A. Words in Context

1. Tick the word closest in meaning to that of the each boldfaced word. Use the context of the sentences to help you figure out each word’s meaning.

disparity (n)The wide disparity between men’s and

women’s pay in our company led to a protest by the women. The management tried to squelch the protest saying that the women were subversive and were trying to ruin company morale.

Disparity means a. a combination b. a gap c. closeness

forestall (v)When the environmentalists were unable

to forestall the destruction of the forest

by legal means, they lay down in front of the developer’s bulldozers.

Forestall means a. to keep from happening b. to predict c. to pay for

insidious (adj)The effects of certain prescription drugs,

such as Valium, can be insidious.

People who take them may slip into addiction without being aware of it.

Insidious means a. badly timed b. subtly harmful c. all-powerful

insinuate (v)Instead of directly saying “Buy our

product”, many ads use slick images to insinuate that the product will give the buyer sex appeal, power, or prestige.

Insinuate means a. to say indirectly b. to cry

c. keep from happening

interrogate (v)In many countries political prisoners

who are being interrogated by the secret police are likely to be tortured in an attempt to force answers from them.

Interrogate means a. to ask questions b. to delay c. to abuse

obsequious (adj)In a job interview, use discretion. Don’t

react as though you were being questioned by a police officer; but don’t be obsequious either, as if the interviewer were a king or queen and you were a humble servant.

Obsequious means a. unequal in rank b. methodical

c. overly eager to please

omnipotent (adj)Small children think of their parents as

omnipotent – able to do anything, control everything, and grant whatever a child might wish for.

Omnipotent means a. totally good b. willing to serve c. all-powerful

opportune (adj)Quite often we look for an opportune

moment to break some news to our family, especially when it is far from welcoming.

Opportune means a. appropriate b. difficult c. early

permeate (v)A sense of deep loss permeated her

after she learned about the death of hostages. She suffered as if they were part of her own family.

Permeate means a. to harm b. to penetrate c. to improve

retribution (n)For much of human history, before

science could explain diseases, many people believed that any illness was a retribution for immoral behaviour.

Retribution means a. inequality b. obstacle c. penalty

Write the word next to its definition. The sentences in the previous exercise will help you decide on the meaning of each word.

…………………… Overly willing to serve, obey, or flatter in order to gain favor

…………………… To suggest slyly

…………………… Something given or done as repayment, reward, or punishment

…………………… Inequality or difference, as in ages or amounts

…………………… Working or spreading harmfully but in a manner hard to notice; more harmful than at first is evident

…………………… To flow or spread throughout

…………………… Suitable (said of time); well-timed

…………………… To prevent or hinder by taking actions beforehand

…………………… All-powerful; having unlimited power or authority

…………………… To question formally and systematically

Date: 2015-12-24; view: 1410