JC's Vocabulary Set 2

Question 1

Orchestrated

Answer 1

v. write an orchestra score for
v. plan and direct (a complex undertaking) Synonyms: direct, engineer, mastermind, organise, organize

Question 2

genteel

Answer 2

Although the adjective genteel means high-class and refined, it is often used today in a somewhat mocking tone, as though good manners and elegance are passé. Still, it would be nice if more people were a little more genteel.

Question 3

cadet

Answer 3

n. a military trainee (as at a military academy)

Synonyms: plebe

Question 4

comeuppance

Answer 4

Comeuppance describes a fate or punishment that’s deserved, like an arrogant trash-talking quarterback who fumbles the ball on the last play and loses the game for his team.

Question 5

exalted

Answer 5

Use the adjective exalted to describe something (or someone) that is raised in rank, value, or power. Which group has the most exalted status at your high school depends on who you ask. If you ask music kids, they may say marching band. If you ask a football player…

You might like your manager, but if you exalt her, it means you really put her on a pedestal and treat her like royalty.

Question 6

authoritative

Answer 6

Speak with an authoritative tone, or no one will listen to you. Why would they, if you sound like you don’t even believe in yourself? Authoritative means sure or definitive.

Question 7

torn

Answer 7

adj. having edges that are jagged from injury

Synonyms: lacerate, lacerated, mangled injured harmed adj. disrupted by the pull of contrary forces Synonyms: divided

Question 8

rankles

Answer 8

Rankle is a cranky-sounding verb that means to eat away at or aggravate to the point of causing anger. If you want to rankle a cat, try splashing it with water and then putting it in the bathtub.

Question 9

anaesthetic

Answer 9

adj. relating to or producing insensibility

Synonyms: anesthetic adj. characterized by insensibility Synonyms: anesthetic insensible n. a drug that causes temporary loss of bodily sensations Synonyms: anaesthetic agent, anesthetic, anesthetic agent

Question 10

wannabes

Answer 10

n. an ambitious and aspiring young person

Synonyms: aspirant, aspirer, hopeful, wannabee

Question 11

impostor

Answer 11

n. a person who makes deceitful pretenses

Question 12

ditch

Answer 12

ditch n. 沟渠v. throw away

Question 13

rubric

Answer 13

A rubric is a heading or a category in a chart, or a rule of conduct. A teacher’s grading rubrics may include participation, homework completion, tests, quizzes, and papers.

Question 14

Baloney

Answer 14

n. pretentious or silly talk or writing

Question 15

Admonition

Answer 15

Bringing a skateboard to school is a great way to get an admonition from a teacher not to ride it down the halls. An admonition is advice with a hint of scolding, a warning not to do something.

Question 16

invocations

Answer 16

An invocation is an appeal to a higher power for help, such as a prayer for serenity or a plea to the rain gods during a drought.

Question 17

illusory

Answer 17

If something is based on something that is not real, you can say it is illusory. Tales of seeing Elvis and Big Foot eating together at McDonalds are probably based on an illusory experience.

Question 18

resonate

Answer 18

To resonate is to make, hear, or even understand a deep, full sound. Your speech about the dangers of scarves and convertibles will resonate with your audience if you tell the story of Isadora Duncan’s death.

Question 19

wimp

Answer 19

n. a person who lacks confidence, is irresolute and wishy-washy

Synonyms: chicken, crybaby Type of: doormat, weakling, wuss a person who is physically weak and ineffectual

Question 20

wobbling

Answer 20

adj. (of sound) fluctuating unsteadily

Synonyms: unsteady