Baron's 1100 words PDF

Week 1 - Day 1 voracious [və rā´ shəs] → desiring or consuming great quantities “We spent a good number of our waking hours feeding voracious stoves.” Jean Stafford, “New England Winter” indiscriminate [in´ dis krim´ ə nit] → choosing at random without careful selection “The i...

Week 1 - Day 1 voracious [və rā´ shəs] → desiring or consuming great quantities “We spent a good number of our waking hours feeding voracious stoves.” Jean Stafford, “New England Winter” indiscriminate [in´ dis krim´ ə nit] → choosing at random without careful selection “The indiscriminate spraying of pesticides add a new chapter, a new kind of havoc.” Rachel Carson, Silent Spring eminent [em´ ə nənt] → of high reputation, outstanding “It was unbelievable that a man so eminent would actually sit in our dining room and eat our food.” V.S. Pritchett, “The Saint” steeped [stēpt] → soaked, drenched, saturated “Edward Francis had steeped himself in the internal mystery of the guinea pig.” Paul De Kruif, Hunger, Fighters replete [ri´ plēt´] → completely filled or supplied with “Edward Francis had steeped himself in the internal mystery of the guinea pig.” Paul De Kruif, Hunger Fighters TODAY’S IDIOM to eat humble pie — to admit your error and apologize After his candidate had lost the election, the boastful campaign manager had to eat humble pie. Week 1 - Day 2 abound [ə bound´] “A smart thriller that abounds with suspense and excitement!” Newspaper ad for film The General’s Daughter technology [tek nol´ ə jē] “Mr. Greenspan noted that ‘history is strewn’ with miscalculations about technology developments.” Richard Stevenson, “Fed Chief on New-Age Economy,” New York Times, 6/15/99 prognosticate [prog nos´ tə kāt] “Nay, if an oily palm be not a fruitful prognostication I cannot scratch my ear.” William Shakespeare, Antony and Cleopatra automaton [ô tom´ ə ton] “She’s an automaton; she has every quality in the world, and I’ve often wondered why it is with all that I’m so completely indifferent to her.” W. Somerset Maugham, The Treasure matron [mā´ trən] “For ladies they had the family of the American consul and a nice bevy of English girls and matrons, perhaps Lady Hamilton herself.” Edward Everett Hale, The Man Without a Country TODAY’S IDIOM a pig in a poke—an item you purchase without having seen; a disappointment The mail order bicycle that my nephew bought turned out to be a pig in a poke, and he is now trying to get his money back. Week 1 - Day 3 paradox [par´ ə doks] “Here was a paradox like the stellar universe that fitted one’s mental faults.” Henry Adams, The Education of Henry Adams realm [relm] “In all the churches of the realm the Blessed Sacrament is exposed night and day, and tall candles are burning for the recovery of the royal child.” Alphonse Daudet, “The Death of the Dauphin” annals [an´ nəlz] annals noun /ˈænlz/ /ˈænlz/ [plural] ​ ​an official record of events or activities year by year; historical records “He would begin these annals with Columbus, and he would keep on with them until his hand was too palsied to hold a pen.” Catherine Drinker Bowen, Yankee from Olympus compound [kom pound´] “The match between England and Argentina, always a blood feud, was compounded by the memory of the Falklands crisis.” Henry Kissinger, “Pele,” TIME, 6/14/99 tinge [tinj] “The sermon was tinged, rather more darkly than usual, with the gentle gloom of Mr. Hooper’s temperament.” Nathaniel Hawthorne, “The Minister’s Black Veil” TODAY’S IDIOM a flash in the pan—promising at the start but then disappointing Week 1 - Day 4 badger [baj´ər] to pester, nag, annoy persistently “There are other do’s and don’ts: don’t threaten your children, don’t badger them.” Newspaper ad for Partnership for a Drug-Free America, New York Times, 11/4/99 implore [im plôr´] to plead urgently for aid or mercy “No beggars implored Scrooge to bestow a trifle, no children asked him what it was o’clock.” Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol drudgery [druj´ ər ē] unpleasant, dull, or hard work “And then she came to find the paralytic aunt—housework—janitor’s drudgery.” Anzia Yezierska, “Hunger” interminable [in ter´ mə nə bəl] unending “In his clean white shirt and blue jeans, with one hand resting carelessly on the black box, he seemed very proper and important as he talked interminably to Mr. Graves and the Martins.” Shirley Jackson, “The Lottery”  perceive [pər sēv´] to understand, know, become aware of “The subjects, as you perceive, were alarming but very agreeable.” Anton Chekhov, “A Slander” TODAY’S IDIOM to pour oil on troubled waters—to make peace, to calm someone down When I tried to pour oil on troubled waters, both the angry husband and his wife stopped their quarrel and began to attack me. Week 2 - Day 1 laconic [lə kon´ ik] expressing much in few words “The dialogue is clipped, laconic, understated to convey simmering underneath.” John Simon, “The Worst Noël,” New York, 6/21/99 throng [thrông] crowd “When the throng had mostly streamed into the porch, the sexton began to toll the bell.” Nathaniel Hawthorne, “The Minister’s Black Veil” intrepid [in trep´ id] brave “Scientists and support staff began celebrating the new year along with a planeload of tourists and seven intrepid skiers.” Malcolm Browne, “Absence of Midnight Doesn’t Darken Spirits,” New York Times, 1/1/00 accost [ə kôst´] to approach and speak to Sir Toby: “You mistake, knight: accost is front her, board her, woo her, assail her.” William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night reticent [ret´ ə sənt] silent “He was as inquisitive about the country as he was reticent about his business there.” Frances Gilchrist Woods, “Turkey Red” Week 2 - Day 2 furtive [fėr´ tiv] secret, stealthy “Hogan directed a furtive glance up and down the alley.” John Steinbeck, “How Mr. Hogan Robbed a Bank” felon [fel´ ən] a person guilty of a major crime “I was surprised to see this notorious felon become a regular at our bible discussion classes.” Rabbi Myron David, A Chaplain’s Jail Tales [adapted] plethora [pleth´ ə rə] excess “SUFFERERS CONFRONT A PLETHORA OF POLLEN” Headline, New York Times, 6/5/99 hapless [hap´ lis] unfortunate “Parents, too, have an almost irresistible impulse to mold their children in their own image or at least graft a few of their own ambitions onto their hapless offspring.” Arthur Gordon, “The Neglected Art of Being Different” irate [ī´ rāt or ī rāt´] angry, incensed “I got irate because people have been yelling at me my whole life.” Olivia Winslow  Week 2 - Day 3 pretext [prē´ tekst] an excuse “Our mother had been expressly enjoined by her husband to give Madame Cornouiller some plausible pretext for refusing.” Anatole France, “Putois” fabricate [fab´ rə kāt] to lie; to construct “Perhaps the dialogues that you fabricate are nothing more than monologues.” Miguel Unamuno, “Mist” adroit [ə droit´] skillful “Amazingly adroit in building model airplanes while he was in junior high, Eric moved on to an aeronautic career in his twenties.” Val Bakker, “Early Decision” [adapted] gesticulate [je stik´ yə lāt] move the arms energetically “‘Three times’ was still all he could say, in his thick, angry voice, gesticulating at the commissaire and glaring at me.” Francis Steegmuller, “The Foreigner” vigilant [vij´ ə lən] watchful “I deny not but that it is of great concernment in the church and commonwealth to have a vigilant eye how looks demean themselves.” John Milton, “Aereopagitica” TODAY’S IDIOM a wet blanket—one who spoils the fun Everyone wanted the party to go on, but Ronnie, the wet blanket, decided to go home to bed.  Week 2 - Day 4 avid [av´ id] very enthusiastic, eager “CUNY will have no more avid and fierce supporter for its mission than himself.” cajole [kə jōl´] to make somebody do something by talking to them and being very nice to them synonym coax “We had to cajole tonight’s guest to come on the program because he’s something of a hermit.” rudimentary [rü´ də men´ tə rē] dealing with only the most basic matters or ideas synonym basic ​ They were given only rudimentary training in the job. “Some of them were singing, some talking, some engaged in gardening, haymaking, or other rudimentary industries.” “The Other Side of the Hedge,” E. M. Forster enhance [in hans´] intensify, heighten “Her breadth of experience and determination to enhance her knowledge have increased her value to Con Edison.” Con Edison Report, Producing Excellence, 1998 nuance [nü äns´] slight variation in meaning, tone, etc “With Minnie Driver adroitly mining each nuance of social primness, Jane is the first Disney cartoon heroine to provide her own comic relief.” Richard Corliss, “Him Tarzan, Him Great,” TIME, 6/14/99 TODAY’S IDIOM to beard the lion in his den—to visit and oppose a person on his own grounds Having decided to beard the lion, I stormed into the manager’s office to ask for a raise. Week 3 - Day 1 NEW WORDS loathe [lōth] to hate “He had braced himself not to become entangled in her loathing for him.” Phillip Roth, American Pastoral reprimand [rep´ rə mand] to show sharp disapproval “The difficulty lay in the fact the man had previously received a reprimand from his employer regarding his easy-going ways with the men under him in his department.” James Thurber, “Let Your Mind Alone” lackluster [lak´ lus´ tər] dull “The major reason for the lackluster look in their eyes was their discovery it is now possible to drive across the face of the nation without feeling you’ve been anywhere or that you’ve done anything.” caustic [kô´ stik] sarcastic, biting “His habitual sullenness, stern disposition, and caustic tongue produced a deep impression upon our young minds.” Aleksandr Pushkin, “The Shot”  wrest [rest] take by force “Their attempt to wrest control of the company was thwarted by the Colonel and his three supporters on the board.” Edmund Ward, Jr., “Bulls and Bears” [adapted] TODAY’S IDIOM crocodile tears—insincere tears (crocodiles were said to cry while eating their prey) When the football player broke his leg, his substitute wept crocodile tears. Week 3 - Day 2 infamous [in´ fə məs] having a bad reputation “The unsubstantiated computer rumors for which the Internet is infamous began flowing within hours of the arrival of Jan. 1 in Asia.” jostle [jos´ əl] “When the squeege man jostled him, the police officer said that he feared for his life.” dupe [düp] “Barnum knew the American public loved to be duped.” W. L. Phelps, American Entrepreneurs incipient [in sip´ ē ənt] “As columnist Jack Anderson was about to write about the Secretary of State’s incipient departure, Al Haig panicked.” William Safire, “On Language,” New York Times, 6/20/99 inadvertent [in əd vërt´ nt] “In our report on NASCAR RACING, we inadvertently attributed a quote to Doris O’Bryant.” Correction made by TIME editors, 6/21/99 TODAY’S IDIOM to carry the day—to win the approval of the majority Week 3 - Day 3 ominous [om´ ə nəs] threatening “There was a Sabbath lull in the air, which, in a settlement unused to Sabbath influences, looked ominous.” tremulous [trem´ yə ləs] trembling “‘Will Pa get hurt?’ asked Jane in a tremulous voice.” Jessamyn West, “Yes, We’ll Gather at the River” repudiate [ri pyü´ dē āt] to reject, decline “If upheld, the decision would repudiate one of the Administration’s environmental achievements.” Editorial, New York Times, 5/19/99 cessation [se sā´ shən] “The evolutions of the waltzers were quieted, there was an uneasy cessation of all things as before.” Edgar Allan Poe, “The Masque of the Red Death” bristle [bris´ əl] stiffen with fear or anger “No sooner had the dog caught sight of him, however, than it began to bristle and growl savagely.” H. G. Wells, The Invisible Man TODAY’S IDIOM Skid Row—disreputable part of town, inhabited by derelicts and people “on the skid” Week 3 - Day 4 euphemism [yü´ fə miz əm] a less offensive term “But now he was merely an elder statesman, the euphemism for a politician who no longer has any influence.” Robert Wallace, “Not Him” mundane [mun´ dān] worldly “Why bother with mundane musings when you can sit on the lawn and build cities out of grass clippings?” Enid Nemy, “The World is Her Cloister,” New York Times, 6/20/99 incongruous [in kong´ grü əs] inappropriate “He was clothed with tatters of old ship’s canvas: and this extraordinary patchwork was held together by a system of various and incongruous fastenings.” Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island condolence [kən dō´ ləns] “Words of condolence seem very poor things and yet they are all one can use to tell of one’s sympathy.” Maisie Ward, Father Maturin stipulate [stip´ ū lāt] “I shall come out from here five minutes before the stipulated term, and thus shall violate the agreement.” Anton Chekhov, “The Bet” TODAY’S IDIOM to go up in smoke—to come to no practical result (kindling smokes but it will not light a fire)  Week 4 - Day 1 alacrity [ə lak´ rə tē] /əˈlækrəti/ /əˈlækrəti/ [uncountable] (formal) ​ ​great happiness or enthusiasm ​ They accepted the offer with alacrity. “When the price of A.T.&T. dropped significantly, fund managers moved with alacrity to accumulate more shares.” Ted David, CNBC Financial News disdain [disdān´] contempt n “Hillary shows disdain for the idea that matters other than policy are anyone’s business.” Margaret Carlson, “Uh-Oh, the Real First Lady Shows Up,” TIME, 6/7/99 belligerent [bə lij´ ər ənt] aggressive and unfriendly, warlike SYNONYM hostile ​ a belligerent attitude “North Korea’s belligerence in planning to test a long-range missile has led to a dramatic change of course for Japan and South Korea.” Howard French, “Two Wary Neighbors Unite,” New York Times, 8/4/99 intimidate [in tim´ ə dāt] “New language could target loiterers with no apparent purpose other than to intimidate others from entering those areas.” Margaret Hornblower, “Ending the Roundups,” TIME, 6/21/99 feint [fānt] a false attack  (especially in sport) a movement that is intended to make your opponent think you are going to do one thing when you are really going to do something else “Young as Oliver was, he had sense enough to make a feint of feeling great regret at going away.” Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist TODAY’S IDIOM to throw down the gauntlet—to challenge someone (when the gauntlet, or medieval glove, was thrown down, the challenged one was required to pick it up) The principal of our rival school threw down the gauntlet, and we had no choice but to accept the challenge. Week 4 - Day 2 pugnacious [pug nā´ shəs] quarrelsome “Two pugnacious guard dogs in the railyard eliminated the nightly vandalism in a hurry.” Lewis Tumulty, “Civic Pride” promulgate [prom´ əl gāt] to make known officially “The rules and regulations are promulgated for the guidance of administrative employees, bureau heads, and supervisors.” “Rules and Regulations for Administrative Employees,” NYC Board of Education brash [brash] impudent adjective /ˈɪmpjədənt/ /ˈɪmpjədənt/ (formal) ​ ​rude; not showing respect for other people ​ SYNONYM impertinent “Baker’s brash manner quickly antagonized the other warehouse workers.” Seymour Broock, Labor Meets Its Match scoff [skof] SYNONYM mock “No one was injured except the woman who had scoffed at the belief.” Leonard Fineberg, “Fire Walking in Ceylon” belittle [bi lit´ l] “To say this is not to belittle subject matter, which is clearly essential to any proper education.” William H. Kilpatrick, “Progressive Education” TODAY’S IDIOM feeling no pain—drunk Although the party had just begun, after his first drink he was feeling no pain. Week 4 - Day 3 tangible [tan´ jə bəl] having actual form “I hated it, not because of our one overcrowded closet, but because of intrusions and discomforts of a far less tangible nature.” Mary Ellen Chase, “A Room of My Own” laceration [las ə rā´ shən] jagged wound “He pressed only the already tired horse at such speed that his spurs made lacerations in its sides, and at last the poor animal died.” Honore De Balzac, A Passion in the Desert castigate [kas´ tə gāt] to correct by punishing “Here is Holofernes commenting upon Armando, a mad wordman who castigates another while himself vocalizes into a fine frenzy.” Harold Bloom, Shakespeare sordid [sôr´ did] dirty, base “The workmen used revolting language; it was disgusting and sordid.” Katherine Mansfield, “The Garden Party” octogenarian [ok´ tə jə nār´ i ən] person in his or her eighties “Octogenarian film and stage director Elia Kazan received a mixed reception when he came up to collect his Lifetime Achievement Award.” Associated Press report, 4/7/98 TODAY’S IDIOM Hobson’s choice—to have no choice at all (Mr. Hobson owned a livery stable but he did not allow the customers to pick their own horses) Despite all the talk about democracy in my family, my father usually gives the rest of us Hobson’s choice. Week 4 - Day 4 solace [sol´ is] easing of grief “He read in a Bible that he had neglected for years, but he could gain little solace from it.” Theodore Dreiser, “The Lost Phoebe” aspirant [əspī´ rənt] “A number of playwrights, small aspirants to the big screen, must already be pricing beach houses in Malibu.” Ross Wetzsteon, Introduction to New Plays USA dregs [dregz] most worthless part “Some certain dregs of conscience are yet within me.” William Shakespeare, Richard III frenzy [fren´ zē] a state of great activity and strong emotion that is often violent or frightening and not under control “They had a sense of the wildest adventure, which mounted to frenzy, when some men rose on the shore and shouted to them, ‘Hello, there! What are you doing with that boat?’ ” William Dean Howells, A Boy’s Town scurrilous [skėr´ ə ləs] “They were infuriated by the scurrilous articles about them that started to crop up in the tabloids.” Charles Blauvelt, Edward and Wally TODAY’S IDIOM to rule the roost—to be in charge, to be master (a roost is a perch where domestic birds can sleep) Although he is a lowly private in the army, at home he rules the roost. Week 5 - Day 1 NEW WORDS rampant [ram´ pənt] going unchecked, widespread, flourishing “What’s more curious about the determination to end social promotions is that the practice is far from rampant.” Romesh Ratnesar, “Held Back,” TIME, 6/14/99 inane [in ān´] silly “When left with nothing to talk about, people resort to inane remarks about the weather.” Lawrence Kaminer, “A World of Strangers”  ethics [eth´ iks] code of principles “The vast majority of employees perform in a highly satisfactory manner because good work ethics exist in their kitchens.” Manual for School Food Service Managers in N.Y.C. Public Schools [adapted] concur [kən kėr´] agree “Dr. Fishbein did not concur with his colleague’s diagnosis and urged the Harper family to seek an opinion from the head of the Urology Department at Columbia Presbyterian.” “Prostate Update,” Prostate Digest, 9/99 clandestine [klan des´ tən] secret, undercover “Mr. DeLay’s plan for another ‘independent’ group is nothing less than a proposal to create a clandestine and corrupt slush fund.” Editorial, New York Times, 6/1/99 TODAY’S IDIOM stock in trade—the goods, tools, and other requisites of a profession A quick wit and a warm smile were the salesman’s stock in trade. WEEK 4 : DAY 5.1 alacrity- quick willingness /əˈlækrəti/ ​great happiness or enthusiasm 2. aspirant -candidate for better job 3. belligerent bəˈlɪdʒərənt/- seeking war, hostile ​ ​aggressive and unfriendly ​ SYNONYM hostile ​ a belligerent attitude 4. belittle- speak of as unimportant 5. brash confident in an aggressive way-. insolent ​ Beneath his brash exterior, he's still a little boy inside. 6. castigate - punish, chastise, to criticize somebody/something/yourself severely ​ He castigated himself for being so stupid. 7. disdain- scorn the feeling that somebody/something is not good enough to deserve your respect or attention SYNONYM contempt ​ with disdain She treated him with disdain. 8. dregs the last drops of a liquid, mixed with little pieces of solid material that are left in the bottom of a container ​ coffee dregs 9. feint - pretense, sham, confuse someone 10. frenzy - frantic outburst, a state of great activity and strong emotion that is often violent or frightening and not under control ​ in a frenzy of activity/excitement/violence 11. intimidate to frighten or threaten 12. laceration a cut to the skin or body made with something sharp ​ She suffered multiple lacerations to the face. 13. octogenarian /ˌɑːktədʒəˈneriən/ ​ ​a person between 80 and 89 years old 14. promulgate /ˈprɒmlɡeɪt/ /ˈprɑːmlɡeɪt/ ​ promulgate something to spread an idea, a belief, etc. among many people 15. pugnacious /pʌɡˈneɪʃəs/- combative (formal) ​ ​having a strong desire to argue or fight with other people 16. scoff mock 1 7. scurrilous /ˈskɜːrələs/- vulgar, using indecent language (formal) ​ ​very rude and offensive, and intended to damage somebody’s reputation 18. solace /ˈsɑːləs/ comfort, to make somebody feel better or happier when they are sad or disappointed SYNONYM comfort 19. sordid not moral or honest ​ It was a shock to discover the truth about his sordid past. 20. tangible idioms to throw down the gauntlet–. to offer a challenge. Hobson's choice-. to have no say in a matter Week 5 - Day 2 NEW WORDS flagrant [flā´ grənt] outrageous, glaringly bad “Gene Savoy’s flagrant name dropping doesn’t seem to bother any of the visitors on board.” Brad Wetzler, “Crazy for Adventure,” New York Times, 6/6/99 admonish [ad mon´ ish] to warn, to reprove reprove ​ She was admonished for chewing gum in class “A little drummer boy grinned in me face whin I had admonished him wid the buckle av my belt for riotin’ all over the place.” Rudyard Kipling, “The Courting of Dinah Shadd” duress [d res´] compulsion, force “Under duress she was forced to admit having lied during a 1994 deposition in her breach of contract law suit.” Associated Press report, Newsday, 6/24/99 culprit [kul´ prit] the guilty person “We pointed out the tender age and physical slightness of the little culprit.” Thomas Mann, “Mario and the Magician” inexorable [in ek´ sər ə bəl] inflexible, unrelenting/ that cannot be stopped or changed SYNONYM relentless ​ the inexorable rise of crime “Note that it is all in one long sentence, developing inexorably like the slow decay of our lives.” Clifton Fadiman, “They Have Their Exits and Their Entrances” TODAY’S IDIOM to take down a peg—to take the conceit out of a braggart (ship’s colors used to be raised or lowered by pegs— the higher the colors, the greater the honor) The alumni thought they had a great basketball team, but our varsity (the main team that represents a college or high school, especially in sports competitions) took them down a peg. Week 5 - Day 3 NEW WORDS egregious [i grē´ jəs] remarkably bad “It is mystifying why some women still stick with Bill through so many egregious episodes.” Maureen Dowd, New York Times, 6/2/99 distraught [dis trôt´] mentally confused, crazed “On the veranda of Banker White’s house Helen was restless and distraught.” Sherwood Anderson, “Sophistication” duplicity [dü plis´ ə tē] cunning, trickery “The duplicity of which he had been guilty weighed on his spirit.” H. C. Bunner, “Our Aromatic Uncle” acrimonious [ak´ rə mō´ nē əs] bitter “We quickly learn of the acrimonious relationship between the Montagues and the Capulets.” Playbill, Summary of Romeo & Juliet paucity [pô´ sə tē] scarcity “In the dictator’s best-case scenario, he can hope for continuing control, thanks to a paucity of opponents.” Massimo Calabresi, “Is This the End for Milosevic?,” TIME, 6/21/99 TODAY’S IDIOM to pass the buck—to evade responsibility (the “buck” may have been a piece of buckshot passed from one poker player to another to keep track of whose turn it was to deal) He always gives me a straight answer and never tries to pass the buck. Week 5 - Day 4 NEW WORDS  elicit [i lis´ it] to draw forth “The experimental animal obviously hoped to elicit a reproduction of the pleasurable sensations he had experienced under laboratory conditions.” Loren Eiseley, “Man and Porpoise” pernicious [pər nish´ əs] harmful, causing injury “This chapter exposes a pernicious obstacle to students and teachers engaging in serious work together.” Robert L. Fried, The Passionate Teacher tolerate [tol´ ər āt] “They despise anyone who hasn’t had the luck to be born Masai, but for one reason and another, they tolerated me.” Robert W. Krepps, “Pride of Seven” construe [kən strü´] to make a deduction, to infer “Hemingway’s simple approach was construed as mysticism.” Robert Ruark, “Ernest Was Very Simple” impunity [im pyū´ nə tē] freedom from punishment “Swaraj means that not a single Hindu or Mussulman shall for a moment crush with impunity meek Hindus or Mussulmans.” Mohandas K. Gandhi, “The Untouchables” TODAY’S IDIOM to lionize a person—to make a big fuss over someone (the lions at the Tower of London were considered its main attraction) When the famous poet Dylan Thomas visited the United States, he was lionized wherever he lectured. week 5 p 35 REVIEW WORDS DEFINITIONS 1. acrimonious caustic, bitter a. 2. admonish -.to scold, warn 3. clandestine –.hidden, secret 4. concur –. agree 5. construe — to interpret 6. culprit -. one who commits a crime 7. distraught -. harassed 8. duplicity -.double-dealing 9. duress -, force coercion 10. egregious -· outstanding for undesirable quality 11. elicit k. extract 12. ethics -. moral philosophy 13. flagrant -. notorious 14. impunity -. exemptions to permit 15. inane -. silly 16. inexorable -. cannot be moved by persuasion, inflexible 17. paucity -. shortage 18. pernicious -. damaging, harmful 19. rampant -. flourishing 20. tolerate -., to put up with IDIOMS 21. stock in trade 22. to take down a peg 23. pass the buck 24. to lionize a person week 6 Week 6 - Day 1 NEW WORDS affluent [af´ lü ənt] rich “You are affluent when you buy what you want, do what you wish and don’t give a thought to what it costs.” J. P. Morgan, quoted in Crown Treasury of Relevant Quotations feasible [fē´ zə bəl] possible “Everyone who has looked at the smart guns said there is no quick, feasible way of doing this.” Leslie Wayne, “Smart Guns,” New York Times, 6/15/99 discern [də zėrn´ or də sėrn´] perceive* “He could not see that the Justice’s face was kindly nor discern that his voice was troubled.” William Faulkner, “Barn Burning” sally [sal´ ē] suddenly rush forth “The next morning we decided to sally forth to try to find a site for our new home.” Stephen Leacock, “How My Wife and I Built Our Home for $4.90” consternation [kon´ stər nā´ shən] dismay, a worried, sad feeling after you have received an unpleasant surprise SYNONYM dismay ​ The announcement of her retirement caused consternation among tennis fans. ​ Her mouth fell open in consternation. “Father and son stared at each other in consternation and neither knew what to do.” Pearl Buck, The Good Earth TODAY’S IDIOM I’m from Missouri—a skeptic, one who is not easily convinced You might swallow his promises, but I’m from Missouri. Week 6 - Day 2 precocious [pri kō´ shəs] reaching maturity early “Pediatricians interviewed this week were somewhat divided on the value of TV viewing by precocious children.” Lawrie Miflin, “Tough Rules for TV,” New York Times, 8/4/99 perfunctory [pər fungk´ tər ē] done without care, superficial “Doc Martindale made a perfunctory examination and told Eli there was nothing to worry about.” MacKinlay Kantor, “The Grave Grass Quivers” chagrin [shə grin´] feeling of disappointment, humiliation “He spent great energy and achieved, to our chagrin, no small amount of success in keeping us away from the people who surrounded us.” James Baldwin, Notes of a Native Son perverse [pər vers´] contrary, persisting in error “There is something contemptible in the prospect of a number of petty states with the appearance only of union, jarring, jealous, and perverse.” Alexander Hamilton, speech, 1782 deride [di rīd´] to ridicule, scoff* at “He made his living in a vocation so derided it has become a gag phrase: wedding singer.” Joyce Wadler, “Public Lives,” New York Times, 6/15/99 TODAY’S IDIOM red-letter day—day of happiness, time for rejoicing (holidays are red-letter days on our calendars) My red-letter day came when I was chosen as senior class president. Week 6 - Day 3 disparage [dis par´ ij] to discredit, belittle “It (government control) has been called crackpot, but that doesn’t disparage it for me.” E. B. White, One Man’s Meat laudable [lôd´ ə bəl] praiseworthy “American historians, in their eagerness to present facts and their laudable anxiety to tell the truth, have neglected the literary aspects of their craft.” Samuel Eliot Morrison, By Land and by Sea fiasco [fē as´ kō] complete failure “Your $25 contribution to our fund will bring you an hilarious tape of the fiasco of an elementary school’s production of ‘Peter Pan.’” Public Broadcasting Announcement, 12/25/98 masticate [mas´ tə kāt] to chew up “Trying to masticate a huge hamburger with an open mouth is a no-no.” Advice from Ms. Manners, syndicated columnist, 6/4/98 eschew [es chü´] avoid “When in Rome, we decided to eschew Arithmetic.” Ruth McKinney, “Proof in Nine” TODAY’S IDIOM to let sleeping dogs lie—to let well enough alone, to avoid stirring up old hostilities The lawyer wanted to open up the old case, but his partner advised him to let sleeping dogs lie. Week 6 - Day 4 NEW WORDS  quell [kwel] put an end to “He also did not quell the speculation surrounding Van Gundy’s status as coach.” Mike Wise, New York Times, 5/25/99 voluble [vol´ ū bəl] talkative “He came to hate Ray Gribble and his voluble companions of the submerged tenth of the class.” Sinclair Lewis, “Young Man Axelbrod” confidant(e) [kon´ fə dant´] one to whom you confide your secrets “Lecter rents a lavish house not terribly far from the modest duplex of FBI agent Starling, his antagonist/confidant during the period seven years earlier.” Paul Gray, “Dessert Anyone?,” TIME, 6/21/99 obsolescence [ob´ sə les´ ns] process of wearing out “After five centuries of obsolescence, Roman numerals still exert a peculiar fascination over the inquiring mind.” Isaac Asimov, “Nothing Counts” dubious [dü´ bē əs] doubtful “Many scientists say its experimental merits are dubious.” Margaret Wente, “Fifth Column,” Globe and Mail, Toronto, 5/27/99 TODAY’S IDIOM thumb’s down—signal of rejection (Roman emperors could condemn a gladiator who fought poorly by turning their thumbs down) My father turned thumbs down on our plan to hitchhike to Florida during Easter. Week 7 - Day 1 NEW WORDS  implacable [im plā´ ke bəl] cannot be pacified, inexorable “It seemed folly for this young man to hope to create a self-supporting farm in such an implacable environment.” Leland Stowe, Crusoe of Lonesome Lake paroxysm [par´ ək siz əm] a fit, sudden outburst ˈpærəksɪzəm/ ​ ​paroxysm of something a sudden strong feeling or expression of an emotion that cannot be controlled ​ paroxysms of hate ​ a paroxysm of laughter “The coughing did not even come out in paroxysms, but was just a feeble, dreadful welling up of the juices of organic dissolution.” Thomas Mann, The Magic Mountain reprehensible [rep´ ri hen´ sə bəl] worthy of blame “She thought that the prisoners, no matter how morally reprehensible their crimes, still should have the benefit of pretrial representation.” Jimmy Breslin’s syndicated column, Newsday, 6/15/99 jurisdiction [jür´ is dik´ shən] power, range of authority “Lee’s jurisdiction included the monitoring of boxing within New Jersey.” Timothy Smith, “A Sport’s Credibility,” New York Times, 6/20/99 skirmish [sker´ mish] small fight, brief encounter “They never meet but there’s a skirmish of wit between them.” William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing TODAY’S IDIOM cause célèbre—a famous law case or controversy  It was a minor dispute, but the ambitious lawyer sought to turn it into a cause célèbre. Week 7 - Day 2 NEW WORDS harass [har´ əs or hə rəs´] “Over the next weeks came more amendments and harassing tactics including a motion to postpone selection of a new capital.” Carl Sandburg, Abraham Lincoln: The Prairie Years monolithic [mä nə´ li thik] massively solid “Gertrude Stein was a stolid, heavy presence, monolithic, unladylike.” Liz Smith, “When Love Was the Adventure,” TIME, 6/14/99 arbitrary [är´ bə trer´ ē] based on whim, dictatorial “My arbitrary decision not to run puts Massachusetts at a disadvantage and probably was a mistake.” Representative Martin Meehan in Newsday, 6/1/99 indigent [in´ də jənt] poor, needy “The bill would make modest improvements in the way that counsel is provided for indigent defendants.” Bob Herbert, “Defending the Status Quo,” New York Times, 6/17/99 fray [frā] a fight “To the latter end of a fray and the beginning of a feast, Fits a dull fighter and a keen guest.” William Shakespeare, Henry IV TODAY’S IDIOM one swallow does not make a summer—don’t jump to conclusions based on incomplete evidence “Sure, the Yankees won their opening game, but one swallow does not make a summer.” Week 7 - Day 3 NEW WORDS stymie [stī´ mē] to hinder, impede “The family has been stymied in its attempt to remove a dead relative from the juror rolls.” Associated Press story, “Jury Duty Summonses Don’t Stop Despite Death,” New York Times, 6/25/99 effigy [ef´ ə jē] a likeness (usually of a hated person) “ANGRY SERBS HANG UNCLE SAM IN EFFIGY ” Headline over Associated Press photo, New York Times, 8/23/99 flout [flout] a likeness (usually of a hated person) “His ideas frightened the farmers, for he would flout and ridicule their traditional beliefs with a mocking logic that they could not answer.” S. Raja Ratnam, “Drought” cognizant [kog´ nə zənt] a likeness (usually of a hated person) “I am cognizant of the interrelatedness of all communities and states.” Martin Luther King, Jr., “Letter From Birmingham Jail” turbulent [tėr´ byə lənt] unruly, agitated “Up to the turbulent surface came a peculiar-looking craft, risen from the calm but dangerous depth of the ocean.” Lt. Don Walsh, “Our Seven-Mile Dive to the Bottom” TODAY’S IDIOM a bitter pill to swallow—a humiliating defeat It was a bitter pill to swallow for the famous billiard player to be overwhelmed by the 12-year-old girl. Week 7 - Day 4 terminate [ter´ mə nāt] “A continuation of such chronic lateness may lead us to terminate your employment.” Regulations of the NYC Board of Education’s Office of School Food & Nutrition Services forthwith [fôrth´ with´] immediately “Get down to your Toyota dealer forthwith and take advantage of our holiday saleabration.” Toyota advertisement, CBS TV exacerbate [eg zas´ ər bāt] to irritate, make worse ɪɡˈzæsərbeɪt/ (formal) Verb Forms ​ ​exacerbate something to make something worse, especially a disease or problem ​ synonym aggravate ​ His aggressive reaction only exacerbated the situation. “Jason Isringhausen’s injuries were exacerbated by his immaturity.” Howie Rose, Mets Baseball Announcer, Fox Sports, 6/8/99 [adapted] revert [ri vėrt´] return “She dreamily reverts to the hour when old age will throw down his frosts upon her head.” Walt Whitman, “Dreams”  oust [oust] to drive out, eject “Politics will still exist as in the Republican campaign to oust Bill Clinton.” James Pinkerton, “Mediocre Pols,” Newsday, 6/17/99 TODAY’S IDIOM an ax to grind—having a selfish motive in the background I am always dubious* about the motives of a man who tells me that he has no ax to grind. Week 8 - Day 1 emaciated [i mā´ shē ā tid] abnormally thin, wasted away “Twiggy, whose fame was related to her emaciated look, is now better known for her singing and dramatic talent.” Play review, New Jersey Star Ledger, 5/12/99 surge [sėrj] to rush suddenly “In one wild surge they stormed into a police station, where the bewildered officers tried to maintain order.” James Michener, “The Bridge at Andau” tranquil [trang´ kwəl] quiet “Over this house, most tranquil and complete, Where no storm ever beat, She was sole mistress.” Phyllis McGinley, “The Doll House” sanctuary [sangk´ chü er´ i] shelter “The identity of Rinehart may be a temporary sanctuary for the narrator, but it is another identity he must reject if he is to find himself as a person.” Anthony Abbott, Invisible Man ascend [ə send´] shelter “As he set himself to fan the fire again, his crouching shadow ascended the opposite wall.” James Joyce, “Ivy Day in the Committee Room” TODAY’S IDIOM sour grapes—to disparage* something that you cannot have (from Aesop’s fable about the fox who called the grapes sour because he could not reach them) Marcia said that she didn’t want to be on the Principal’s Honor Roll anyway, but we knew that it was just sour grapes on her part. Week 8 - Day 2 malnutrition [mal´ nü trish´ ən] faulty or inadequate diet “The children of the Albanian refugees are suffering from malnutrition, and they need our help.” Red Cross Appeal for Funds afflict [ə flikt´] to trouble greatly, to distress “It afflicted the neighborhood with the stench of slime that was now laid bare.” Edmund Wilson, “The Man Who Shot Snapping Turtles” besiege [bi sēj´] to surround, hem in “He felt unable to carry the Confederate lines and settled down to besiege their fortifications.” David Herbert Donald, Lincoln privation [prī vā´ shən] lack of necessities “It aroused a strong response in our hearts when he told about their sufferings and privations.” Selma Lagerlöf, Harvest sinister [sin´ ə stər] evil, ominous “The man had a cordially sinister air.” Hernando Tellez, “Ashes for the Wind” TODAY’S IDIOM to swap horses in midstream—to vote against a candidate running for reelection, to change one’s mind The mayor asked for our support, pointing out how foolish it would be to swap horses in midstream Week 8 - Day 3 NEW WORDS ubiquitous [yü bik´ wə təs] “Che Guevera has become ubiquitous; his figure stares out at us from coffee mugs and posters, pops up in rock songs and operas.” Ariel Dorfman, “Che,” TIME, 6/14/99 remote [ri mōt´] “The pull of the remote stars is so slight as to be obliterated in the vaster moments by which the ocean yields to the moon and sun.” Rachel Carson, The Sea Around Us thwart [thwôrt] “The man who made up the name for flies must have been thwarted in a life-long desire to have children, and at last found that outlet for his suppressed baby-talk.” Robert Benchley, “The Lure of the Road” harbinger [här´ bən jər] “It is easy enough to find harbingers of the episode in the early coverage of Mrs. Dole’s candidacy.” TIME, 5/24/99 malignant [mə lig´ nənt] “The wailing chorus turned into a malignant clamor that swirled into my ears like an icy breeze.” Kenneth Roberts, Oliver Wiswell TODAY’S IDIOM to cool one’s heels—to be kept waiting The shrewd mayor made the angry delegates cool their heels in his outer office. Week 8 - Day 4 NEW WORDS excruciating [ek skrü´ shē ā ting] agonizing, torturing “An almost excruciating agitation results when a leaf falls into still water.” Jack London, “To Build a Fire” respite [res´ pit] an interval of relief, delay “The plan enabled the oiler and the correspondent to set respite together.” Stephen Crane, “The Open Boat” reverberating [ri vėr´ bə rāt´ ing] reechoing, resounding “When that putt plunked into the hole yesterday, the 40,000 people exploded in a roar that reverberated through more than a century of U.S. Open history.” Dave Anderson, “Longest Final Putt,” New York Times, 6/21/99 fretful [fret´ fəl] worrisome, irritable “When Mike Nichols directed ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’ Warner Bros. was fretful, worrying about the Legion of Decency.” Liz Smith, “Century’s Choice,” New York Post, 6/23/99  succumb [sə kum´] to give way, yield “This young gentleman was of an excellent family but had been reduced to such poverty that the energy of his character succumbed beneath it.” Edgar Allan Poe, “The Murders in the Rue Morgue” TODAY’S IDIOM a red herring—something that diverts attention from the main issue (a red herring drawn across a fox’s path destroys the scent) We felt that the introduction of his war record was a red herring to keep us from inquiring into his graft. Week 9 - Day 1 extortion noun Շորթում /ɪkˈstɔːʃn/ /ɪkˈstɔːrʃn/ [uncountable, countable] ​ ​the crime of making somebody give you something by threatening them ​ He was arrested and charged with extortion. ​ Week 9 - Day 2 ​ blatant disagreeably loud, very showy entourage noun շքախումբ /ˈɒnturɑːʒ/ /ˌɑːntuˈrɑːʒ/ [countable + singular or plural verb] ​ ​a group of people who travel with an important person ​ the President and members of his immediate entourage ​ an entourage of adoring fans virulent adjective թունավոր վարակիչ full of hate, harmful /ˈvɪrələnt/ /ˈvɪrələnt/ ​ ​(of a disease or poison) extremely dangerous or harmful and quick to have an effect ​ a virulent form of influenza ​ a particularly virulent flu germ spew verb /spjuː/ /spjuː/ Verb Forms ​ ​[intransitive, transitive] to flow out quickly, or to make something flow out quickly, in large amounts ​ + adv./prep. Flames spewed from the aircraft's engine. ​ Week 9 - Day 3 ​ solicit verb /səˈlɪsɪt/ /səˈlɪsɪt/ Verb Forms ​ ​[transitive, intransitive] (formal) to ask somebody for something, such as support, money or information; to try to get something or persuade somebody to do something ​ solicit something (from somebody) They were planning to solicit funds from a number of organizations. Week 9 - Day 4 nefarious adjective /nɪˈfeəriəs/ ​criminal; extremely bad ​ nefarious activities ​ They can hack your account and use the information for nefarious purposes. amicable adjective /ˈæmɪkəbl/ /ˈæmɪkəbl/ ​ ​done or achieved in a polite or friendly way and without arguing vexatious adjective /vekˈseɪʃəs/ /vekˈseɪʃəs/ (old-fashioned or formal) ​ ​making you feel upset or annoyed malady =disease week 10 Week 10 - Day 1 inclement [in klem´ ənt] unfavorable, stormy “The inclement weather that has given us fits recently is over, and I’m looking for blue skies for all of next week.” Weather forecast from ABC’s Sam Champion, Eyewitness News, 6/23/99 peruse [pə rüz´] to read carefully “Stopping to peruse her mail, Raven didn’t notice that the front door was ajar.” Dolores Kent, Instant Gratification premonition [prē´ mə nish´ ən] forewarning “There seemed to be a gentle stir arising over everything—a very premonition of rest and hush and night.” Mary Wilkens Freeman, “The New England Nun” desist [di zist´] cease “My husband kicked me under the table and warned me to desist.” Phyllis Krasilovsky, “Pumpernickel in My Purse,” New York Times, 6/12/99  recoil [ri koil´] draw back “It is a gesture of response to my remarks, and it always makes me recoil with a laugh.” Thomas Mann, “A Man and His Dog” TODAY’S IDIOM to pay the piper—to bear the consequences (from the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin) The cruel leader was doing well at the present time, but he knew that one day he might have to pay the piper. Week 10 - Day 2 pertinent [pėrt´ n ənt] “What seems pertinent is to observe that jazz gravitated toward a particular kind of environment in which its existence was probable.” Arnold Sungaard, Jazz, Hot and Cold mastiff [mas´ tif] “That island of England breeds very valiant creatures; their mastiffs are of unmatchable courage.” William Shakespeare, Henry V obsess [əb ses´] “To obsess over acquisitions is especially damaging to human felicity.” Llewelyn Powys, Earth Memories doleful [dōl´ fəl] “The patients were left in doleful plight, as the whole country resounded with the consequent cry of ‘hard times’.” Washington Irving, “The Devil and Tom Walker” wan [won] “Why so pale and wan, fond lover? Prithee, why so pale?” John Suckling, “Encouragement to a Lover” Week 10 - Day 3 histrionics [his´ trē on´ iks] “Bobby Valentine’s histrionics will be irrelevant, because Rule 51 states that any manager who is ejected must remain in the clubhouse until the game is over.” Jack Curry, “Valentine is Suspended and Fined,” New York Times, 6/11/99 elusive [i lü´ siv] “In his appearance there was something attractive and elusive which allured women and disposed them in his favour.” Anton Chekhov, “The Lady with the Dog” frustrate [frus´ trāt] “I will not be frustrated by reality.” Ray Bradbury, Forever and the Earth symptomatic [simp´ tə mat´ ik] “The widespread dislocation and downsizing in hospitals is symptomatic of relentless cost pressures.” Carol Eisenberg, “Nurses Contend With System’s Ills,” Newsday, 6/22/99 interject [in´ tər] “The accountant interjected, saying that you can buy a better house in New Jersey than on Long Island for the same money.” Ken Moritsugu, “Nowhere to Build,” Newsday, 6/25/99 TODAY’S IDIOM to show one’s hand—to reveal one’s intentions When someone joined in bidding for the antique, the dealer was forced to show his hand. Week 10 - Day 4 inert [in ėrt´] “The Japanese drifted inert in his life jacket watching 449 approach until the bow crossed in front of him.” Robert J. Donovan, PT 109 salient [sā´ lē ənt] “The salient feature of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 is that it prohibits discrimination against the disabled.” Robert McFadden, “Court Ruling on Disabled Teacher Is Annulled,” New York Times, 6/25/99 imminent [im´ ə nənt] “I admired the easy confidence with which my chief loped from side to side of his wheel and trimmed the ship so closely that disaster seemed ceaselessly imminent.” Mark Twain, Life on the Mississippi squeamish [skwē´ mish] “My brother, who voted for Mr. Mbeki and who has faith in his leadership, is not squeamish.” Mark Mathabane, “South Africa’s Lost Generation” engrossed [en grōst´] “The wasp was engrossed utterly in her task.” Alan Devoe, “The Mad Dauber” TODAY’S IDIOM to tilt at windmills—to fight imaginary enemies (from Don Quixote) arbitrary adjective կամայական /ˈɑːbɪtrəri/, /ˈɑːbɪtri/ /ˈɑːrbɪtreri/ ​ ​(of an action, a decision, a rule, etc.) not seeming to be based on a reason, system or plan and sometimes seeming unfair ​ The choice of players for the team seemed completely arbitrary. ​ He makes unpredictable, arbitrary decisions. loath adjective /ləʊθ/ /ləʊθ/ (also less frequent loth) (formal) ​ ​loath to do something not willing to do something ​ He was loath to admit his mistake. ​ They were obviously loath to let her leave. WEEK 11 : poignant adjective խիստ ցնցող /ˈpɔɪnjənt/ /ˈpɔɪnjənt/ ​ ​having a strong effect on your feelings, especially in a way that makes you feel sad ​ SYNONYM moving inundate verb հեղեղված /ˈɪnʌndeɪt/ /ˈɪnʌndeɪt/ Verb Forms ​ ​[often passive] to give or send somebody so many things that they cannot deal with them all ​ SYNONYM overwhelm, swamp garbled adjective /ˈɡɑːbld/ /ˈɡɑːrbld/ ​ ​(of a message or story) told in a way that confuses the person listening, usually by somebody who is shocked or in a hurry ​ SYNONYM confused sanguine adjective /ˈsæŋɡwɪn/ /ˈsæŋɡwɪn/ (formal) ​ ​sanguine (about something) cheerful and confident about the future ​ SYNONYM optimistic Week 11 - Day 2 phlegmatic [fleg mat´ ik] “Duncan had a phlegmatic fourth quarter, dooming the Spurs’ opportunity to humble the New York Knicks.” TV announcer, NBA Finals, 6/22/99 corroborate [kə rob´ ə rāt] “Bill corroborated the captain’s statement, hurried back down the glistening ladders to his duty.” Hanson W. Baldwin, “R.M.S. Titanic” comprehensive [kom´ pri hen´ siv] “Lecter was built up as a superman, embodying absolute yet comprehensive evil.” Christopher Lehmann-Haupt, “Hannibal Lecter Returns,” New York Times Book Review, 6/10/99  zealous [zel´ əs] “James I was zealous in prosecuting Scottish sorcerers.” George Lyman Kittredge, Witchcraft in Old and New England coerce [kō ėrs´] “The loan sharks sometimes have to coerce people in order to collect the debt.” Peter Kilborn, “Lenders Thrive on Workers in Need,” New York Times, 6/18/99 TODAY’S IDIOM fair-weather friends—unreliable, they fail one in time of distress The general was chagrined* to learn that so many of his supposed supporters were actually fair-weather friends. corroborate verb /kəˈrɒbəreɪt/ /kəˈrɑːbəreɪt/ ​ ​corroborate (something) to provide evidence or information that supports a statement, theory, etc. ​ SYNONYM confirm Week 11 - Day 3 elapse verb /ɪˈlæps/ /ɪˈlæps/ [intransitive] not usually used in the progressive tenses ​ ​if a period of time elapses, it passes ​ SYNONYM go by meticulous adjective /məˈtɪkjələs/ /məˈtɪkjələs/ (approving) ​ ​paying careful attention to every detail ​ SYNONYM fastidious, thorough ​ meticulous planning/records/research lax adjective /læks/ /læks/ ​ ​(disapproving) not strict, severe or careful enough about work, rules or standards of behaviour ​ SYNONYM slack, careless ​ lax security/discipline Week 11 - Day 4 conjecture noun /kənˈdʒektʃə(r)/ /kənˈdʒektʃər/ (formal) ​ ​[countable] an opinion or idea that is not based on definite knowledge and is formed by guessing ​ SYNONYM guess ​ The truth of his conjecture was confirmed by the newspaper report. obviate verbխուսափել /ˈɒbvieɪt/ /ˈɑːbvieɪt/ (formal) Verb Forms ​ ​obviate something to remove a problem or the need for something ​ SYNONYM preclude ​ This new evidence obviates the need for any further enquiries. lurid adjective /ˈlʊərɪd/ /ˈlʊrɪd/ (disapproving) ​ ​too bright in colour, in a way that is not attractive ​ She was wearing a lurid orange and green blouse. quip noun /kwɪp/ /kwɪp/ ​ ​a quick and clever remark ​ to make a quip week 12 day 1 answers p 298 diatribe noun գրախոսություն, ՔՆՆԱԴԱՏՈՒԹՅՈՒՆ /ˈdaɪətraɪb/ /ˈdaɪətraɪb/ (formal) ​ ​diatribe (against somebody/something) a long and angry speech or piece of writing attacking and criticizing somebody/something ​ He launched a bitter diatribe against the younger generation. inhibition noun /ˌɪnhɪˈbɪʃn/, /ˌɪnɪˈbɪʃn/ /ˌɪnhɪˈbɪʃn/, /ˌɪnɪˈbɪʃn/ ​ ​[countable, uncountable] a shy or nervous feeling that stops you from expressing your real thoughts or feelings ​ The children were shy at first, but soon lost their inhibitions. fortuitous adjective պատահական /fɔːˈtjuːɪtəs/  /fɔːrˈtuːɪtəs/ (formal) ​ ​happening by chance, especially a lucky chance that brings a good result ​ a fortuitous meeting ​ His success depended on a fortuitous combination of circumstances. incoherent adjective /ˌɪnkəʊˈhɪərənt/ /ˌɪnkəʊˈhɪrənt/, /ˌɪnkəʊˈherənt/ ​ ​(of people) unable to express yourself clearly, often because of emotion ​ She broke off, incoherent with anger. ilk type; kind ​ the world of media people and their ilk clandestine adjective /klænˈdestɪn/, /ˈklændəstaɪn/ /klænˈdestɪn/, /ˈklændəstaɪn/ (formal) ​ ​done secretly or kept secret ​ a clandestine meeting/relationship Week 12 - Day 3 nominal adjective /ˈnɒmɪnl/ /ˈnɑːmɪnl/ ​ ​being something in name only, and not in reality ​ the nominal leader of the party  ​ expunge verb /ɪkˈspʌndʒ/ /ɪkˈspʌndʒ/ (formal) Verb Forms ​ ​expunge something (from something) to remove or get rid of something, such as a name, piece of information or a memory, from a book or list, or from your mind ​ SYNONYM erase flamboyant adjectiveփայլուն /flæmˈbɔɪənt/ /flæmˈbɔɪənt/ ​ ​(of people or their behaviour) different, confident and exciting in a way that attracts attention ​ a flamboyant gesture/style/personality ​ He was flamboyant and temperamental on and off the stage anathema noun անեծք /əˈnæθəmə/ /əˈnæθəmə/ [uncountable, countable, usually singular] (formal) ​ ​a thing or an idea that you hate because it is the opposite of what you believe ​ Racial prejudice is (an) anathema to me. ​ ​ schism ​ /ˈskɪzəm/, /ˈsɪzəm/ ,[countable, uncountable] (formal) ​ ​strong disagreement within an organization, especially a religious one, that makes its members divide into separate groups ​ schism within something The disagreement eventually led to a schism within the Church. ​ split  Week 12 - Day 4 timorous adjective /ˈtɪmərəs/ ​nervous and easily frightened ​ SYNONYM timid truncate verb /ˈtrʌŋkeɪt/ [usually passive] (formal) Verb Forms ​ ​truncate something to make something shorter, especially by cutting off the top or end ​ My article was published in truncated form. jaunty adjective /ˈdʒɔːnti/ ​ ​showing that you are feeling confident and pleased with yourself ​ SYNONYM cheerful ​ a jaunty smile fractious adjective /ˈfrækʃəs/ (especially British English) ​ ​easily upset, especially by small things ​ SYNONYM irritable ostentatious adjective /ˌɒstenˈteɪʃəs/ /ˌɑːstenˈteɪʃəs/ ​ ​(disapproving) showing your wealth or status in a way that is intended to impress people ​ SYNONYM showy ​ ostentatious gold jewellery  week 13 day 1 importune to ask somebody for something many times and in a way that is annoying incontrovertible /ˌɪnkɑːntrəˈvɜːrtəbl/ (formal) ​ ​that is true and cannot be disagreed with or denied ​ SYNONYM indisputable ​ incontrovertible evidence/proof surreptitious adjective /ˌsʌrəpˈtɪʃəs/ ​ ​ one secretly or quickly, in the hope that other people will not notice d ​ SYNONYM furtive ​ She sneaked a surreptitious glance at her watch. haven noun /ˈheɪvn/ ​ ​a place that is safe and peaceful where people or animals are protected ​ The hotel is a haven of peace and tranquillity. subjugate verb /ˈsʌbdʒuɡeɪt/ ​to defeat somebody/something; to gain control over somebody/something subterranean adjective /ˌsʌbtəˈreɪniən/ ​under the ground Week 13 - Day 2 Week 13 - Day 4 viable adjective կենսունակ /ˈvaɪəbl/ ​ ​that can be done; that will be successful ​ SYNONYM feasible ​ a viable option/proposition jeopardize verb /ˈdʒepədaɪz/ ​ to risk harming or destroying something/somebody ​ SYNONYM endanger ​ He would never do anything to jeopardize his career. incredulous adjective /ɪnˈkredʒələs/ ​ ​not willing or not able to believe something; showing a lack of ability to believe something ​ an incredulous look permeate verb տարածվել /ˈpɜːmieɪt/ ​ (of a liquid, gas, etc.) to spread to every part of an object or a place ​ permeate something The smell of leather permeated the room. propitious adjective նպաստավոր /prəˈpɪʃəs/ ​ ​propitious (for something/somebody) likely to produce a successful result ​ It was not a propitious time to start a new business. ​ surmise verb ենթադրել /səˈmaɪz/ ​ ​to guess or suppose something using the evidence you have, without definitely knowing ​ SYNONYM conjecture ​ surmise (that)… From the looks on their faces, I surmised that they had had an argument. curtail verb /kɜːˈteɪl/ ​ ​curtail something to limit something or make it last for a shorter time Spending on books has been severely curtailed. repress verb /rɪˈpres/ ​ to try not to have or show an emotion, a feeling, etc. ​ SYNONYM control ​ to repress a smile cryptic adjective /ˈkrɪptɪk/ ​ ​with a meaning that is hidden or not easily understood ​ SYNONYM mysterious ​ a cryptic message/remark/smile inchoate adjective /ɪnˈkəʊət/, /ˈɪnkəʊeɪt/ /ɪnˈkəʊət/ (formal) ​ ​just beginning to form and therefore not clear or developed ​ inchoate ideas ​ ​  ​ ​ 504 lesson 33 prejudice noun /ˈpredʒədɪs/ /ˈpredʒədɪs/ [uncountable, countable] Idioms ​ ​an unreasonable dislike of or preference for a person, group, custom, etc., especially when it is based on their race, religion, sex, etc. ​ a victim of racial prejudice ​ ​ week 14 ​ DAY 1 aspire verb /əˈspaɪə(r)/ /əˈspaɪər/ [intransitive, transitive] Verb Forms ​ ​to have a strong desire to achieve or to become something ​ aspire (to something) She aspired to a scientific career. inveigh against phrasal verb inveigh against somebody/something ​ ​(formal) to criticize somebody/something strongly nettle noun /ˈnetl/ /ˈnetl/ (also stinging nettle) Idioms ​ ​ ​ enlarge image ​ a wild plant with leaves that have pointed edges, are covered in fine hairs and sting (= cause you pain) if you touch them ​ The nettles had spread and now covered half the garden. overt adjective /əʊˈvɜːt/, /ˈəʊvɜːt/ /əʊˈvɜːrt/, /ˈəʊvɜːrt/ [usually before noun] (formal) ​ ​done in an open way and not secretly ​ There was little overt support for the project. ​ Week 14 - Day 2 ​ relegate verb /ˈrelɪɡeɪt/ /ˈrelɪɡeɪt/ Verb Forms ​ ​relegate somebody/something (to something) to give somebody a lower or less important position, rank, etc. than before ​ She was then relegated to the role of assistant. ​ day 2 supine adjective /ˈsuːpaɪn/, /ˈsjuːpaɪn/ /ˈsuːpaɪn/ (formal) ​ ​lying flat on your back ​ a supine position repulse verb /rɪˈpʌls/ /rɪˈpʌls/ (formal) Verb Forms ​ ​[usually passive] repulse somebody to make somebody feel strong dislike ​ SYNONYM repel, disgust ​ I was repulsed by the horrible smell. ​ ​ day 3 scurry verb /ˈskʌri/ /ˈskɜːri/ [intransitive] Verb Forms ​ ​+ adv./prep. to run with quick short steps ​ SYNONYM scuttle (1) ​ She said goodbye and scurried back to work. incisive adjective խայթող, acute /ɪnˈsaɪsɪv/ /ɪnˈsaɪsɪv/ (approving) ​ ​showing clear thought and good understanding of what is important, and the ability to express this ​ incisive comments/criticism/analysis precipitate verb վրա հասնել /prɪˈsɪpɪteɪt/ /prɪˈsɪpɪteɪt/ (formal) Verb Forms ​ ​precipitate something to make something, especially something bad, happen suddenly or sooner than it should ​ SYNONYM bring on, spark (1) ​ His resignation precipitated a leadership crisis. ​ ​ ​  ​ ​ ​ ​ Day 4 stentorian adjective /stenˈtɔːriən/ /stenˈtɔːriən/ (formal) ​ ​(of a voice) loud and powerful ​ He spoke in stentorian tones. ​ ​ sinecure noun /ˈsɪnɪkjʊə(r)/, /ˈsaɪnɪkjʊə(r)/ /ˈsaɪnɪkjʊr/ (formal) ​ ​a job that you are paid for even though it involves little or no work ​ Week 15 - Day 1 NEW WORDS page 80 in pdf complicity [kəm plis´ ə tē] partnership in wrongdoing “After 1945, Hitler’s Germans replaced complicity with denial.” Lance Morrow, “Done in the Name of Evil,” TIME, 6/14/99 liquidation [lik´ wə dā´ shən] disposal of, killing “Hiding the forty-six comrades who were scheduled for liquidation became much easier.” David Hackett, The Buchenwald Report accomplice [ə kom´ plis] an associate in crime “His chief accomplice was Democratic boss John Dingell, who sold out his party in the dark of night.” Maureen Dowd, “The God Squad,” New York Times, 6/20/99  recant [ri kant´] withdraw previous statements “The government’s key witness in the case recanted her testimony, claiming she had been intimidated by prosecutors.” Rob Polner, “Set Back for Prosecutors,” New York Post, 6/23/99 culpable [kul´ pə bəl] deserving blame “When the jury found Stacy culpable, she collapsed in a state of shock.” Eloise R. Baxter, “Judgment Day” TODAY’S IDIOM woolgathering—absentmindedness or daydreaming When the young genius should have been doing his homework, he was frequently engaged in woolgathering. ​ Week 15 - Day 2 ​ abrogate [ab´ rə gāt] abolish “I decided to abrogate the agreement since General Motors was not living up to its part of the bargain.” Paul Sawyer, Seeking Justice alleged [ə lejd´] reported, supposed “I harvested the intelligence that Ricks was alleged to have laid off all that portion of the State of Florida that has been under water into town lots and sold them to innocent investors.” O’Henry, “The Man Higher Up” access [ak´ ses] admittance “Everything was simplified, and we were gaining access to infinity: soon the moon, SOON THE MOON!” Editorial, Le Figaro (Paris), 8/14/61 invalidate [în val´ ə dāt] to deprive of legal force, to nullify “Some Reagan and Bush appointees have proved far too willing to invalidate decisions made by Congress and the Executive branch.” Cass R. Sunstein, New York Times, 6/2/99 preclude [pri klüd´]. prevent “I would be avenged; this was a point definitely settled—but the very definitiveness with which it was resolved precluded the idea of risk.” Edgar Allan Poe, “The Cask of Amontillado” TODAY’S IDIOM to whitewash—to conceal defects, to give a falsely virtuous appearance to something Although a committee was appointed to investigate the corruption, many citizens felt that their report would be a whitewash of the culprits.* ​ Week 15 - Day 3 NEW WORDS persevere [pėr´ sə vir´] persist “The Knicks persevered as first Patrick Ewing and then Johnson went down with injuries.” George Vecsey, “Sports of the Times,” New York Times, 6/22/99 landmark [land´ märk´] historic, turning point of a period “The remarkable trees formed good landmarks by which the place might easily be found again.” Washington Irving, “The Devil and Tom Walker” extrinsic [ek strin´ sik] foreign, coming from outside “Disdaining contributions from extrinsic lobbying groups, the candidate won my admiration and my vote.” Lawrence Burton, “Inside the Polls”  declaim [di klām´] speak loudly “Some of the province’s most illustrious men visited the courthouse and declaimed within its four walls.” Hazel Grinnell, Travel Journal fetter [fet´ ər] to hamper, to limit somebody’s freedom “The cruel fetters of the galley slaves were wet with blood.” Alex Haley, Roots TODAY’S IDIOM to break the ice—to make a start by overcoming initial difficulties The auto salesman had a poor week, but he finally broke the ice by selling a fully equipped Cadillac. ​ ​ Week 15 - Day 4 paragon [par´ ə gon] model of excellence “An angel! or, if not An earthly paragon!” William Shakespeare, Cymbeline nomadic [nō mad´ ik] wandering “After buying the big trailer, they spent a nomadic year visiting national parks out west.” “On the Road Again,” Travel Ideas International asperity [a sper´ ə tē] harshness of temper “The path of beauty is not soft and smooth, but full of harshness and asperity.” Havelock Ellis, The Dance of Life epithet [ep´ ə thet] descriptive name “Four scowling men sat in the dinghy and surpassed records in the invention of epithets.” Stephen Crane, “The Open Boat” controversial [kon´ trə ver´] debatable “His three-year tenure was controversial and contained charges of racism.” Monte Williams, “Roosevelt Island Chief,” New York Times, 6/10/99 TODAY’S IDIOM the grapevine—a secret means of spreading information The grapevine has it that Ernie will be elected president of the school’s student council. ★ Week 15 - Day 1 ★ complicity [kəm plis´ ə tē] partnership in wrongdoing ★ liquidation [lik´ wə dā´ shən] disposal of, killing ★ accomplice [ə kom´ plis] an associate in crime ★ recant [ri kant´] withdraw previous statements ★ culpable [kul´ pə bəl] deserving blame ★ Week 15 - Day 2 ★ abrogate [ab´ rə gāt] abolish ★ alleged [ə lejd´] reported, supposed ★ invalidate [în val´ ə dāt] to deprive of legal force, to nullify ★ access [ak´ ses] admittance ★ preclude [pri klüd´]. prevent ★ Week 15 - Day 3 ★ persevere [pėr´ sə vir´] persist ★ landmark [land´ märk´] historic, turning point of a period ★ extrinsic [ek strin´ sik] foreign, coming from outside  ★ declaim [di klām´] speak loudly ★ fetter [fet´ ər] to hamper, to limit somebody’s freedom ★ Week 15 - Day 4 ★ paragon [par´ ə gon] model of excellence ★ nomadic [nō mad´ ik] wandering ★ asperity [a sper´ ə tē] harshness of temper ★ epithet [ep´ ə thet] descriptive name ★ controversial [kon´ trə ver´] debatable WEEK 16 ! DAY 1 p 96 Week 16 - Day 1 indigenous [in dij´ ən əs] native “A MacArthur Foundation grant was given to Dennis A. Moore for helping to preserve the language and culture of indigenous groups in Brazil.” Announcement of MacArthur Grants, 6/23/99 gregarious [grə ger´ ē es] sociable “We will take with us one thing alone that exists among porpoises as among men; an ingrained gregariousness.” Loren Eiseley, “Man and Porpoise” habitat [hab´ ə tat] natural environment “Billy begins to be happy about life only in an artificial but cozy habitat on another planet.” William Bly, Barron’s Book Notes, Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut cursory [kėr´ sər ē] hasty, not thorough “Even a cursory glance at the text of the peace agreement shows that the Yugoslav leader has accepted NATO’s demands in full.” Tim Judah, “What Do We Do With Serbia Now?,” New York Times, 6/4/99 interloper [in´ tər lō´ per] an unauthorized person “Indeed, the magazine managers are treated as foreign interlopers.” Michael Woolf, “Tribune and Tribulation,” New York, 7/5/99 TODAY’S IDIOM in a bee line—taking the straightest, shortest route (that’s the way a bee flies back to the hive after he has gathered foo ​ ​ Week 16 - Day 2 ​ prolific [prə lif´ ik] producing abundantly “Isaac Asimov was a truly prolific writer, seemingly able to complete a book every two weeks.” Art Nichols, Selling Your Manuscript bulwark [bůl´ wərk] protection “That England, hedged in with the main, That water-walled bulwark, still secure And confidant from foreign purposes.” William Shakespeare, King John sedentary [sed´ n ter´ ē] largely inactive, accustomed to sitting “Seeger had seen him relapsing gradually into the small-town hardware merchant he had been before the war, sedentary and a little shy.” Irwin Shaw, “Act of Faith” frugal [frü´ gəl] thrifty “He was famously frugal—‘so tight he damn near squeaked’ says a colleague.” Eric Pooley, “How George Got His Groove,” TIME, 6/21/99 antithesis [an tith´ ə sis] exact opposite “Drunkenness is the antithesis of dignity.” Bergen Evans, “Now Everyone is Hip About Slang” TODAY’S IDIOM the world, the flesh, and the devil—temptations that cause man to sin By entering the monastery he sought to avoid the world, the flesh, and the devil. Week 16 - Day 3 altruistic [al´ trü is´ tik] unselfish “The conflict is between selfishness and altruism.” Former Senator Estes Kefauver, campaign speech embellish [em bel´ ish] adorn, touch up “The prioress may not have told the correct story in all its details and she may even have embellished the story a little bit to make it more attractive.” Lin Yutang, “The Jade Goddess” cache [kash] secret hiding place “Fagin drew from his cache the box which he had unintentionally disclosed to Oliver.” Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist coterie [kō´ tərē] small group having something in common “The aristocratic coterie finally got the upper hand.” Edith Hamilton, The Greek Way cupidity [kyü pid´ ə tē] greed “There is little real humor in this picture of cunning and cupidity as revealed by a petty contest for a paltry sum.” Liam O’Flaherty, “A Shilling” TODAY’S IDIOM to make bricks without straw—to attempt to do something without having the necessary materials (In the Bible we read that the Egyptians commanded the Israelites to do so) My uncle’s business schemes always fail because he tries to make bricks without straw. ​ ​ ​ Week 16 - Day 4 ​ virtuosity [vėr´ chü os´ ə tē] great technical skill “Employing his virtuosity as an orchestrator of suspense, the author puts Lector in Florence, Italy, speaking impeccable Italian.” Paul Grey, “Dessert, Anyone?,” TIME, 6/21/99 temerity [tə mer´ ə tē] foolish boldness “In the first month of his service in the House, the young Congressman had the temerity to challenge his party’s Speaker; it was a mistake.” Blanche Kassell, Up on the Hill amorous [am´ ər əs] full of love “A complete gentleman ought to dress well, dance well, have a genius for love letters, be very amorous but not overconstant.” Sir George Etherege, The Man of Mode progeny [proj´ ə nē] descendants “First, let me tell you whom you have condemn’d: Not me begotten of a shepherd swain, But issued from the progeny of kings.” William Shakespeare, Henry IV saturate [sa-chə-rāt] soak, fill up completely “Vanilla sweetens the air, ginger spices it; melting nose-tingling odors saturate the kitchen.” Truman Capote, “A Christmas Memory” TODAY’S IDIOM to have the upper hand—to gain control I had him at my mercy, but now he has the upper hand. ​ ​