angry and bitter, especially during an argument or disagreement
The debate became acrimonious when both sides began making personal attacks.
Tim's Teachers Vocabulary Mastery
High-Utility Vocabulary for ISEE & SSAT
Chapter
10
30 High-Utility Words
Name
Date
Section 1 Learn the Words
Read each word, its part of speech and its meaning. Say the word aloud, then read the example sentence. The Chinese is a quick support only.
acrimonious
adjective 尖刻的；充满敌意的
adroit
adjective 熟练的；机敏的
skillful and clever in handling a difficult situation
Her adroit handling of the disagreement prevented a minor problem from becoming a major conflict.
amicable
adjective 友好的；和睦的
friendly and peaceful, especially after a disagreement
Despite their earlier argument, the two students reached an amicable agreement.
apathetic
adjective 冷漠的；无兴趣的
showing little interest, emotion, or concern
Many students seemed apathetic about the election and did not bother to vote.
belligerent
adjective 好斗的；挑衅的
hostile, aggressive, and eager to argue or fight
The belligerent customer shouted at the clerk and threatened to start a fight.
benign
adjective 温和的；无害的
gentle or harmless rather than dangerous or threatening
The doctor assured us that the small growth was benign and posed no danger.
caustic
adjective 尖刻的；讽刺的
sharply critical, sarcastic, or hurtful in speech
His caustic remarks embarrassed the speaker and made the audience uncomfortable.
contrite
adjective 悔恨的；愧疚的
feeling sincere regret or guilt for doing something wrong
After realizing how much damage she had caused, Mia was genuinely contrite.
copious
adjective 大量的；丰富的
large in amount or quantity; abundant
The researcher took copious notes during every interview.
cryptic
adjective 隐晦的；难以理解的
mysterious or difficult to understand because the meaning is hidden
The cryptic message contained only three words and gave us no clear instructions.
despondent
adjective 沮丧的；绝望的
very discouraged, unhappy, and without hope
After several unsuccessful attempts, the normally optimistic inventor became despondent.
docile
adjective 温顺的；顺从的
calm, obedient, and easy to control or teach
Despite its enormous size, the horse was docile and easy for beginners to handle.
erudite
adjective 博学的；学识渊博的
having or showing great knowledge gained through study
The erudite historian answered detailed questions about several ancient civilizations.
exuberant
adjective 热情洋溢的；兴高采烈的
full of energy, excitement, and cheerful enthusiasm
The team's exuberant celebration continued long after the championship game ended.
frivolous
adjective 轻浮的；无关紧要的
not serious, useful, or important; lacking a meaningful purpose
The committee rejected the frivolous proposal because it did nothing to address the real problem.
haughty
adjective 傲慢的；自大的
proud and behaving as though other people are less important
His haughty manner suggested that he considered the other applicants beneath him.
imminent
adjective 即将发生的；迫近的
about to happen very soon
Dark clouds and sudden thunder warned us that a storm was imminent.
ingenuous
adjective 坦率天真的；单纯的
honest, innocent, and straightforward, sometimes because of inexperience
Her ingenuous questions revealed that she had never encountered such a complicated negotiation before.
insipid
adjective 乏味的；平淡无味的
lacking flavor, interest, energy, or excitement
The movie's predictable plot and lifeless characters made it surprisingly insipid.
morose
adjective 阴郁的；闷闷不乐的
gloomy, withdrawn, and bad-tempered
After the disappointing loss, Daniel became morose and barely spoke to his teammates.
negligent
adjective 疏忽的；失职的
failing to give proper care, attention, or responsibility
The company was negligent in failing to inspect the damaged equipment before allowing workers to use it.
ominous
adjective 不祥的；预示危险的
suggesting that something bad or threatening is likely to happen
The sudden silence from the forest seemed ominous as the storm approached.
perfunctory
adjective 敷衍的；草率的
done quickly and with little care, effort, or interest
His perfunctory apology sounded as though he wanted to end the conversation rather than express regret.
placid
adjective 平静的；温和的
calm, peaceful, and not easily disturbed
The placid lake reflected the mountains without a ripple on its surface.
prosaic
adjective 平凡的；乏味的
ordinary, dull, or lacking imagination
The architect transformed a prosaic office building into a colorful community center.
recalcitrant
adjective 顽抗的；不服管教的
stubbornly resisting rules, authority, or control
The recalcitrant student repeatedly refused to follow even the simplest classroom rules.
scrupulous
adjective 严谨的；恪守原则的
extremely careful to be accurate, honest, and morally right
The accountant was scrupulous about checking every figure before submitting the report.
solemn
adjective 庄严的；严肃的
serious, formal, and not cheerful
The students remained solemn during the ceremony honoring those who had died.
stoic
adjective 坚忍的；隐忍的
enduring pain or difficulty without showing much emotion or complaint
Despite the painful injury, the athlete remained stoic and calmly waited for medical help.
superfluous
adjective 多余的；不必要的
more than is needed; unnecessary
The editor removed several superfluous sentences that repeated information already stated clearly.
Section 2 Immediate Retrieval
Write the word that matches each meaning. Do not look back at the word cards.
1.
Write the vocabulary word that describes something gentle or harmless rather than dangerous.
2.
Write the vocabulary word for something that lacks seriousness, usefulness, or an important purpose.
3.
Write the vocabulary word for something that lacks flavor, interest, energy, or excitement.
4.
Write the vocabulary word for someone who stubbornly resists rules, authority, or control.
5.
Write the vocabulary word for being filled with lively energy, excitement, and cheerful enthusiasm.
6.
Write the vocabulary word for feeling genuine guilt and regret after doing something wrong.
7.
Write the vocabulary word for someone who is gloomy, withdrawn, and bad-tempered.
8.
Write the vocabulary word for a message whose hidden or unclear meaning makes it difficult to understand.
9.
Write the vocabulary word for someone or something that is calm, obedient, and easy to control or teach.
10.
Write the vocabulary word for someone who displays extensive knowledge acquired through serious study.
11.
Write the vocabulary word for speech that is sharply sarcastic, critical, and hurtful.
12.
Write the vocabulary word for something done with minimal care or interest simply to get it over with.
13.
Write the vocabulary word for someone who is straightforward, innocent, and honestly open, sometimes because of inexperience.
14.
Write the vocabulary word for feeling deeply discouraged and almost without hope.
15.
Write the vocabulary word for an event that is expected to happen very soon.
16.
Write the vocabulary word for someone who endures pain or hardship without showing much emotion or complaining.
17.
Write the vocabulary word for an occasion or manner that is serious, formal, and without cheerfulness.
18.
Write the vocabulary word that describes something present in a very large or abundant amount.
19.
Write the vocabulary word that describes a disagreement filled with anger, bitterness, and hostility.
20.
Write the vocabulary word that describes something calm, peaceful, and not easily disturbed.
21.
Write the vocabulary word for showing very little interest, emotion, or concern about something.
22.
Write the vocabulary word for something that seems to warn that trouble or danger is approaching.
23.
Write the vocabulary word for someone who handles a difficult situation with impressive skill and cleverness.
24.
Write the vocabulary word for something ordinary, dull, and lacking imagination.
25.
Write the vocabulary word for something that is unnecessary because there is already more than enough.
26.
Write the vocabulary word that describes friendly and peaceful relations, particularly after a disagreement.
27.
Write the vocabulary word for someone extremely careful about accuracy, honesty, and doing what is right.
28.
Write the vocabulary word for behaving proudly as though other people are less important.
29.
Write the vocabulary word for someone who behaves aggressively and seems eager to argue or fight.
30.
Write the vocabulary word for failing to provide the care, attention, or responsibility that a situation requires.
Section 3 Review from Earlier Chapters
These words come from earlier lessons. Use what you remember - the meanings are not repeated here.
1.
The school added shaded seating and water stations to ______ the discomfort caused by extreme afternoon heat.
2.
A rule blocks the usual route to a goal, so someone finds another way around the restriction without removing it. Which earlier-lesson word best describes this action?
□ameliorate
□augment
□circumvent
□aggregate
3.
Several separate numerical results are combined into a single total. Write the earlier-lesson word that best describes this process.
4.
The unusually low reading appeared to be a(n) ______ because every other measurement followed the expected pattern.
5.
A successful student becomes so satisfied with past results that she no longer notices weaknesses that require attention. Which earlier-lesson word best describes her attitude?
□apathetic
□complacent
□placid
□haughty
6.
Heavy rain, equipment failure, and road closures all work against a planned trip. Write the earlier-lesson adjective that best describes these conditions.
7.
Although the clubs share the same building, each remains ______ and makes its own decisions without outside control.
8.
A building has almost no decoration, luxury, or unnecessary comfort. Which earlier-lesson word best describes its appearance?
□prosaic
□solemn
□placid
□austere
9.
Someone accepts a personal sacrifice solely to improve the lives of other people. Write the earlier-lesson adjective that best describes this motive.
10.
The museum plans to ______ its permanent collection by acquiring several important historical documents.
11.
Several independent movements gradually unite around one common purpose and become a larger whole. Which earlier-lesson word best describes this process?
□coalesce
□aggregate
□augment
□circumvent
12.
A new manager repeatedly makes unusually sharp decisions about complicated business problems. Write the earlier-lesson word that best captures the quality behind those decisions.
Section 4 Context Practice
Choose the word that best completes each sentence. Fill in one box for each question.
1.
Even when offered several opportunities to influence the decision, the students remained ______ and showed almost no interest in the outcome.
□exuberant
□apathetic
□contrite
□altruistic
2.
Although the strange mark initially worried the doctor, further tests showed that it was completely ______ and required no treatment.
□benign
□imminent
□altruistic
□ominous
3.
The discussion became ______ after both candidates abandoned the issues and began exchanging bitter personal attacks.
□acrimonious
□solemn
□apathetic
□amicable
4.
After admitting that his careless joke had hurt his friend, Noah appeared genuinely ______ and apologized without making excuses.
□haughty
□apathetic
□morose
□contrite
5.
The detective took ______ notes during the three-hour interview, filling nearly an entire notebook.
□prosaic
□copious
□superfluous
□perfunctory
6.
His ______ expression and dismissive tone made it clear that he considered the other applicants unworthy of his attention.
□morose
□belligerent
□haughty
□solemn
7.
Her ______ response to the unexpected question satisfied both sides without forcing her to make a promise she could not keep.
□perfunctory
□ameliorate
□adroit
□ingenuous
8.
The rapidly rising river convinced officials that flooding was ______, so they ordered residents to evacuate immediately.
□benign
□imminent
□ominous
□superfluous
9.
The supervisor was ______ in allowing workers to use damaged equipment without first conducting the required safety inspection.
□negligent
□recalcitrant
□frivolous
□perfunctory
10.
Instead of the imaginative design the committee expected, the architect submitted a(n) ______ plan for a plain rectangular building.
□insipid
□austere
□frivolous
□prosaic
11.
Because the report already explained the conclusion clearly, the final three repetitive paragraphs were ______ and could be removed.
□prosaic
□superfluous
□copious
□frivolous
12.
Since losing the competition, Aaron had been unusually ______, sitting alone and responding to questions with gloomy one-word answers.
□morose
□apathetic
□despondent
□solemn
13.
Although the injury was obviously painful, the runner remained ______ and waited quietly for the medical team without complaining.
□contrite
□altruistic
□despondent
□stoic
14.
The ______ employee continued to resist the new safety procedures even after receiving several warnings from supervisors.
□apathetic
□complacent
□recalcitrant
□belligerent
15.
Her ______ comments were so sarcastic and cutting that several members of the committee felt personally insulted.
□solemn
□prosaic
□cryptic
□caustic
16.
The professor's ______ discussion ranged confidently from ancient philosophy to modern economics and revealed decades of study.
□ingenuous
□adroit
□erudite
□scrupulous
17.
The note was so ______ that we could not tell whether it was a warning, a joke, or an instruction.
□cryptic
□solemn
□adverse
□ingenuous
18.
Despite its impressive appearance, the soup was surprisingly ______, with almost no flavor or seasoning.
□perfunctory
□insipid
□prosaic
□benign
Section 5 Semantic Discrimination
All four words are close in meaning. Choose the one that fits the situation most precisely.
1.
Even as boats pass nearby, the lake remains smooth and peaceful, with almost no disturbance on its surface. Which adjective best describes the lake?
□placid
□altruistic
□tranquil
□serene
2.
A customer enters a store already looking for an argument, speaks aggressively, and repeatedly challenges employees to confront him. Which adjective fits most precisely?
□hostile
□irritable
□belligerent
□abrasive
3.
After winning the championship, the players leap, shout, laugh, and rush around the field with almost uncontrollable joy. Which adjective best describes them?
□cheerful
□energetic
□enthusiastic
□exuberant
4.
At a memorial, the crowd stands silently while names are read and no one jokes or celebrates. Which adjective most precisely describes the mood?
□somber
□solemn
□serious
□morose
5.
A large horse quietly follows instructions, accepts a saddle without resistance, and is easy for inexperienced riders to manage. Which adjective best describes the horse?
□docile
□anomaly
□gentle
□placid
6.
During an otherwise quiet hike, the sky turns an unnatural green, birds suddenly disappear, and distant thunder begins to rumble. Which adjective best describes these signs?
□threatening
□alarming
□anomaly
□ominous
7.
An inspector is required to examine twenty safety points but glances around for thirty seconds, signs the form, and leaves. Which adjective most precisely describes the inspection?
□careless
□perfunctory
□negligent
□brief
8.
After months of unsuccessful applications, a student becomes convinced that nothing will improve and nearly gives up trying. Which adjective most precisely describes the student?
□morose
□discouraged
□despondent
□pessimistic
9.
While a committee is deciding how to spend limited emergency funds, one member proposes using the money for decorative balloons and novelty hats. Which adjective most precisely describes the proposal?
□austere
□superfluous
□silly
□frivolous
10.
An editor checks every quotation, date, spelling, and source before publication because she refuses to risk even a small inaccuracy. Which adjective best describes her work?
□scrupulous
□meticulous
□thorough
□conscientious
11.
A young intern openly admits that she does not understand a business custom and asks a sincere question that more experienced employees would hesitate to ask. Which adjective best describes her manner?
□acumen
□candid
□ingenuous
□naive
12.
After a difficult dispute, two neighbors calmly agree on a solution and continue speaking to each other respectfully. Which adjective most precisely describes their settlement?
□civil
□amicable
□cordial
□peaceful
Section 6 Synonyms
Choose the word that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
S1.
INSIPID:
□inspired
□vivid
□bland
□spicy
S2.
CRYPTIC:
□mysterious
□ordinary
□obvious
□critical
S3.
PROSAIC:
□mundane
□poetic
□imaginative
□dramatic
S4.
ACRIMONIOUS:
□peaceful
□bitter
□friendly
□ceremonious
S5.
STOIC:
□static
□emotional
□uncomplaining
□fearful
S6.
HAUGHTY:
□naughty
□friendly
□humble
□arrogant
S7.
MOROSE:
□energetic
□cheerful
□gloomy
□morbid
S8.
CAUSTIC:
□scathing
□cautious
□gentle
□chemical
S9.
COPIOUS:
□careful
□scarce
□copied
□abundant
S10.
CONTRITE:
□contrary
□remorseful
□angry
□proud
S11.
SOLEMN:
□serious
□cheerful
□solitary
□casual
S12.
BENIGN:
□severe
□benevolent
□harmless
□dangerous
S13.
INGENUOUS:
□devious
□experienced
□ingenious
□innocent
S14.
PLACID:
□agitated
□calm
□obedient
□acidic
S15.
SCRUPULOUS:
□careless
□conscientious
□dishonest
□scruffy
S16.
BELLIGERENT:
□defensive
□intelligent
□peaceful
□aggressive
S17.
DOCILE:
□obedient
□defiant
□fragile
□active
S18.
IMMINENT:
□distant
□eminent
□impending
□unlikely
S19.
SUPERFLUOUS:
□essential
□superficial
□useful
□unnecessary
S20.
ERUDITE:
□learned
□ignorant
□energetic
□rude
S21.
NEGLIGENT:
□careful
□obedient
□careless
□negligible
S22.
AMICABLE:
□distant
□friendly
□formal
□hostile
S23.
ADROIT:
□careful
□skillful
□adored
□awkward
S24.
FRIVOLOUS:
□trivial
□serious
□useful
□fragrant
S25.
DESPONDENT:
□angry
□dependent
□hopeless
□hopeful
S26.
EXUBERANT:
□gloomy
□extravagant
□quiet
□enthusiastic
S27.
RECALCITRANT:
□obedient
□defiant
□calculating
□careful
S28.
APATHETIC:
□indifferent
□worried
□pathetic
□eager
S29.
OMINOUS:
□reassuring
□obvious
□threatening
□immediate
S30.
PERFUNCTORY:
□enthusiastic
□functional
□thorough
□cursory
Section 7 Cumulative Reading
Read the passage carefully. You may underline words you recognise from this lesson and earlier lessons.
The Debate That Nearly Fell Apart
The student council expected a lively debate about whether to convert an unused courtyard into a garden. Instead, the first meeting became acrimonious. Supporters accused their opponents of being apathetic about the environment, while one belligerent student interrupted anyone who disagreed with him. Another speaker made several caustic remarks about the gardening club. By the end, even students who had arrived in an amicable mood were frustrated.
Maya, the council president, knew that another meeting conducted in the same way would accomplish nothing. She was adroit at managing tense situations, but she was also circumspect. Rather than immediately choosing a side, she asked both groups to submit their strongest evidence. The gardening club produced copious notes about costs, water use, and maintenance. Its opponents argued that the courtyard was one of the few placid places where students could sit quietly during lunch.
At the next meeting, Maya established strict rules: no interruptions, no personal attacks, and no superfluous comments that merely repeated earlier points. One student remained recalcitrant and complained about every rule, but most participants cooperated. An erudite science teacher explained that several proposed plants were benign and would not attract dangerous insects. He also warned that neglecting regular maintenance could create problems later.
Then dark clouds gathered outside, and an ominous rumble of thunder interrupted the discussion. With a storm apparently imminent, Maya shortened the meeting. Before dismissing everyone, however, she asked each side to identify one reasonable compromise. The result was surprisingly constructive. The gardening club agreed to preserve half of the courtyard as open seating, while opponents accepted a smaller garden along the sunny wall.
At the final vote, the mood was solemn rather than exuberant because everyone understood that neither side had received everything it wanted. Still, the compromise passed overwhelmingly. Even the student who had made the harshest comments appeared contrite and apologized. The project did more than improve a neglected courtyard; it also ameliorated a conflict that had nearly divided the council.
Section 8 Reading & Application
Answer the questions using the passage. For the written questions, reply in complete sentences on the lines provided.
1.
Why does Maya ask both groups to submit their strongest evidence before she chooses a side?
□She wants to delay the vote until the garden proposal is forgotten.
□She has already decided to support the gardening club.
□She wants to consider both positions carefully before deciding how to proceed.
□She wants the science teacher to make the final decision.
2.
What effect do Maya's rules have on the second meeting?
□They cause most students to leave before the discussion begins.
□They help most participants discuss the issue more constructively.
□They allow the recalcitrant student to control the discussion.
□They prevent either side from presenting evidence.
3.
Why does the final compromise succeed?
□Each side accepts part of what the other side wants.
□The approaching storm forces the council to approve the original proposal.
□The gardening club receives permission to use the entire courtyard.
□The opponents abandon their concerns about losing the courtyard.
4.
How does the behavior of the student who made the harshest comments change by the end of the passage?
5.
Describe a disagreement that could begin in an acrimonious way but eventually become amicable. Explain what might cause the change.
6.
Describe a situation in which someone would need to be both adroit and scrupulous. Explain why both qualities would matter.
7.
Write about a person facing an imminent problem after noticing an ominous warning. Show how the person could respond in a stoic way.
Section 9 Final Retrieval
Close the workbook to the previous sections. Write the word for each meaning from memory.
1.
A once-polite negotiation turns bitter, with both sides exchanging angry personal accusations. Which vocabulary word best describes the negotiation?
2.
A student is given several chances to participate but shows no interest in the project or its outcome. Which vocabulary word best describes the student?
3.
An unsigned note contains a puzzling statement whose real meaning is difficult to determine. Which vocabulary word best describes the note?
4.
A student speaks as though everyone else is beneath her and unworthy of her attention. Which vocabulary word best describes her attitude?
5.
A lake remains peaceful and smooth even as a light breeze crosses the water. Which vocabulary word best describes the lake?
6.
A player aggressively challenges opponents and seems eager to start an argument after every call. Which vocabulary word best describes the player?
7.
A supposedly imaginative story turns out to be ordinary, dull, and completely predictable. Which vocabulary word best describes it?
8.
Two former rivals settle their disagreement peacefully and leave the meeting on friendly terms. Which vocabulary word best describes the settlement?
9.
A proposal wastes valuable meeting time on an issue with no serious purpose or importance. Which vocabulary word best describes the proposal?
10.
A review uses biting sarcasm to ridicule an author's mistakes. Which vocabulary word best describes the reviewer's remarks?
11.
Students shout, laugh, and jump with energetic excitement after hearing that they won the competition. Which vocabulary word best describes them?
12.
After recognizing the harm she caused, a student sincerely apologizes and accepts responsibility. Which vocabulary word best describes her?
13.
Everyone remains serious and quiet during a formal ceremony honoring people who died. Which vocabulary word best describes the mood?
14.
Tests show that an unusual medical condition is harmless and poses no threat. Which vocabulary word best describes it?
15.
A normally friendly person becomes gloomy, withdrawn, and irritable for several days. Which vocabulary word best describes the person?
16.
A meal looks attractive but has almost no flavor, while the conversation at dinner is equally dull. Which vocabulary word could describe both?
17.
A reporter fills page after page with detailed notes during an interview. Which vocabulary word best describes the amount of notes?
18.
An inexperienced student openly asks a sincere question without trying to hide what he does not know. Which vocabulary word best describes his manner?
19.
After repeated failures, an inventor loses nearly all hope that the project will succeed. Which vocabulary word best describes the inventor?
20.
A scholar's conversation reveals an extraordinary amount of knowledge gained through years of study. Which vocabulary word best describes the scholar?
21.
A large animal calmly obeys every command and is easy for an inexperienced trainer to manage. Which vocabulary word best describes it?
22.
A required inspection is completed quickly with almost no attention or interest. Which vocabulary word best describes the inspection?
23.
A supervisor repeatedly ignores required safety checks and fails to provide proper care. Which vocabulary word best describes the supervisor?
24.
An editor removes several sentences because they add nothing necessary to an already complete explanation. Which vocabulary word best describes those sentences?
25.
Although he is in considerable pain, a patient remains calm and does not complain. Which vocabulary word best describes him?
26.
A researcher checks every figure and source because accuracy and honesty are extremely important to her. Which vocabulary word best describes her?
27.
The sudden silence, darkening sky, and distant sirens seem to signal that something bad is approaching. Which vocabulary word best describes these signs?
28.
An employee stubbornly refuses to follow reasonable rules despite repeated warnings. Which vocabulary word best describes the employee?
29.
A mediator handles a complicated conflict so skillfully that both sides accept her solution. Which vocabulary word best describes the mediator?
30.
Emergency officials warn that a dangerous storm will reach the area within minutes. Which vocabulary word best describes the storm's arrival?