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.

attrition (n)Colleges and Universities try not to have

a high rate of attrition. They want students to stay until graduation rather than drop out early.

Attrition means a. an increase in number b. ill health

c. a natural loss of individuals

contend (v)John contended that smoking hadn’t hurt his health, but right after making that claim, he had a fit of coughing that lasted ten minutes.

Contend means a. conceal b. realize c. declare

eradicate (v)Joyce and Steven’s adopted son was

abused in an earlier home. They’re working hard to eradicate the lingering[12] effects on him of that experience.

Eradicate means a. reveal b. regulate strictly c. erase

exhort (v)On the eve of the decisive battle, the

general exhorted the troops to fight bravely for their homeland.

Exhort means a. accuse b. praise c. urge

impede (v)Muddy roads impeded the progress of

trucks bringing food to the refugees.

Impede means a. oppress b. hinder c. include

inundate (v)After his brief announcement, the

President was inundated with questions from reporters.

Inundate means a. flood b. strengthen c. go around

germane (adj)Stacy visited certain internet sites to find information germane to the topic of her scientific thesis.

Germane means a. damaging b. related c. foreign

mandatory (adj)A new accounting system will soon

become mandatory for all departments.

Mandatory means a. delayed b. binding c. optional

panacea (n)Ravi thinks his trouble would be over if

he just had a lot of money. But money isn’t a panacea; it wouldn’t solve all his problems.

Panacea means a belief b. a basic necessity

c. a universal remedy

perfunctory (adj)Most of the candidates were passionate

on the subject of nuclear weapons, but one spoke in a very perfunctory way, apparently bored with the topic.

Perfunctory means a. uninterested b. enthusiastic c. exaggerated

recourse (n)“Unless you pay your bill,” the company threatened, “we’ll have no recourse but to sue you”.

Recourse means a. a way out b. a problem c. a question

stringent (adj)Professor Jasper has the most stringent

standards in the department. Passing her course is difficult; getting an A is next to impossible.

Stringent means a. different b. flexible c. demanding

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

…………………Ordered by a law or rule

…………………To claim to be true

…………………Strictly controlled or enforced; strict; severe

…………………A gradual natural decrease in number;

becoming fewer in number

………………. To cover as by flooding; overwhelm

with a large number or amount

………………. Having to do with the issue at hand; relevant

………………… To delay or slow; get in the way of

………………. Something supposed to cure all diseases, evils;

cure-all

………………..To urge with argument or strong advice; plead

Earnestly

……………….. Done only as a routine, with little care or

interest; performed with no interest or enthusiasm

……………… A source of help, security or strength

………………..To get rid of altogether; wipe out

Date: 2015-12-24; view: 1209