Lesson 10 (with audio)

Question 1

idolatry

Answer 1

(noun) excessive or blind adoration; worship of an object

When the people began to worship the statue, the priest accused them of idolatry.

Question 2

ignoble

Answer 2

(adj.) dishonorable, shameful

Cheating on an exam is an ignoble way to get good grades.

• syn: despicable, base*
• ant: noble, glorious*

Question 3

imminent

Answer 3

(adj.) likely to happen; threatening

Although danger was imminent, the crew seemed quite relaxed.

• syn: impending, close at hand*
• ant: distant, delayed*

Question 4

immolate

Answer 4

(verb) to kill someone as a sacrificial victim, usually by fire.

Some Buddhist monks immolated themselves as their form of protest against the government’s policies.

Question 5

immutable

Answer 5

(adj.) unchangeable, fixed

The laws of nature are immutable.

• syn: enduring*
• ant: flexible, changeable*

Question 6

impair

Answer 6

(verb) to weaken; to cause to become worse

Mothers used to say that reading in poor light could impair your vision.

• syn: damage; deteriorate*
• ant: enhance*

Question 7

impale

Answer 7

(verb) to pierce with a sharp stake through the body

With a sharp stick, the natives were able to impale a fish in the stream.

Question 8

impalpable

Answer 8

(adj.) unable to be felt, intangible

The powder was so impalpable that no grit could be found.

Question 9

impecunious

Answer 9

(adj.) without money; penniless

Although impecunious, his pride kept him from asking for help.

• syn: destitute, indigent*
• ant: affluent, prosperous*

Question 10

impediment

Answer 10

(noun) a barrier; obstruction

The supervisor wouldn’t be an impediment to her advancement.

• syn: obstacle, hindrance*
• ant: aid*

Question 11

imperative

Answer 11

(adj.) extremely necessary; vitally important

It is imperative that you leave immediately.

Question 12

imperious

Answer 12

(adj.) domineering; haughty

The judge pronounced his findings in an imperious voice.

• syn: overbearing; arrogant; masterful*
• ant: servile, submissive*

Question 13

impinge

Answer 13

(verb) to strike; to encroach

The new leash law was viewed by Mr. Jackson as impinging on his constitutional rights.

Question 14

impious

Answer 14

(adj.) disrespectful toward God

He considered laughing in church impious behavior.

• syn: irreligious, profane*
• ant: devout, pious*

Question 15

importune

Answer 15

(verb) to persistently ask; to beg

John importuned his father, but could not get the car keys.