Context Sentence Reading Flashcards by Andrew Cohen

What does the underlined word mean in this context?

nadir

Without a doubt, the nadir of his life occurred when his drug addiction caused in rapid succession the loss of his business, his marriage, and almost, from an overdose, his life.

nadir - rock bottom, lowest point

clues - lost his business, his marriage, and almost died

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What does the underlined word mean in this context?

ubiquitous

Once, cellular phones were a rare thing, but now they are so ubiquitous one can find them in the hands of many 10 year-olds.

ubiquitous - widespread, seen everywhere

clues - Once rare, now (opposite of rare)

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What does the underlined word mean in this context?

vacillate

Lauren could barely stand the way Joe vacillated about the logo and slogan, because she was convinced that the marketing window was closing.

vacillated - hesitation from indecision, not making up one’s mind

clues - “barely stand” so it’s a frustrating behavior, “marketing window” indicates time being wasted

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What does the underlined word mean in this context?

quagmire

Commentators suggested that going to Iraq would be a new quagmire like Vietnam was for America in the 1970s.

quagmire - swampy, like quicksand, sticky situation

clues - the Vietnam War, just like the Iraq War was a situation that was hard to get out of

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What does the underlined word mean in this context?

umbrage

Many in the room took immediate umbrage at his condescending tone, though I’m not sure he meant to insult anyone.

(to take..at) umbrage - to feel slighted, put down

clues - his tone was condescending and insulting

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What does the underlined word mean in this context?

zenith

Having just won an Oscar, with offers on the table for movies that paid really well and gave her a chance to work with the best directors, she was at the zenith of her career.

zenith - highest point

clues - she had just won an Oscar and had great career opportunities

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What does the underlined word mean in this context?

aberration

Since he had been undefeated in his first fifteen matches, his recent loss could have been either an aberration or the beginning of a downward trend in his boxing career.

aberration - change, unusual deviation from the norm

clues - his loss was either a departure from his typical record or the start of a long term decline

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What does the underlined word mean in this context?

abide

Early in his career, Paul Robeson was willing to abide the degrading treatment he received because of his skin color, but eventually he rebelled against the injustice of it.

abide - put up with, stay with

clues - initially he accepted it but eventually he rebelled against it

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What does the underlined word mean in this context?

abject

Having survived the earthquake, but being reduced to abject poverty and inadequate shelter, the poor of Port-au-Prince endured the pelting rain of the hurricane.

abject - pitiful state

clues - the poor people suffered poverty, had no shelter, and were exposed to terrible weather conditions

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What does the underlined word mean in this context?

cajole

Though Augustus was very shy, Constance was enough determined, sweet, and clever to cajole him into finally asking her out on a date.

cajole - persuade, coax

clues - Constance was able to convince Augustus to ask her out despite his shyness

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What does the underlined word mean in this context?

callous

When Darcy recites his story about keeping Bingley from seeing Jane in London without feeling a moment’s guilt, Elizabeth is convinced she had never met a more callous man.

callous - hard

clues - Darcy felt no guilt, so he was heartless, hardened

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What does the underlined word mean in this context?

candor

Used to politicians who rarely answered personal questions, the audience at the debate was impressed by the candor of the candidate as he spoke about his divorce.

candor - openness

clues - politician spoke about his divorce to strangers, audience impressed

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What does the underlined word mean in this context?

debauch

On Pleasure Island, the environment of indulging in every sensual delight works to debauch the boys until they transform into donkeys.

debauch - to corrupt the innocence of

clues - indulging in empty pleasure

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What does the underlined word mean in this context?

effulgent

The beauty of the effulgent sunset on this island paradise made the vacationers never want to leave.

effulgent - radiant, shiny

clues - sunset, beauty

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What does the underlined word mean in this context?

egregious

Most of the parents considered the food fight in the cafeteria misguided and foolish, but the administration considered it as egregious as drug possession or gang activity, or at least it carried an identical punishment.

egregious - shockingly bad

clues - punished by school like drug possession, parents see it as just foolish

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What does the underlined word mean in this context?

facile

Changing the company logo was just a facile strategy for the image problem was much more complicated.

facile - shallow, addressing only the surface

clues - just a facile strategy, problem was much more complicated

facile can also mean easy or simple, simplistic

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What does the underlined word mean in this context?

impecunious

Among Squire Allworthy’s friends is the impecunious Dr. Blifil, a master of all subjects of study except the one that could provide that scholarly gentleman a living wage.

impecunious - poor

clues - doesn’t earn a living wage

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What does the underlined word mean in this context?

laconic

The psychiatrist noted the lack of animation in the patient’s face and his laconic responses and concurred with the diagnosis of depression.

laconic - short in speech (negative)

clues - lack of animation, depression

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What does the underlined word mean in this context?

mawkish

When a writer undertakes the story of a dying child, he or she needs to use a light touch about it, or it can easily become mawkish.

mawkish - overly sentimental

clues - dying child, light touch

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What does the underlined word mean in this context?

obfuscate

Harold had so little understanding of the basics of modern physics that the professor’s attempts to explain the phenomenon merely obfuscated it more.

obfuscate - make harder to understand, render unintelligible

clues - so little understanding, attempts to explain modern physics

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What does the underlined word mean in this context?

maxim

Polonius’ speech to Laertes is replete with maxims which the father hopes will guide his son while at college, but he also sends a spy after him to Paris, just to make sure.

maxim - wise old saying, rule of thumb

clues - speech, guide his son

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What does the underlined word mean in this context?

oblique

Instead of going straight to the car as he was told, the little boy took the most oblique route to it.

oblique - diverging from direct course, not straight

clues - instead, going straight

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What does the underlined word mean in this context?

palette

Picasso rarely used a wide palette for his paintings; he most often limited his colors to a very controlled range.

palette - range of color

clues - limited his colors, range

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What does the underlined word mean in this context?

palliate

Although nothing cures HIV as of yet, there are drug therapies that palliate the condition and slow the onset of AIDS.

palliate - make better, make less severe, improve

clues - Although nothing cures, slow the onset

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# What does the underlined word mean in this context? panacea ## Footnote The snake oil salesman, peddling his bogus _panacea_ to everyone who had a medical complaint of any kind, claimed it worked on everything.

panacea - cure all, universal curitive clues - "snake oil", worked on everything

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? paramount ## Footnote The president considered securing the nuclear arsenal _paramount_ in the days following the fall of the empire.

paramount - of highest importance, imperative clues - president, nuclear arsenal

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? pariah ## Footnote The being created by Dr. Frankenstein is made a _pariah_ and suffers from solitude for which he resents his creator.

pariah - outcast clues - Frankenstein, suffers from solitude

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? parsimony ## Footnote Most rich people practice _parsimony_, for the best way to make money is to not spend it.

parsimony - frugality, stinginess clues - not spending (money)

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? reconcile ## Footnote After the Theory of Relativity, Einstein worked the rest of his career to _reconcile_ it with quantum mechanics.

reconcile - make consistent clues - Theory of Relativity, with quantum mechanics

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? tantamount ## Footnote Some of the deceptive practices of mortgage lending before the housing crash were _tantamount_ to stealing.

tantamount - roughly equivalent clues - deceptive practices, stealing

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? abrogate ## Footnote Critics of the Patriot Act said that it gave the government the power to _abrogate_ certain rights against unwarranted searches.

abrogate - abolish, take away clues - critics, government, certain rights

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? defile ## Footnote The protestors are attempting to _defile_ the temple by smearing blood on the lectern.

defile - stain, taint, ruin the sanctity or purity of clues - temple, smearing blood

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? impetuous ## Footnote As a young man, Ming often got in trouble from his _impetuous_ behavior, so, as a man, he learned to think before he acted.

impetuous - rash, hasty clues - got in trouble, think before he acted.

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? impinge ## Footnote The sudden storm _impinged_ upon the planned picnic, and the family settled for an afternoon in the bowling alley.

impinge - impact, affect clues - sudden storm, picnic

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? impertinent ## Footnote Teresa was a sweet well-mannered girl, but she could get as _impertinent_ as an unchecked brat if she missed regular meals.

impertinent - rude, unruly clues - was well-mannered, unchecked brat

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? impervious ## Footnote Despite the frigid waters, the whale maintains its core temperature due to its layers of _impervious_ blubber.

impervious - impenetrable, stuff can't get into it or through it clues - maintains core temperature in the arctic, blubber

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? negligent ## Footnote Though not intentionally responsible for harming her children, Deb's _negligent_ habits like leaving them unattended in the bathtub caused a tragedy.

negligent - careless, neglecting, not watchful clues - not intentionally, leaving unattended in the bath

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? quell ## Footnote Four policemen were acquitted of beating Rodney King, and six days of rioting ensued that the authorities could not _quell_.

quell - control, diffuse, reduce confrontation clues - riots

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? sanguine ## Footnote Finishing first in her class from the prestigious university, she had good reason to be _sanguine_ entering the job market.

sanguine - cheery, optimistic clues - first, prestigious

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? accolade ## Footnote The documentary earned several awards, but such _accolades_ were not as important to the director as seeing the issue addressed that was raised by his film.

accolades - high praise, special distinction clues - earned awards

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? caustic ## Footnote The cobra can spit _caustic_ venom so corrosive that a trace amount for only a few seconds brings permanent eye damage.

caustic - acidic, bitter clues - corrosive, permanent eye damage

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? cavort ## Footnote The parents bantered around the barbeque while the children _cavorted_ on the trampoline.

cavort - jump around, boisterously and physically active clues - children on tampoline

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? deliberate ## Footnote The accused took the gun with him, so the prosecutor considered the killing _deliberate_, despite the witnesses who said the victim started the altercation.

deliberate - by choice, planned, not accidental clues - accused took gun, victim, despite, altercation

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? goad ## Footnote Max _goaded_ Palmer into trying to reach the green in one, but Palmer lost his golfball in the lake.

goad - coaxed, urged, manipulated clues, - into trying for the green

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? largess ## Footnote Oprah’s _largess_ to her audience became the stuff of legend when she gave away 276 cars to start her 22nd season.

largess - generosity in a lavish way clues - when, gave away, 276 cars

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? pejoratives ## Footnote The burned-out teacher began to refer to her students as “germbags”, “urchins”, “dead from the neck up”, and other clever _pejoratives_.

pejoratives - uncomplimentary or insulting phrases clues - burned-out, germbags, urchins, dead from neck up, and,

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? querulous ## Footnote She hoped the boy she raised would be emotionally strong and well behaved, but was shocked to find him a _querulous_ brat.

querulous - whiny, complaining clues - emotionally strong, well-behaved, but

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? rebuke ## Footnote Cecilia is a delicate little girl who cries at the slightest _rebuke_ from her teacher.

rebuke - scolding, criticism, correction clues - delicate, cries at, slightest

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? scintillate ## Footnote In the spotlight and rhinestone glory, the Vegas singer _scintillated_ before the dazzled audience of housewives.

scintillated - sparkling, shimmering clues - spotlight, rhinestones, dazzled

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? behemoth ## Footnote Post-Panamax ships are the largest class of commercial ship ever, and these _behemoths_ are so denominated because they don't fit in the Panama Canal.

behemoth - monstrously large and powerful clues - largest ship, don't fit in Panama Canal

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? demure ## Footnote She felt out of place in a _demure_ pleated mid-calf skirt among young women wearing daring minis and micros that revealed the whole leg.

demure - modest, reserved, quiet clues - pleated mid-calf skirt vs. minis and micros

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? obstinate ## Footnote Thorin Oakenshield is _obstinate_ enough to ignore all the claims of justice and gratitude owed to the men of Dale, as long as the Elves remain with them.

obstinate - very stubborn, unable to change one's mind about a decision clues - ignore claims of justice and gratitude owed

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? permeate ## Footnote Beaver skin hats were all the rage in Europe because rainwater wouldn’t _permeate_ the material.

permeate - saturate, get soggy, allow into, go throughout clues - all the rage, rainwater

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? pernicious ## Footnote The _pernicious_ effect of the race riot not only left physical damage, but scarred the community for a generation.

pernicious - extemely harmful, destructive clues - damage, scarred, for a generation

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? redoubtable ## Footnote Brom Bones, the _redoubtable_ champion of the village of Sleepy Hollow, is not the kind of man who would cry “quits”.

redoubtable - formidable, really hard to challenge or beat clues - champion, not kind of man who quits

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? tenuous ## Footnote On Little Round Top, the colonel realized how _tenuous_ the position was and ordered his men to hold their ground to the last man.

tenuous - having little substance or strength, barely holding on clues - colonel, hold ground, to last man

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? vehement ## Footnote Tom _vehemently_ denied the accusation that he had betrayed his comrades during the battle, but as the questioning continued grew too overwhelmed to speak.

vehemently - intensely emotional or forceful clues - denied accusation, too overwhelmed

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? venerate ## Footnote The ceremony celebrated and _venerated_ the performers who first made Broadway famous.

venerate - to show respect or honor clues - celebrate and, first made Broadway famous

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? bequeath ## Footnote In his last will, Morgan _bequeathed_ a generous donation to the medical university for research into a polio vaccine.

bequeathed - give away after dead clues - last will, donation, for medical research

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? emulate ## Footnote Douglass Wilkins, an Elvis impersonator in Las Vegas, had a long career _emulating_ the King of Rock-n-Roll.

emulate - copy, mimic, act like clues - impersonator

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? haughty ## Footnote Though most of the people in the Kirsten's town were fiercely proud of her, some were shocked to see how _haughty_ fame and fortune had made the once sweet and demure little girl.

haughty - disdainfully proud, conceited clues - proud, once sweet girl

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? legerdemain ## Footnote Using identical briefcases, a diversion, and a little _legerdemain_, the two spies, like a magician and his faithful assistant, got the documents out of the secure area.

legerdemain - deceptive motion, slight-of-hand, (like magic) clues - identical briefcases, (switch cases), spies, documents

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? perusal ## Footnote The Hollywood producer couldn’t read all the scripts that were submitted to him, so he had a staff of six people who handled the _perusal_ of prospective material.

perusal - read through carefully, review clues - couldn't read, so, of material

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? remiss ## Footnote The disgusted parent pointed out how _remiss_ the curriculum had been in all goals related to English grammar.

remiss - negligent, failing to look after something clues - disgusted, goals

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? seminal ## Footnote Though perhaps not a household name, Oliver Bolokitten wrote a _seminal_ work that influenced the development of dystopian fiction.

seminal - orignal, important, creating a field, movement, or style clues - influenced the development of dystopian fiction

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? toady ## Footnote Every influential Hollywood producer has at least one sniveling _toady_ ready to butter him up with "hurrahs" at any full sentence stop.

toady - one who flatters in hopes of getting something, sychophant, suck-up clues - sniveling, butter him up, hurrahs

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? affable ## Footnote Will Rogers, always charming and _affable_, maintained that he never met a man that he didn’t like

affable - likeable, friendly, amiable clues - charming, never met a man he didn't like

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? affinity ## Footnote Skipper and Brick shared an _affinity_ for each other that Maggie found threatening to her marriage.

affinity - immediate closeness, spontaneous bond clues - shared, threatening to her marriage

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? affront ## Footnote Ready to react to the slightest _affront_, Hugo was on a hair-trigger at school after the online posting.

affront - insult clues - ready to react, hair-trigger, online posting

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? bereft ## Footnote Though she inherited millions of dollars, she couldn’t help feeling poor, because she was _bereft_ of the company of her dear father.

bereft - devoid of, sad at missing someone, lost, forlorn clues - company of dear father

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? coalesce ## Footnote Surrounding the head, the blood pool horrifyingly _coalesced_ into a message warning Diana and Bert not to enter the crypt.

coalesce - come into form, fuse together as a whole clues - blood, message

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? collateral ## Footnote He didn’t realize that the divorce would have the _collateral_ effect of keeping him single afterward, since making the support payments left him no money for entertaining anyone new.

collateral - secondary and unintended clues - divorce, keeping him single

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? derivative ## Footnote The rap producer's sampling of two iconic albums to create his mash was not only _derivative_ but decidely a case of double trademark infringement.

derivative - copied or adapted from others clues: sampling, mash, trademark infringement

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? despondent ## Footnote After failing a test for which Robin had studied so hard, the _despondent_ AP Calculus student decided it was no use studying anymore for that class.

despondent - completely hopeless, depressed clues - after, failing a test, studied so hard, no use

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? engender ## Footnote The family camping trips _engendered_ a spirit of togetherness and harmony as well as a love and respect for nature.

engender - to bring about, create, make be, generate clues - family camping, togetherness and harmony, love and respect nature

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? enigmatic ## Footnote Until the discovery of the Rosetta Stone in 1799, much of Egyptian hieroglyphs were completely _enigmatic_.

enigmatic - puzzling, impossible to solve or understand clues - until, Rosette Stone, hieroglyphs

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? flagrant ## Footnote The _flagrant_ dumping of barrels of dioxin near a waterway that fed into the Ohio River led to one of the most important pieces of environmental legislation in Congress.

flagrant - offensive, really crossing the line of what should be done clues - dumping barrels of dioxin, legislation

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? hedonist ## Footnote Hugh Hefner launched Playboy Magazine and opened a new era of _hedonistic_ pursuit in post-war American society.

hedonist - attentive to sensual pleasures clues - Hugh Hefner, Playboy Magazine

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? indigenous ## Footnote With foreign trade often come “stow-away” species that become introduced to native ecosystems and can threaten or destroy _indigenous_ organisms.

indigenous - originating in a region clues - With foreign, "stow-away", introduced

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? indignation ## Footnote When a less-qualified man was hired for the position, Regina felt _indignation_ for the manager she had served for six years.

indignation - anger at unjust or unfair treatment or cirumstance clues - when less-qualified man hired, served for six years

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? lethargic ## Footnote Brad suffered from a _lethargic_ feeling that turned out to be a serious condition in his heart valve that required surgery.

llethargic - super tired, inactive, apathetic clues - serious condition in his hear valve

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? phlegmatic ## Footnote Reggie thought his dog’s _phlegmatic_ response to his favorite tug toy odd, until he felt the dog’s warm dry nose.

phlegmatic - uninterested, unresponsive clues - dog, favorite tug toy, warm nose

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? pithy ## Footnote My father-in-law never leaves a _pithy_ message on voice mail; he usually gets cut off in mid sentence by the end tone.

pithy - concisely meaningful clues - never, usually gets cut off, end tone

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? pittance ## Footnote When one hears of the average monthly wage in a place like Togo, one wonders how a person could live on such a _pittance_.

pittance - small amount (of money) clues - wage, live on

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? torpid ## Footnote Beached hopelessly for hours, the _torpid_ whales drew the attention of people who raced to their aid.

torpid - lethargic, lacking motion, listless clues - beached whales

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? vestige ## Footnote Rusted cartridges, bits of canvas tenting, buttons from blue or grey coats, and bone or tooth fragments were the last _vestiges_ of those two mighty armies left on the field.

vestige - a trace, mark or leftover from something lost or vanished clues - cartidges, bits, butons, fragments, of mighty arimes

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? alacrity ## Footnote The pit crews at Indy display amazing _alacrity_ as they refuel and change the vehicles' tires in just seconds.

alacrity - speed, eagerness clues - pit crews at Indy, refuel and change

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? aloof ## Footnote Though normally attentive to family and friends, Preston would appear _aloof_ to them, but they had come to know he was just lost in thought about legal strategy.

aloof - reserved, distant clues - Though attentive, appear, lost in thought

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? altercation ## Footnote So that the intellectual argument and debate would stay friendly and not become an _altercation_, they agreed to avoid personal insults.

altercation - dispute, fight clues - So that, argument or debate, stay friendly

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? commensurate ## Footnote Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister of England, received a DVD box set of American classic films from President Obama, but many in the English press thought the gift was far from being _commensurate_ with the visitor’s status.

commensurate - corresponding in size or amount clues - Prime Minister, DVD box set

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? commodious ## Footnote Admiral Croft and Mrs. Croft assure Anne Elliot that their dogcart is _commodious_ enough to take her to her door.

commodious - roomy clues - dogcart, take her to her door

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? despot ## Footnote The _despot_ Saloth Sar, better known as Pol Pot, ruled Cambodia from 1976 to 1979 during which at his strict orders 21 percent of the Cambodian people died.

despot - brutally, absolute ruler clues - ruled, at his orders, people died

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? diaphanous ## Footnote She blushed deeply and asked him to turn away while she looked for a robe to cover her _diaphanous_ gossamer nightgown.

diaphanous - see-through, transparent clues - blushed, to cover, gossamer

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? enmity ## Footnote The ugly divorce created such _enmity_ that the once harmonious family was split along lines of sympathy.

enmity - hatred, dislike clues - ugly divorce, once harmonious

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? ennui ## Footnote Stuck in the routine life of Bedford with such an active and creative mind, Lorraine Castle met each tea time with a deeper sense of _ennui_.

ennui - boredom, weariness clues - Stuck in routine

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? gratuitous ## Footnote The _gratuitous_ violence marred a movie that otherwise had a great plot, interesting direction, hallmark performances, and thrilling action.

gratuitous - uncalled for, detracting rather than adding clues - violence, otherwise, great plot, intertesting direction

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? hegemony ## Footnote The Third Reich was designed to create complete _hegemony_ over not only Europe but also North Africa, and North and South America.

hegemony - domination over others clues - Third Reich, over Europe

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? mendacious ## Footnote In Act I, Big Daddy is unaware of the _mendacious_ behavior of his family and is convinced that his cancer is just a spastic colon.

mendacious - deceitful, false in character clues - unaware, behavior, convinced, cancer, spastic colon

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? sobriety ## Footnote The community apparently found the _sobriety_ of Mr. Jensen much more suited to the bench than the passion of Mr. Kaiser, since the former defeated the latter by a four to one margin in the election.

sobriety - sedate, calm clues - suited to the bench, than, passion

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? vicarious ## Footnote Though a flop in sports himself, Igor did enjoy the _vicarious_ pleasure of watching his son compete in every high school game.

vicarious - experiencing through another clues - Though, flop in sports, watching compete

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? amenities ## Footnote The Puerto Rican spa featured so many _amenities_ that Rhonda and Lorraine booked their stay on the spot.

amenity - item that increases comfort or pleasure clues - spa, booked their stay

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? analgesic ## Footnote Such homeopathic _analgesics_ as a slice of steak placed on a bulging, black eye to reduce swelling actually work pretty well.

analgesic - painkiller clues - slice of steak (on) black eye

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? complicit ## Footnote Mary Surratt, the first woman executed in the U.S., was found to be _complicit_ in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.

complicit - involved in a wrongful act clues - executed, the assassination

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? compunction ## Footnote The spy was trained to feel no _compunction_ whatsoever for the taking of a human life to achieve his mission.

compunction - moral reservation, painful sense of guilt clues - spy, no, taking a life, achieve mission

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? dilatory ## Footnote President Lincoln censured the _dilatory_ response of his generals, particularly George Meade, after the victory of Gettysburg, because he feared their hesitation would prolong the war.

dilatory - tending to delay, cause delay clues - censured, because, hesitation

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? epistolary ## Footnote Diego de San Pedro's *Cárcel de Amor*, which weaves a story around a series of exchanged letters between two lovers, is considered the first _epistolary_ novel.

epistolary - having to do with letters clues - series of exchanged letters

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? epitome ## Footnote For many, Heidi Klum, who is stunningly beautiful and has remarkable style, represents the _epitome_ of good taste in fashion.

epitome - perfect example, embodiment clues - stunningly, remarkable

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? gregarious ## Footnote Norma knew that for it to be a success, she needed to get one of the _gregarious_ girls from Epsilon house to come and be the life of the party.

gergarious - talkative, social, outgoing clues - life of the party

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? licentious ## Footnote Because he was Master of the moorlands, the _licentious_ Hugo Baskerville abducted a tenant farmer’s beautiful daughter with the intention of forcing himself onto her.

licentious - unrestrained morally or legally clues - because, abducted, forcing himself

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? plethora ## Footnote The buffet table on the cruise had a _plethora_ of fruits piled high, some of which Kyle had never seen before, but ate willingly.

plethora - excessive abundance clues - buffet, piled high

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? poignant ## Footnote The “When She Loved Me” sequence in *Toy Story II* was so _poignant_ that when Tom Hanks and Tim Allen saw it, they both teared up.

poignant - emotional touching clues - sequence, teared up

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? anomaly ## Footnote With 3 years of a 4.0 GPA, Yin’s "D" in Mr. Bester class is an _anomaly_ that the parents want the head of the department to investigate.

anomaly - unusual occurence, something not normal clues - with 4.0, D, investigate

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? antediluvian ## Footnote It was a piece of _antediluvian_ pottery from around 550 B.C.E, that was the most compelling evidence of trade between Greece and Corsica.

antediluvian - ancient clues - 550 B.C.E.

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? blemish ## Footnote Aylmer felt Georgiana’s birthmark was just a small _blemish_ on her face when they were first married, but eventually he grew obsessed to be rid of it.

blemish - small imperfection, slight flaw clues - birthmark

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? conduit ## Footnote Peter thought it prudent to turn the shell, since they were coming near the waste water _conduit_ and here the river began to appear oily and green.

conduit - channel through which something comes clues - waste water, oily and green

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? confection ## Footnote With his weakness for _confection_ and as he had finally committed himself to losing weight, he decided not to accompany his friends to the European bakery.

confection - baked snacks, candies, goodies clues - bakery

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? confidant ## Footnote Both Anne and Lady Russell were concerned that Elizabeth had chosen Mrs. Clay as her _confidant_; they believed that their intimacy together jeopardized the respectability of the family.

confidant - someone a secret is told to clues - intimacy

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? eschew ## Footnote Penny _eschews_ shoes and wears only sandals in all but the coldest months, then boots in the winter.

eschews - avoids, shuns clues - only wears sandals and boots

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? esoteric ## Footnote In the early 20th century, Einstein’s Theory of Relativity was so _esoteric_ that one small room could contain all who understood its principles, but now that same group wouldn’t fit in several convention centers.

esoteric - highly specialized knowledge, known by few clues - Theory of Relativity, small room, who understood

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? potentate ## Footnote In that valley, there were local tribal _potentates_ who ruled their own lands and had their own militias.

potentates - military strong men, petty despots clues - ruled, militias

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? predilection ## Footnote Isabelle had a _predilection_ for romance novels; she always carried one in her bag and read it during any pause in the day.

predilection - preference, tendency toward clues - romance novels, carried one

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? apocryphal ## Footnote By declaring the reports that he had died on his tour in Europe “greatly exaggerated”, Mark Twain also proved them _apocryphal_.

apocryphal - false, fictitious, wrong clues - declaring reports, proves

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? connive ## Footnote These two former frat boys _connived_ their way into so many wedding parties merely for the free food, drinks, and emotionally vulnerable women

connive - scheme, to create an underhanded plan clues - wedding parties, merely for food, drinks, and women

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? discretion ## Footnote Lionel realizes that his therapy sessions with the Duke of York entails complete _discretion_, so he doesn’t mention the details of them even to his own wife.

discretion - reserved in speech, knowing how to keep a secret clues - doesn't mention, his own wife

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? euphoric ## Footnote After suffering through a nightmare job experience for three years, Lora felt _euphoric_ hearing that she got another job offer and was tempted to dance on her old boss’ desk.

euphoric - elated, feeling sheer and utter joy clues - after nightmare job, new job, dance on boss' desk

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? evanescent ## Footnote Going on the cruise was both exciting and relaxing, but also _evanescent_, for within two weeks he was back to the grind of work.

evanescent - momentary, fleeting, here today, gone tomorrow clues - cruise, with two weeks, back to the grind

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? insolent ## Footnote During the interview, the host was so _insolent_ to the actor that she left before the commercial break.

insolent - rude, obnoxious clues - actor left

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? appropriate ## Footnote The rabbits needed to get across the river, so they _appropriated_ a flat bottomed boat and escaped the pursuit.

appropriate - to steal, take possesion clues - get across the river, a boat and escaped

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? arcane ## Footnote Although he had a broad general knowledge of mainstream literature, his main delight was researching _arcane_ texts barely studied for hundreds of years.

arcane - obscure, secret, known by only a few clues - although broad general knowledge, barely studied

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? construe ## Footnote When he found his convertible burning in the driveway, his golf clubs broken and bent on the lawn, and his MVP trophy melted in the barbecue, he _construed_ that his wife had found out about his affairs.

construe - figured out, realized the truth clues - when, convertible burning, golf clubs broken, trophy MVP

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? disparate ## Footnote Shogun Leyasu held together a _disparate_ group of vassals with offers of land and castles in order to field the army of the Battle of Azukizaka in 1564.

disparate - sharply differing, containing sharply contrasting elements clues - held together, to field the army

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? exhort ## Footnote Being passionate about animals, Cassie _exhorted_ her friends to volunteer at shelters and animal rescue services.

exhort - urge passionately clues - passionate, volunteer

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? fraught ## Footnote The passage of the Misty Mountains was _fraught_ with perils greater than Bilbo’s attempt, for it was winter and Sauron was now hunting them.

fraught - full of clues - winter in the Mountains, being hunted

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? insular ## Footnote Certain religious organizations live in a single community with very little contact with the world outside and have therefore very _insular_ views regarding politics.

insular - separated from and narrow-minded, tight knit, closed off clues - single community, little contact, outside world

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? integral ## Footnote Jack recognizes that Tess has been an _integral_ part of the merger deal, and refuses to go forward without letting Mr. Trask know.

integral - necessary to full function, essential clues - refuses to go forward

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? mollify ## Footnote The customer service representative _mollified_ the furious client by listening well to her concerns, apologizing for the mistakes, and offering an acceptable discount.

mollify - soften the temper clues - furious, listening, apologizing, offering

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? mores ## Footnote Betty Freidan’s *The Feminine Mystique* challenges the _mores_ regarding women's roles in society.

mores - moral attitudes and customary behaviors clues - women's roles in society

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? morose ## Footnote Even his best friends, though sympathetic for his loss at first, could not keep their own spirits up while visiting him in such a _morose_ state.

morose - gloomy, sullen clues - though sympathetic, keep spirits up

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? privation ## Footnote During the London Blitz, the citizens of that great city suffered _privation_ as supplies were drained to support the war effort.

privation - a lack of basic necessities clues - supplies were drained

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? procure ## Footnote In order to set-up their lab, the team had to _procure_ fairly expensive equipment and chemicals.

procure - acquire, get their hands on, obtain clues - set-up lab, fairly expensive

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? profuse ## Footnote As he cut his strand of the net from the basket, the MVP of both his conference tournament and the ‘Big Dance’ faced such _profuse_ applause that he was truly moved to tears.

profuse - plentiful, abundant, pouring out clues - cut the net (winning the tournament), MVP, applause

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? resilient ## Footnote With 162 games worth of bruises and strains to face each season, Major League Baseball calls for very _resilient_ athletes to endure its grinding schedule.

resilient - enduring, tough, able to take punishing stress clues - bruises and strains, endure, grinding

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? restive ## Footnote The once sedate and expectant audience grew _restive_ waiting more than an hour and a half for the headliner to perform.

restive - jumpy, anxious, unable to sit still clues - once sedate and expectant, waiting an hour and a half

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? strident ## Footnote The drill sergeant was a _strident_, hard-boiled, bare-knuckles, bellowing, vulgar, old army dog, and the recruits feared him to their marrow.

strident - harsh, loud clues - drill sergeant, hard-boiled, bellowing, vulgar, army dog

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? trenchant ## Footnote A good marketer realizes that _trenchant_ directions and diagrams are necessary for a product that requires assembly.

trenchant - clear-cut, directly effective, articulate clues - charts and diagrams, assembly

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? trite ## Footnote Mr. Palmer was very tough on his students avoiding _trite_ phrases that showed a lack of authentic thinking from his students.

trite - not original, cliched, overused clues - lack of authentic thinking

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? viscous ## Footnote One look at the dipstick, the mechanic knew that the engine’s performance problems started with the _viscous_ condition of the old oil, and he changed it.

viscous - syrupy, thick and sticky clues - dipstick, problems, old oil

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? vitriolic ## Footnote Though a chemist familiar with sulfuric acid, Herschel could never stomach the _vitriolic_ insults that his girlfriend used to launch when furious.

vitriolic - sour, acidic, caustic clues - acid, could never stomach, insults

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? aspersion ## Footnote The three witches of Macbeth amuse themselves with the _aspersions_ aimed at torturing a sea captain with nightmares.

aspersions - curses, expressed ill-will clues - witches, torturing with nightmares

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? assail ## Footnote In Act I of *Hamlet*, rumors abound that young Fortinbras plans to _assail_ Denmark now that the dread king, Hamlet’s father, is dead.

assail - attack clues - now that dread king is dead (the challenger, Fortinbras, will move in)

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? buffet ## Footnote The non-violent protestors covered their heads with their hands to defend against the _buffets_ of the angry mob that swept up to them.

buffet - punch, strike, knock, smack clues - cover heads, defend, angry mob

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? contusion ## Footnote After the Encierro, or Running of the Bulls, is finished in Pamplona, Spain, the area hospitals treat the many _contusions_ and broken bones of the unlucky victims of the event.

contusion - bruise clues -bulls, hospitals, broken bones

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? conundrum ## Footnote After the General and Specific Theory of Relativity, Albert Einstein worked on the _conundrums_ of quantum mechanics and a Grand Unifying Theory.

conundrums - puzzle, problem clues - G & S Relativity, quantum mechanics, G. U. Theory

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? convolute ## Footnote I prefer straightforward story-telling to _convoluted_, non-sequential plots, that frankly confuse me more than please me.

convoluted - complicated, tangled, intricate, mixed up clues - prefer straightforward to, confuse me

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? copious ## Footnote Due to an error in planning, the buffet was so _copious_ that the wedding guests were all completely stuffed before a quarter of the food was gone.

copious - profuse, abundant clues - error in planning, buffet, stuffed, a quarter of the food

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? distend ## Footnote The glands in his neck _distended_ such that one might be convinced he had two marbles lodged under his skin.

distend - to swell out clues - glands, marbles under the skin

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? dissipate ## Footnote The morning mist _dissipated_ leaving a thick layer of dew on the glistening grass.

dissipated - disappear, cause to disappear clues - mist left dew

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? expiate ## Footnote Since the porcelain elephant was made by Lynn’s late grandfather, Joe knew that nothing could _expiate_ his breaking of it.

expiate - make up for it, make amends, atone clues - since elephant (sentimental value), breaking it

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? nuance ## Footnote Careful reading and reflection is necessary to catch the _nuances_ of a poem like “Renascense” by Edna St. Vincent Millay, or go on Spark Notes and have all the subtleties explained.

nuance - subtlety, slight variation in meaning, tone, expression clues - careful reading, to catch, subtleties

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? propagate ## Footnote The professor demonstrated to his class how quickly the internet _propagates_ rumors through societies--within minutes the "news" about the Chief Justice was on major news web pages.

propagate - multiply, spread out clues - quickly, rumors, through

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? propensity ## Footnote Though generally very conscious of the principles of a healthy diet, Max still retained from his youth a strong _propensity_ for certain sugary breakfast cereals.

propensity - preference, inclination clues - though, healthy diet, still retained, sugary breakfast

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? propitious ## Footnote The heavy rain and wind Sunday were _propitious_ conditions for the smash-mouth style of the underdog AFC team against the usually high-flying NFC favorite.

propitious - favorable clues - heavy rain and wind, smash mouth

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? revel ## Footnote Rather than _reveling_ in the attention of her new-found stardom, the stage actress suffered from panic attacks whenever the paparazzi surrounded her.

revel - relish, enjoy intensely clues - rather than, suffered, panic attacks

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? succinct ## Footnote Sharon was too aware of her father’s longwinded ways to hope he would be _succinct_ on this occasion, so she endured patiently as he rambled on and on.

succinct - using few words to communicate very well clues - longwinded, hope, endured patiently, rambled

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? truculent ## Footnote Joe dreaded to go to gym class again with a man as _truculent_ as Coach Hyde, who, rumor had it, carried two rolls of nickels in his pockets in case of trouble.

truculent - ready to fight, cruel, belligerent clues - dreaded, carried two rolls of nickels, trouble

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? vituperate ## Footnote The principal _vituperated_ the entire sophomore class for their terrible attendance record in the first marking period.

vituperate - scold, criticize, berate clues - principal, terrible attendance

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? atone ## Footnote Although it was by the purest of accidents, Frank felt he could never _atone_ for the little boy’s death.

atone - feel at peace, make amends, repent clues - although, accident, boy's death

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? augment ## Footnote The French teacher recommended that her students _augment_ their skills by visiting twenty French-based websites a week, including those with audio and video content.

augment - add to, expand, improve clues - skills, twenty websites

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? auspicious ## Footnote The well-heeled tennis champion, whose joints grew tender in rainy conditions, was relieved at the _auspicious_ weather report for five sunny days in a row at Wimbledon.

auspicious - fortunate, favorable, indicative of good things to come clues - well-heeled, joints grew tender, report of sunny days

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? austere ## Footnote The children came from London in anticipation of the Blitz to a large and _austere_ manor house, mostly uninhabited and unfurnished, in the English countryside.

austere - spare, very bare, bleak clues - large, unhabited, unfurnished

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? aversion ## Footnote Since the death of his mother from emphysema, Ed has had a strong _aversion_ to smoking of any kind.

aversion - particular dislike for something, disinclined clues - emphysema, smoking

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? burnish ## Footnote His _burnished_ armor made him gleam in the morning sun, and his page felt pride for his long night of work to make it so.

burnish - polish, make shine clues - gleam, page felt pride, night of work

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? covert ## Footnote Borrachio believes, through _covert_ means, that he can ruin the reputation of Hero, so that neither Claudio nor Don Pedro would ever know what really happened.

covert - secret, sneaky clues - ruined the reputation, would never know what really happened

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? culmination ## Footnote The _culmination_ of Joel’s and Clementine’s argument about having a baby together was a resolution on her part to end the relationship.

culmination - climax, something that is progressed toward clues - argument, resolution, end relationship

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? culpable ## Footnote Though never indicted nor convicted, Horace Grenderson was fully _culpable_ for the accident his actions so willfully caused.

culpable - deserving of blame, guilty clues - Though never indicted, actions caused accident

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? curt ## Footnote “The Wolf” explains to Vincent that his _curt_ manner is not meant as a disrespect, but rather a recognition of the limited time necessary for the task.

curt - short in speech, bordering on rude clues - manner, not disrespect, limited time

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? docile ## Footnote The new circus pony was so _docile_ that she was fully trained in the routine in less than half the time it took the others.

docile - easy to work with, teachable clues - fully trained, half the time

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? dogmatic ## Footnote His opinions on the natural separation of the labors of men and women in history made him seem _dogmatic_ to the other faculty at the College of the Humanities.

dogma - stridently and aggresively adhering to unproven principles clues - natural separation of labors, humanities

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? dubious ## Footnote Polly had learned the hard way not to buy products of _dubious_ origins from online sources, because they had a good chance of being stolen merchandise.

dubious - doubtful, uncertain in quality or authenticity clues - because, stolen mechandise

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? duress ## Footnote The intelligence gathered under _duress_ was often useless, because people suffering intense torture say anything to make it stop.

duress - hardship, threat clues - because, suffering, torture

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? extol ## Footnote Doctors who _extol_ the virtues of a particular drug may be in earnest or they may be simply responding to the side of the bread where the butter is spread.

extol - praise, revere clues - may be, earnest, or side of the bread with the butter

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? furtive ## Footnote Gene kept in contact with his many love interests by _furtive_ uses of a cell phone that his wife knew nothing about.

furtive - secretive, sly clues - wife knew nothing about

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? inveterate ## Footnote The retired principal had the _inveterate_ tendency to correct children he encountered at the grocery store or park.

inveterate - formed by long habit clues - principal, correct children

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? iridescent ## Footnote Casting a richer and more varied color pattern, the much maligned cubic zirconia, is more _iridescent_ than the “real” gem so loved by diamond snobs.

iridescent - sparkling, prismatic, shining in a range of colors clues - more varied color pattern

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? myriad ## Footnote Among the _myriad_ of stars looking down from heaven that night, one in particular shined on Beatrice.

myriad - very numerous clues - stars in heaven

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? puerile ## Footnote The babysitter suffered through an evening with a set of twins who were so _puerile_ and spoiled that she was amazed to remember they were twelve-year-olds.

puerile - immature, juvenile clues - babysitter, spoiled, twelve-year olds

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? pugnacious ## Footnote Sean was usually as gentle as a kitten, but one insult directed at his mother and his _pugnacious_ side would take over, then look out!

pugnacious - quarrelsome, combative clues - gentle, but, insult his mother, look out!

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? pungent ## Footnote Even though Hugh never actually met them, he suspected his neighbors were Indian by the _pungent_ odor of curry in the air.

pungent - giving off a sharp odor or taste clues - curry in the air

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? putrid ## Footnote We knew by the _putrid_ smell of the spoiled food that the refrigerator was broken.

putrid - rank smell, like rotten flesh clues - spoiled, refrigerator, broken

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? ribald ## Footnote Although he enjoyed the refinements of high opera, the critic’s most guilty pleasure came often in _ribald_ comedies which reminded him of his teenage days in the slums of Southy.

ribald - funny in a crude way clues - although, high opera, guilty pleasure, comdies, slums

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? rife ## Footnote Despite his seasoning, the crime scene investigator was revolted by the sight of the corpse so _rife_ with worms and maggots that he couldn’t eat for more than five days.

rife - full of, stuffed with, abundant clues - despite, seasoning, corpse, maggots

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? ruminate ## Footnote Jimmy J. _ruminated_ over the weekly football schedule in order to pick the winners against the spread for his pool.

ruminate - comtemplate, reflect on, ponder clues - football picks

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? ruse ## Footnote Mr. Holmes sent a message in the code that he broke as a _ruse_ to bring the killer to him.

ruse - trick, deception clues - message in code

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? surmise ## Footnote Just from the bit of shattered glass in the driveway, dad could _surmise_ that the car had been damaged while he was out of town.

surmise - deduce, reason through, figure out, infer clues - bit of shattered glass, car was damaged

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? surreptitious ## Footnote Stanley was a student who although capable of doing very well on his finals honestly, still preferred coming up with _surreptitious_ schemes to obtain the exams before the test date.

surreptitious - sneaky, stealthy clues - although capable, schemes, obtain, exams

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? surrogate ## Footnote Suffering from a severe case of the flu and too dizzy to even stand, the actor sent his best friend to the awards’ ceremony to be his _surrogate_ in case he won.

surrogate - substitute, one acting in place of another clues - sent his best friend

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? swarthy ## Footnote After months at sea in the tropics, even the fairest skinned sailors came home so _swarthy_ that their wives didn’t recognize them.

swarthy - dark in complexion, deeply tanned clues - even the fairest skinned, months in the tropics

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? sycophant ## Footnote The director fired all the _sycophants_ that had collected around him, and started searching for a staff that was capable of saying “no” to him.

sychophant - yes man, someone insincerely complimentary clues - director, capable of saying "no"

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? turgid ## Footnote The editor realized that the prospective novel was too _turgid_ for today’s fiction market, which had grown used to a more spare and less grandiose style.

turgid - excessively embellished in language clues - too, more spare, less grandiose

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? turpitude ## Footnote The mayor had a reputation for upstanding behavior in his home state, but more than once suffered scandals from his _turpitude_ whenever he vacationed in Monte Carlo.

turpitude - moral corruption, depravity clues - reputation for upstanding, but, scandals, Vegas

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? vocation ## Footnote After growing tired of the superficial world of high-fashion, Edwina decided to devote herself to a new _vocation_: social work.

vocation - a life's calling, a career in line with one's soul or spirit clues - superficial, devote, social work

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? vociferous ## Footnote “The 12th man” in football refers to fans so _vociferous_ that they can disrupt the communication of the opposing team with their lungs.

vociferous - loud clues - football fans, disrupt communication, lungs

# What does the underlined word mean in this context? collateral ## Footnote They had no choice but to pledge the family farm in Marthasville as _collateral_ for the loan to pay the legal expenses.

collateral - property pledged to protect a lender from failing to be repaid on a loan clues: pledge, farm, loan

Context Sentence Reading Flashcards

This deck improves the ability to recognize meaning through context. This is the essential skill to doing well on the sentence completion portion of Critical Reading.