Lesson 18 Flashcards
tragedy
a very sad or terrible happening; a sad play
a. It was a tragedy that some pioneers* were killed on their way west.
b. If you had your choice between seeing a comedy or a tragedy, which play would you choose?
c. Harry’s enormous* jealousy* led to the tragedy in their family.
pedestrian
person who goes on foot; walker
a. After driving a bus all day, Norris liked to be a pedestrian and take long, casual* walks in the evening.
b. The police say it is urgent* that pedestrians stay on the sidewalk.
c. I don’t doubt* that a pedestrian can get places faster than a car in downtown traffic.
glance
to look at quickly; a Quick Look
a. The observant* driver glanced at the accident at the side of the road.
b. I took one glance at the wretched* animal and turned away.
c. Thompson identified* the burglar after a glance at the photograph in the police station.
budget
estimate of the amount of money that can be spent for different purposes in a given time
a. We had to decrease* the budget this year because our club is broke.
b. The prominent* executive presented her budget to the Board of Directors.
c. When my mother draws up her budget for the week, she sets aside a goodly sum for nourishing* food.
nimble
active and sure-footed; quick moving; light and quick
a. Although Dusty was a miniature* poodle, he was nimble enough to fight bigger dogs.
b. The nimble policeman leaped over the fence to pursue* the car thief.
c. At his press conference, the Commissioner was quite nimble in avoiding* the difficult questions.
manipulate
handle or treat skillfully
a. Scientists must know how to manipulate their microscopes.*
b. While Mr. Baird manipulated the puppets, Fran spoke to the audience.
c. The wounded pilot manipulated the radio dial until he made contact.
reckless
careless; heedless; wild
a. We must not ignore* reckless drivers; we must take them off the road.
b. After breaking his hand fighting recklessly, Arthur decided to be more cautious* in the future.
c. The reckless smoker ignited* the entire forest.
horrid
terrible; frightful
a. Janey avoided* staring at the horrid man’s face.
b. It is simply horrid the way cars pollute* the air we breathe.
c. When Mary was good, she was very good, but when she was bad, she was horrid.
rave
talk wildly
a. Shortly after taking the drug, the addict began to rave and foam at the mouth.
b. Speedy raved that his car had the capacity* to reach 120 miles per hour.
c. Sadie was confident* that Mr. Stebbe would rave about her essay.
economical
not wasting money or time
a. I find it economical to shop in the large supermarkets.
b. Marissa was praised for her economical management of the budget.*
c. The President made Congress aware of the need to be more economical.
lubricate
make (machinery) smooth and easy to work by putting on oil, grease, or a similar substance
a. The bulky* wheels of a railroad train must be lubricated each week.
b. A large quantity* of grease is needed to lubricate an airplane engine.
c. When a watch is lubricated, it keeps more accurate* time.
ingenious
having great mental ability; clever
a. Bernie devised* an ingenious plan to cheat on his income tax.
b. Rube Goldberg was a journalist* who won fame for his ingenious inventions.
c. The master spy had an ingenious way of passing secrets to the agent.
