pertinence or pertinency 6. Germaneness 7. Petulance or petulancy 8. Quiescence or quiescency 9. Scathed 10. Scintillate 11. Solicitousness 12. Superlativeness 13. Slovenliness 14. Dishevel/dishevelment 15. Unkemptness 16. Extemporaneousness or extemporaneity 17. Spontaneity or spontaneousness 18. Perfidiousness 19. Tenacity or tenaciousness 20. Relentlessness 21. Rudimentariness 22. Precociousness or precocity 23. Insidiousness

Answer Key 449


24. Docility

Exercise II

1. Moribund 2. Obstreperous 3. Scintillating 4. Quiescent 5. Petulant 6. Scathing 7. Insular 8. Pertinent 9. Solicitous 10. Pernicious

Set 2 1. Rudimentary 2. Tenacious 3. Perfidious 4. Precocious 5. Superlative 6. Virulent 7. Docile 8. Slovenly 9. Insidious 10. Extemporaneous

Exercise III

1. A 2. A 3. S 4. A 5. A 6. S 7. A 8. A 9. A 10. S 11. S 12. S 13. S 14. S 15. S 16. A 17. S 18. S 19. S 20. A

21. S 22. S 23. S

Exercise IV

1. Yes 2. Yes 3. No 4. Yes 5. Yes 6. No 7. Yes 8. No 9. Yes 10. No 11. Yes 12. Yes 13. No 14. No 15. No 16. Yes 17. Yes 18. Yes 19. Yes 20. Yes

Exercise V

1. Superlative 2. Rudimentary 3. Quiescent 4. Relentless, Tenacious 5. Perfidious 6. Petulant 7. Pernicious 8. Solicitous 9. Virulent 10. Precocious 11. Scathing 12. Scintillating 13. Obstreperous 14. Insular 15. Pertinent, Germane 16. Slovenly, Disheveled, Unkempt 17. Docile 18. Insidious 19. Spontaneous, Impromptu,

Extemporaneous

450 Answer Key


20. Moribund


1. Abstain/abstinent 2. Anguished 3. Anomalous or anomalistic 4. Antithetical or antithetic 5. Autonomous 6. Deleteriousness 7. Demised 8. Paradoxal 9. Progenitorial 10. Resilient 11. Aphorist/aphoristic 12. Adagical 13. Proverbial

Exercise II

1. Demise 2. Autonomy 3. Deleterious 4. Anguish 5. Abstinence 6. Aphorism 7. Fiasco

Set 2 1. Anomaly 2. Antithesis 3. Debacle 4. Axiom 5. Paradox 6. Progenitor 7. Resilience

Exercise III

1. A 2. A 3. S 4. S 5. S 6. S 7. S 8. A 9. S 10. A

11. S 12. S 13. A 14. S 15. S

Exercise IV

1. No 2. No 3. Yes 4. Yes 5. No 6. Yes 7. No 8. Yes 9. Yes 10. Yes 11. No 12. Yes

Exercise V

1. Abstinence 2. Deleterious 3. Antithesis 4. Anguish 5. Anomaly 6. Progenitor 7. Paradox 8. Aphorism, Adage, Axiom, Proverb,

Maxim, Dictum 9. Demise 10. Autonomy 11. Resilience


1. Hiatal 2. Moratory 3. Luller/lull 4. Asperser/aspersed 5. Enfranchiser/enfranchised 6. Proximal or proximate 7. Interloping 8. Lampoons/lampooner 9. Impeded/impedimental or impedimentary

Answer Key 451


Exercise II

1. Boon 2. Probity 3. Aspersion 4. Moratorium 5. Aplomb 6. Enfranchisement

Set 2 1. Lampoon 2. Impediment 3. Lull 4. Sinecure 5. Interloper 6. Proximity 7. Sophistry

Exercise III

1. S 2. A 3. S 4. S 5. S 6. S 7. A 8. S 9. S 10. A 11. S 12. A 13. A

Exercise IV

1. Yes 2. No 3. Yes 4. No 5. No 6. Yes 7. Yes 8. Yes 9. No 10. Yes 11. Yes 12. Yes

Exercise V

1. Lampoon 2. Boon 3. Impediment 4. Probity 5. Aspersion 6. Hiatus, Moratorium, Lull 7. Sinecure 8. Aplomb 9. Interloper 10. Proximity 11. Sophistry 12. Enfranchisement


1. Nuanced 2. Conceded/conceder 3. Concessible 4. Retrospected/retrospective 5. Prudent or prudential 6. Adverse/adversarial 7. Inceptive 8. Commenced

Exercise II

1. Hindsight 2. Commencement 3. Prudence 4. Adversary 5. Adversity 6. Concession 7. Nuance

Set 2 1. Dichotomy 2. Pedant 3. Misnomer 4. Propriety 5. Inception 6. Retrospect 7. Foible

Exercise III

1. A 2. S 3. S

452 Answer Key


4. S 5. A 6. S 7. A 8. A 9. A 10. S 11. S 12. S

Exercise IV

1. No 2. No 3. No 4. Yes 5. Yes 6. No 7. Yes 8. Yes 9. No 10. Yes 11. No 12. No

Exercise V

1. Foible 2. Hindsight, Retrospect 3. Commencement, Inception 4. Propriety 5. Prudence 6. Adversary 7. Adversity 8. Misnomer 9. Concession 10. Nuance 11. Pedant 12. Dichotomy

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