"On the Bridge" Vocabulary Words

"Early Autumn" &

"On the Bridge" Vocabulary Words

smirk (v.)

to smile in an unpleasant way because you are pleased with yourself, glad about someone else's trouble, etc.

"I seem to have touched a nerve," said Malfoy, smirking.

— J. K. Rowling

Multiple Choice

What does “smirk” mean in the following sentence?

"I seem to have touched a nerve," said Malfoy, smirking.

— J. K. Rowling

• excessive but superficial compliments with affected charm

• a smile expressing scorn or smugness instead of pleasure

• mutual accusations

• severe criticism

smug (adj.)

feeling very pleased and satisfied with oneself (this word has negative connotations)

Multiple Choice

What does “smug” mean in the following sentence?

”He gives me a particularly smug look when she ties the blue ribbon around his neck.”

- Suzanne Collins, Mockingjay

• self-satisfied

• earnest

• half-hearted

• grateful

Multiple Choice

The opposite of smug is:

• humble

• fragrant

• luxurious

• noxious

sly (adj.)

adept at deception

Multiple Choice

What does “sly” mean in the following sentence?

”He’s got a sly look to him, like a fox promising to be good around the hens.”

• sneaky

• snobby

• sappy

• spacey

Multiple Choice

Which of these would most likely be considered sly?

• a person who cheats at games

• a dog that is always hungry

• a guest who tells boring jokes

• a bird that nests in a stone wall

fraud (n.)

wrongful or criminal deception 

Multiple Choice

What does “fraud” mean in the following sentence?

”As she started to suspect a fraud, her confusion turned to denial and then anger.” — The New York Times

• hoax

• complaint

• fee

• rebuke

impulsive (adj.)

acting on impulse, without thought

Multiple Choice

What does “impulsive” mean in the following sentence?

”Most adults have a pause button in their brains that shields civilized society from impulsive, inappropriate behavior.”

• spontaneous

• consecutive

• pretentious

• intelligible

Multiple Choice

The opposite of impulsive is:

• cautious

• splendid

• handsome

• enormous

Multiple Choice

Which of these is most likely to be called impulsive?

• someone who makes quick decisions

• someone who does not trust others

• someone who enjoys reading books

• someone who holds a steady job

pliant (adj.)

easily bent; flexible

pliant (adj.)

easily influenced

Multiple Choice

The opposite of pliant is:

• rigid

• stealthy

• rapid

• brainy

Multiple Choice

What does “pliant” mean in the following sentence?

”If he wins, many fea he will appoint a pliant prime minister he can control— and concentrate all true power in his hands.” — US News

• capable of being influenced

• advanced in years

• causing irritation or annoyance

• of or belonging to a particular locality

awestruck (adj.)

filled with wonder

Multiple Choice

What does awestruck mean in the following sentence?

”Gnerer was awestruck as he watched the object split into two flaming pieces.”

• d

• w

Multiple Choice

Which of the following would leave you awestruck?

• a view of a magnificent canyon

• a view of a snowman melting in the sun

• a view of a commuter taking a train to work

• a view of your favorite sports team being defeated