EWFT 8 Flashcards
Accelerate
Go faster; hasten
The action of molecules accelerates when they are heated.
The poor condition of the motor made acceleration difficult.
crush
to press together so as to completely
distort the shape or nature of the object; grind
The machine crushes corn to produce cornmeal.
Passage of the legislation was a crushing blow to the president’s program.
cultivate
to plant and raise a crop; to encourage growth of a relationship or friendship; grow
The professionals had common interests that allowed them to cultivate a working relationship with each other.
The cultivation of diverse crops in pre-Columbian America is well documented.
derive
to come from or find something from its starting point; obtain
The English word “decadent” is derived from the Latin word “decadere.”
He derives great joy from growing vegetables in his backyard.
dictate
to state demands with the power to enforce; impose
The workers were not in a position to dictate demands to management.
His boss resembled a dictator.
distinguish
to hear, see, or recognize differences ;discriminate
Some people cannot distinguish colors well.
Anteaters are distinguished by their long noses.
docile
easy to control or train; manageable
The moose is typically a veiy docile animal.
Many rebellious young people see docility as a weakness.
engender
to cause something new to exist; to create; produce
The politician’s charisma engendered enthusiasm.
Economic conditions in the 1950s engendered an era of industrial growth.
engross
to become completely occupied or involved in an activity; engage
The teacher’s lecture engrossed the entire class.
- Henry’s short stories engross readers all the way to their surprise endings.
flaw
a small sign of damage that makes an item
imperfect; defect
There is aflaw in his theory.
They noticed that the contract was flawed.
harvest
the act of collecting a crop; the crops
gathered; gather
The United States had a comparatively good grain harvest this year.
They were able to harvest the crop before the rain.
mammoth
very large; enormous
The successful entrepreneur is now known as a mammoth in the
computer world.
The physics teacher required the students to purchase a mammoth textbook.
mirror
to show, as in a mirror; reflect
The results of the study mirror public opinion.
The strength of the economy is mirrored in the standard of living of the people.
obtain
to gain or secure something; gain
The university obtained a new particle accelerator.
The painting by Whistler was not obtainable.
negotiate
to find a middle ground, come to an agreement; bargain
He negotiated with his teacher for an extension on the project.
The negotiations brought about an end to the conflict.
