Tarzan Ch. 1-4 Vocabulary

What does the word 'aerie' mean?

• a coyote den

• any habitation at a high altitude; the lofty nest of a bird of prey (such as a hawk or eagle)

• a type of fish that loses its scales when it's frightened

• a type of shrubbery that requires daily water and trimming

Answer explanation

The prefix "aero" refers to air. When you see aerie, think "up in the air."

Aerie is a sub-brand of American Eagle. The word "aerie" refers to an eagle's nest.

Which word means 'uselessness as a consequence of having no practical result'?

• Credible

• Futility

• Sustenance

• Partiality

Answer explanation

Futility comes from the Latin word futilis, which means leaky/brittle. Pouring from a leaky cup doesn't get you very far because the inherent flaws prevent it from being effective.

What is the meaning of 'maniacal'?

• Calm and composed

• Wildly disordered

• Very happy

• Slightly annoyed

Answer explanation

The base word of maniacal is "mania," which means madness.

Think of maniacs. They're crazy, out of control, insane.

Manic is also associated with the elevated mood and excitability caused by bipolar disorder.

Which word describes 'most noticeable or important'?

• Salient

• Contiguous

• Remorseless

• Anthropoid

Answer explanation

from the verb salire, "to leap"

The most important aspect or part leaps out.

What does 'transversely' mean?

• Downwards

• In a straight line

• Sideways or set across

• Upwards

Answer explanation

combines the prefix "trans-" (meaning "across") and "vertere" (meaning "to turn")

transfer: carry across

translate: carry one language across to another

transatlantic: across the Atlantic Ocean.

convert: turn to a belief or way of life

vertigo: medical condition that causes a feeling of imbalance and spinning (turning)

What is the meaning of the word "allay"?

• be a sign of; indicate; make known; make an announcement

• refer, announce

• satisfy (thirst); lesson the intensity of or calm

• act violently, recklessly, or destructively

Answer explanation

Old English ālecgan "lay down or aside."

Think of laying your worries to rest, laying down and resting, etc.

Which word means "resembling human beings; resembling apes"?

• maniacal

• anthropoid

• denote

• sustenance

Answer explanation

Anthropology is the study of humanity.

The prefix "anthropo-" refers to human, humanoid, or human-like.

Define "apathy."

• an inclination to favor one group or view or opinion over alternatives; a predisposition to like something

• violent and aggressive actions

• the study of emotion

• the trait of lacking enthusiasm for or interest in things generally; an absence of emotion or enthusiasm

Answer explanation

The prefix "a-" means without or not (atheist=without God, apolitical=without politics, asexual=without sex, etc.)

Pathos is a Greek term that refers to emotion and feeling.

So apathy translates to without emotion.

What word means "very close or connected in space or time; having a common boundary or edge; touching; connecting without a break; within a common boundary"?

• contiguous

• transversely

• salient

• credible

Answer explanation

Related to "continue." Not separated, touching, carrying on.

Which word means "appearing to merit belief or acceptance; capable of being believed"?

• anthropoid

• contiguous

• credible

• remorseless

Answer explanation

If someone has good credit, the bank believes they will repay what they borrow.