Vocab Lessons 9-10

Question 1

Extol

Answer 1

To praise highly; to laud.

The speaker extolled the doctor for his great contributions to mankind.

Question 2

Innate

Answer 2

That which seems to be with someone from birth; existing naturally rather than acquired.

His good taste and courtesy are not the result of training but rather are innate.

Question 3

Enigma

Answer 3

A perplexing or seemingly unexplainable matter or person.

The many aspects of his changing personality make Tom an enigma to me.

Question 4

Rancor

Answer 4

A continuing and bitter hate or ill will; deep spite and malice.

Unfortunately, the debate between them was marked by personal rancor rather than honest discussion of the issues.

Question 5

Invective

Answer 5

A violent verbal attack; strong criticism, insult, curses, etc.

It is possible to wage a hard-hitting political campaign without resorting to the use of invectives.

Question 6

Acumen

Answer 6

Keenness and quickness in understanding and dealing with a situation; shrewdness.

In the 19th century, many fortunes were made by men with great business acumen.

Question 7

Obdurate

Answer 7

Not easily moved to pity or sympathy; hard-hearted, stubborn or obstinate.

In spite of all our efforts to persuade him, he remained obdurate.

Question 8

Pragmatic

Answer 8

Practical; concerned with actual, everyday things rather than with theory or speculation.

Rather than listening to the politicians explain the theories of poverty, he had the pragmatic problem of getting food on the table.

Question 9

audacious

Answer 9

Fearlessly daring; bold; arrogantly insolent.

In this time of crisis, we need imaginative, bold and even audacious leadership.

Question 10

Banal

Answer 10

Common, unoriginal, drearily predictable.

The lecturer’s banal comments bored the audience to tears.

Question 11

Culpable

Answer 11

Responsible for doing something wrong; deserving blame; guilty.

Anyone who took any part in the conspiracy was considered equally culpable.

Question 12

Ignominious

Answer 12

Deserving disgrace or shame; dishonorable; despicable.

The traitor spent the last years of his life in ignominious exile.

Question 13

Ostentatious

Answer 13

Showing off boastfully; boastful.

The man displayed his expensive new suit in a very ostentatious manner.

Question 14

Cicissitudes

Answer 14

Changes in fortune; ups and downs in circumstances.

You must learn to face the many vicissitudes of life.

Question 15

Alacrity

Answer 15

Cheerful willingness or eagerness.

Since Bob needed a job to pay for his college expenses, he accepted with alacrity the offer.

Question 16

Decadent

Answer 16

In a state of decline or decay; deteriorating.

When people lose interest in literature, it’s a sign that the society is becoming decadent.

Question 17

Garrulous

Answer 17

Talkative.

The garrulous cab driver kept up a steady stream of chatter.

Question 18

Temerity

Answer 18

Reckless boldness; foolish disregard for danger.

In 1941, Japanese militarists had the temerity to risk the future of their country on the wild gamble of a knockout blow on Pearl Harbor.

Question 19

Eclectic

Answer 19

Composed of materials gained from many sources, systems, etc.

The statesman did not believe in only one political philosophy, but rather took a more eclectic view of world affairs.

Question 20

Anathema

Answer 20

A thing or person accursed or damned; a thing or person greatly detested; a formal curse.

After almost 200 years, the name of Benedict Arnold is still anathema to Americans.