Vocabulary Initiative - Sets 1 & 2

endure

It seemed impossible that anyone could endure such distance.

• to go through something patiently over a long period of time

• to forget about past troubles
• to avoid any discomfort
• to enjoy a pleasant experience

cacophony

A cacophony of deafening alarm bells filled the school auditorium.

• Cacophony is a harsh mixture of sounds.
• Cacophony is a term used for silence.
• Cacophony refers to a pleasant sound.
• Cacophony is a type of musical instrument.

pied

Although the cow's coat was pure black, her calf's coat was pied.

• Having a glossy finish.
• Having two or more colors in patches.
• Being covered in stripes.
• Having a single solid color.

cower

When you cower, you're not just afraid. You're so terrified that your whole body bends to hide from the source of your fear.

• Cower means to crouch down and shrink in fear.

• Cower means to laugh loudly in joy.
• Cower means to walk away calmly.
• Cower means to stand tall in confidence.

vertigo

Most cases of vertigo or loss of equilibrium can be diagnosed and treated by a medical doctor.

• Vertigo can only be diagnosed through MRI scans.
• Vertigo is always caused by inner ear infections.
• Most cases of vertigo require surgery for treatment.
• Dizziness associated with looking down or caused by disease affecting the inner ear.

somber

The gloomy night sky was somber looking and starless.

• bright
• drab, dull, or dark

• colorful
• cheerful

blather

Because his point was clearly stated after 2 minutes, the audience stopped listening to the man's blathering comments.

• To blather is to speak clearly and concisely.
• Blather means to babble on or chatter endlessly.

• Blather refers to a type of formal speech.
• Blather means to listen attentively.

dissolution

The couple's relationship seemed strong and healthy; therefore, the dissolution of their marriage shocked everyone.

• partnership

• separation
• reconciliation
• union

ubiquitous

Unfortunately, sugar is ubiquitous in people's diet.

• Ubiquitous means something is only found in desserts.

• Ubiquitous means something is present everywhere.

• Ubiquitous means that something is out of sight.

• Ubiquitous means something is beneficial in small amounts.

damper

Being forced to eat veggies put a damper on her mood.

• The term 'damper' means to increase excitement.
• The term 'damper' is a synonym for joy.
• The term 'damper' refers to a type of celebratory meal.

• The term 'damper' refers to something that reduces enthusiasm.