Lesson 28

Question 1

aggravating

Answer 1

adj. making worse; annoying syn. irritating
n. aggravation
v. aggravate

The aggravating delay was caused by road repairs.
The shortage of work aggravated the crisis in the small town.

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Question 2

amusement

Answer 2

n. something that holds interest and is enjoyable
syn. diversion
adv. amusingly
adj. amusing
v. amuse

We listened in amusement as he tried to convince his friend to lend him $50.
His amusing comment made everyone laugh.

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Question 3

conceivably

Answer 3

adv. feasibly; believably
syn. possibly
adj. conceivable
v. conceive

They could conceivably earn first place with their science project.
It is conceivable that humans will travel to distant planets one day.

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Question 4

convert

Answer 4

v. to change from one form or state to another
syn. alter
adj. convertible
n. conversion

When boiled, liquids convert into gases.
The conversion from Fahrenheit to centigrade can be easily made.

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Question 5

curative

Answer 5

adj. being able to restore to good condition
syn. healing
n. cure

The curative properties of certain plants have been well documented.
There is no simple cure for the ills of society.

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Question 6

debilitating

Answer 6

adj. weakening
syn. weakening
v. debilitate
n. debility

The lack of investment savings has a debilitating effect on the
economy.
The patient’s debility limited his mobility.

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Question 7

deplete

Answer 7

v. to use up; reduce greatly
syn. consume
adj. depleted
n. depletion

She depleted all of her savings to buy the word processor.
The depletion of the Earth’s oil reserves poses a threat to our current way of life.

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Question 8

finite

Answer 8

adj. of a certain amount; having an end; not infinite
syn. limited

There are a finite number of explanations for the unusual results.
Is there a finite number of stars in the universe?

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Question 9

perceive

Answer 9

v. to sense; become aware of syn. observe
adv. perceptibly
adj. perceivable
adj. perceptive
adv. perceptively
n. perception

We perceive major differences between the two political parties.
Porpoises are very perceptive mammals.

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Question 10

security

Answer 10

n. the feeling of freedom from danger, doubt, or worry
syn. safety
adv. securely
adj. secure
v. secure

Her sense of security increased as her grades improved.
We secured all of the doors of the lab before leaving.

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Question 11

take on

Answer 11

ph. v. to accept a task; to deal with something
syn. undertake

Certain programs take on the task of protecting a computer from harmful Internet viruses.
The athlete enjoys taking on new fitness challenges.

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Question 12

toxic

Answer 12

adj. harmful; capable of being fatal
syn. poisonous
n. toxicity

Disposal of toxic wastes is an ongoing environmental issue.
This product has the highest toxicity of any known to science.

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Question 13

tranquility

Answer 13

n. calm; quietness
syn. peacefulness
adv. tranquilly
adj. tranquil
v. tranquilize

The tranquility of the lake at sunrise inspired a profound sense of well-being.
His tranquil manner of expression made us all feel more secure.

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Question 14

trap

Answer 14

v. to catch and hold onto, usually by trickery; deceived
syn. retain
adj. trapped
n. trap

I was trapped into paying for the meal.
The trapped animals were released after being tagged by the wildlife conservationists.

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Question 15

undeniably

Answer 15

adv. clearly true
syn. absolutely
adj. undeniable

Of all the planets in our solar system, the Earth is undeniably the most conducive to supporting life.
It is undeniable that he has skill, but he needs to show more initiative.

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Question 16

underestimated

Answer 16

adj. guessed lower than the actual quantity
syn. miscalculated
v. underestimate

The underestimated demand for tickets made the theater manager plan better for the next performance.
The treasurer underestimated the cost of the new furniture.

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