11 Vocab Pretest #8

Based on the context, guess the definition of acrimony: Though they vowed that no girl would ever come between them, Biff and Trevor could not keep acrimony from overwhelming their friendship after they both fell in love with the lovely Teresa.

• bitterness or ill feeling

• despair and sadness for what one cannot attain

Based on the context, guess the definition of anathema: I never want to see that murderer. He is an anathema to me.

• taboo topic, something not usually discussed or touched upon

• a cursed, detested person or thing; vehemently disliked

Based on the context, guess the definition of aspersions: The rival politicians repeatedly cast aspersions on each others’ integrity.

• a curse, expression of ill-will; an attack on the reputation or integrity of someone or something.

• positive reinforcement; provide support and for

Based on the context, guess the definition of brusque: The captain’s brusque manner offended the passengers.

• rude because of inebriation or drunkenness

• short, abrupt, dismissive in speech or manner

Based on the context, guess the definition of clemency: After he forgot their anniversary, Martin could only beg Maria for clemency.

• mercy; lenience

• another chance to prove something, a second take

Based on the context, guess the definition of defiled: She defiled the calm of the religious building by playing her banjo.

• to act boisterously and disrespectfully

• to make unclean, impure

Based on the context, guess the definition of derided: The bullies derided the foreign student’s accent.

• to laugh at mockingly, scorn

• give a grudging acknowledgment and praise

Based on the context, guess the definition of expiate: To expiate my selfishness, I gave all my profits to charity.

• cancel out

• to make amends for, atone

Based on the context, guess the definition of impertinent: Most of your comments are so impertinent that I don’t wish to dignify them with an answer.

• rude, insolent

• ignorant, naive

Based on the context, guess the definition of impinging: I apologize for impinging upon you like this, but I really need to use your bathroom. Now.

• physically forcing something- also, to get rid of, erase by force (I impinged the candy bar wrappers from the counter.)

• to encroach, infringe- also, to impact, affect, make an impression especially a negative one (The hail impinged the roof, leaving large dents.)