Choosing the Right Word
"I was startled not so much by your disapproval of my proposal as by the ______ by which you denounced it."
Chagrin, Reticence, Vehemence, Fracas
Vehemence
Def: intense, forceful, powerful
"If you are _______ to studying, how do you expect to do well on the final?"
Averse
Def: having a deep-seated distaste; opposed, unwilling
Synonyms: shock, stupefy, horrify
Appall
Def: to fill with dismay or horror
Exhilarate
"The moon landing in 1969 exhilarated the nation."
Verb
"A final proposal or statement of conditions."
Ultimatum
"Is it any wonder that your parents are worried, knowing that you are associating with such a _______ group of people?"
Protruding, Stark, Exemplary, Disreputable
Disreputable
Def: not respectable, not esteemed
"The moment in Hamlet when Laertes is killed by his own poisoned sword is considered _________."
Ironic
Def: suggesting an incongruity between what might be expected and what actually happens; given to irony, sarcastic
Antonyms: daytime, diurnal
Nocturnal
Def: of or occurring in the night; under cover of darkness
Musty
"The old attic had a very musty smell."
Adjective
"To praise extravagantly."
Extol
"Carelessness in even minor details may __________ the success of a major theatrical production."
Retrogress, Extol, Averse, Jeopardize
Jeopardize
Def: danger
Many religions teach that their god or gods is/are ________."
Omnipotent
Def: almighty, having unlimited power or authority
Antonyms: mature, judicious, knowledgable
Sophomoric
Def: immature and overconfident; conceited
Apathy
"I was disappointed when my idea was met with total apathy."
Noun
"Coming at a bad time; not appropriate"
Inopportune
"We sometimes forget that the great men who led our revolution were considered _________ by the British king."
Renegades, Somber, Voluminous, Commodious
Renegades
Def: one who leaves a group; a deserter, outlaw; traitorous; unconventional, unorthodox
"The fortune teller lured in customers by claiming she was ________ and could talk to the dead."
Clairvoyant
Def: supernaturally perceptive; one who possesses extrasensory powers, seer
Synonyms: snobbish, patronizing, overbearing
Supercilious
Def: proud and contemptuous; showing scorn because of a feeling of superiority
Assent- Name both!
"A strike is focused on getting management to assent to workers' demands."
"Romeo and Juliet knew they would never get their families' assent to marry."
Verb & Noun
"Rashness, boldness"
Temerity
"After the hurricane destroyed the city, the people of New Orleans showed their ______ spirit by rebuilding."
Virulent, Truculent, Indomitable, Diffident
Indomitable
Def: unconquerable, refusing to yield
"Many people in the store grew irritated by the ________ fighting of the couple."
Stentorian
Def: extremely loud
Synonyms: annoy, bedevil, beleaguer
Harass
Def: to disturb, worry; to trouble by repeated attacks
Elated
"Elated fans lined the streets to cheer for the winning team."
Bonus: Name both functions of this word!
Adjective & Participle
"Majestic, inspiring admiration and respect"
August