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Wherever he goes, the esteemed Dr. Sanchez is applauded for his life saving research.
What does “esteemed” mean?
greatly admired
In the early 1600s, a dangerous trip across the Atlantic Ocean was a daunting idea. The Europeans, who would someday be known as the Pilgrims, must have been a very determined and brave group of settlers.
A daunting task is one that would _______ someone.
frighten or intimidate
Speaking rudely to the judges was rash behavior. You really hurt your chances of winning!
In the above context, what does “rash” mean?
with little thought or consideration
Some people are always bashing the president just like others bashed the one before him. Wouldn't you think that everyone could find something to praise him for, at least once in a while?
What does “bashing” mean in the above selection?
speaking or writing harshly
I believe that if you lower taxes so that people can keep more of the money they earn, it will be an incentive for them to work harder.
What is the meaning of “incentive”? __________.
a reason to do something
It’s a wonder to me how anyone can still be undecided about this election. These two candidates are certainly distinct. Each would lead our nation in opposite directions.
What does “distinct” mean?
clearly different
Sunshine said, “Amber, why are you making such a big deal about Robert’s hair? Yes, he did dye it purple. It is rather unusual for a guy to have purple hair. On the other hand, it’s not exactly going to change the course of world history. It’s really quite a trivial matter.”
What does “trivial” mean?
unimportant
If you don't curtail your spending, you'll be broke in no time at all!
Which word is a synonym of "curtail"?
reduce
Your cousin claimed to be late because the doors of his house were frozen shut. Even though I have my doubts, his explanation is plausible. It got really cold last night. I'll just have to take his word for it.
If a statement is plausible, __________.
it's believable enough to be true
The news story was based on a letter that was a fabrication. Now the reporter who wrote the story is in big trouble. Will anyone believe him again?
A fabrication is __________.
fake
Ashlee was not happy with her friend Samantha. “I’ve been waiting here for an hour!” she growled into her cell phone. “You’d better hie yourself over here,” she continued, “or we’ll leave without you.
What does hie mean?
Hurry
Fortunately, the dizzy spell was transient. He was able to continue playing within seconds and had no trouble winning the match.
When you describe an event as “transient,” you are saying that __________.
it doesn't last long
The Saints and Strangers argued about how they would live in the New World. After much discussion, they came together and signed the Mayflower Compact.
The Compact was _______.
an agreement
Both sides in the election contest are throwing accusations at each other. The Gore supporters claim that Governor Bush is trying to thwart the will of the people. The Bush supporters say that Mr. Gore is trying to create votes or assign choices to people who did not really cast votes for president.
What does “thwart” mean?
block or prevent something
We have rather lofty expectations for you, son. You will attend college. You will become rich and famous. You will be elected president of the United States before you turn forty.
Which word is a synonym of “lofty”?
high
Prunella and Paula are sisters, but they’re very different. Just look at how they dress. Prunella doesn’t care what she wears. Paula, on the other hand, is quite chic [sheek].
What does chic mean
stylish
Michael is an ardent supporter of his presidential candidate. That became obvious to me when I found out how much time he’s donated to the campaign. Perhaps Michael knows what he’s doing.
What does “ardent” mean in the context of the selection?
very strong
Her cardinal rule is this: Be kind to others! She believes that everything else in life will fall properly into place if one follows that rule.
What does “cardinal” mean in this context?
main or important
Christmas is a time when Dad reverts to his childhood. I really think he looks forward to Santa’s visit more than any other member of the family. Mom says that he’ll always be a child during this season.
What does “reverts” mean in the above passage?
goes back to being what he was
The signal from the cable is too strong for our television. We’ll have to use a filter to attenuate it.
When you attenuate something, you _______________.
make it less
No word must ever leak out about this military action! It has to be a clandestine operation in order to succeed.
Which word is a synonym of "clandestine"?
secret
No matter where you go, the Internet is following you. Almost every portable device is being made with an Internet connection. Most new TVs and many other appliances come with Internet connections as well. The Internet is truly ubiquitous.
What does ubiquitous mean?
it is everywhere
When your plan brings us great wealth, you will be rewarded for your sagacity.
What does sagacity mean?
intelligence
We walked slowly down the trail with great trepidation. No one who had gone this way had ever been heard from again. Had they simply found a better place to settle on this dark planet? We doubted that.
Which word is a synonym of “trepidation”?
worry
The owner of the restaurant wouldn’t allow Samantha to walk through the door. “I’m sorry,” she said, “but you started a food fight the last time you were here. You may not have ingress to my restaurant!”
What does “ingress” mean in this selection?
the right to enter