Vocab Level F Unit 9

Before becoming a successful writer, Jack London was a _ prospector, searching for gold in Alaska.

• torpid

• novice

Answer explanation

novice (n.) one who is just a beginner at some activity requiring skill and experience.

As the election drew nearer, the candidates went from reasonable discussion to quarrelsomeness to _ each other.

• anathematizing

• recapitulating

Answer explanation

anathema (n.) an object of intense dislike; a curse or strong denunciation (often used adjectivally without the article)

Is it any wonder that a 17-year-old star athlete becomes smug when she receives such _ from the entire school?

• recapitulation

• adulation

Answer explanation

adulation (n.) praise or flattery that is excessive

Since my mother is such a(n) _ manager, she was the perfect choice to run the children's museum in our community.

• astute

• dilatory

Answer explanation

Astute (adj.) shrewd, crafty, showing practical wisdom

What do you think of the concept that when a crime is committed, society is often as _ as the criminal?

• culpable

• astute

Answer explanation

Culpable (adj.) deserving blame, worthy of condemnation

As a result of _ when that novel was first submitted, the publishing house lost the biggest best seller of the year.

• irresolution

• egregiousness

Answer explanation

Irresolute (adj.) unable to make up one’s mind, hesitating

The glory of this perfect spring day seems to be all the more precious because it is so _.

• torpid

• evanescent

Answer explanation

Evanescent (adj.) vanishing, soon passing away; light and airy

I was absolutely stunned when I reviewed my bank statement, not realizing I had made an _ error in accounting.

• irresolute

• egregious

Answer explanation

Egregious (adj.) conspicuous, standing out from the mass (used particularly in an unfavorable sense)

As soon as the hurricane _, rescue teams rushed out to help people in the devastated area.

• abated

• equivocated

Answer explanation

Abate (v.) to make less in amount, degree, etc.; to subside, become less; to nullify; to deduct, omit

The heat in the room, the quiet drone of the fly at the window, and the bright sunlight put me into a _ state.

• torpid

• slovenly

Answer explanation

Torpid (adj.) inactive, sluggish, dull