Read Works Vocab

Question 1

Obscurity

Answer 1

(N.): 1. The state/condition of being dark/dim.

It was impossible to make out the man’s face in the obscurity of the cellar.

      2. The state/condition of being unknown.

As an artist, he was rescued from obscurity when one of his works turned up in a famous collection.

      3. That which is obscure.

Question 2

Treacherous

Answer 2

(Adj.): 1. Betraying or likely to betray; traitorous; faithless

The treacherous officer betrayed his general.

          2. Dangerous; risky

The sea was treacherous in the storm

Question 3

Turbulent

Answer 3

(Adj.): 1. In a state of agitation, unrest, or turmoil.

Turbulent thoughts; Turbulent water

         2. Marked by episodes of unrest, turmoil, violence, or the like.

The period from 1789 to 1799 was a turbulent one in French history.

         3. Tending to act violently or aggressively; unruly.

Question 4

Interact

Answer 4

(V.): 1. to react to one another in a social situation.

We were pleased to see that the students from the two schools were interacting well.

He’s always nervous about interacting with people at parties.

2. To have an effect on or modify one another.

It is important to know how the drugs interact.

Question 5

Embark

Answer 5

(V.): 1. to put or take aboard a ship or aircraft.

More cargo was embarked when the ship made its stop in Le Havre.
to involve or invest in a venture.

intransitive verb

1. to board a ship, esp. to begin a voyage.

The passengers embarked at Southampton and then sailed to New York.

2. to set out on or begin some venture (usu. fol. by on).

He embarked on a political career.

Question 6

Stench

Answer 6

(N.): An unpleasant or foul odor; stink.

The stench nauseated him as he was shown through the filthy hospital ward.

Question 7

Disorient

Answer 7

(V.): 1. to cause to lose one’s bearings or sense of direction.

2. to cause mental confusion in; distort one’s perceptions, sense of identity, or the like.

Question 8

Exert

Answer 8

(V.): 1. to exercise or bring to bear (power, influence, or the like); put into action.

He exerted his influence in the company to get his son a job.

2. to force (oneself) into vigorous or strenuous effort.

The doctor told him not to exert himself until he had fully recovered.

I know I could succeed if I exerted myself.

Question 9

Ideal

Answer 9

(Adj.): Seen as perfect or best.

Teaching is the ideal job for Mark.