harsh, rude, or irritating in manner or behavior
His abrasive tone made a reasonable suggestion sound like an insult.
Tim's Teachers Vocabulary Mastery
High-Utility Vocabulary for ISEE & SSAT
Chapter
6
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.
abrasive
adjective 粗鲁的；令人不快的
benevolent
adjective 仁慈的；慈善的
kind and generous, especially toward people in need
A benevolent donor quietly paid for new library books at the community center.
capricious
adjective 反复无常的；任性的
changing suddenly and unpredictably, often for no clear reason
The capricious weather shifted from sunshine to hail within an hour.
circumspect
adjective 谨慎的；慎重的
careful to consider possible risks before acting or speaking
The reporter was circumspect when discussing a claim that had not yet been verified.
clandestine
adjective 秘密的；暗中的
kept secret because it is improper, illegal, or meant to be hidden
The students discovered that the club had been holding clandestine meetings after the building closed.
condescending
adjective 居高临下的；傲慢的
showing that one believes oneself superior to others
Her condescending explanation made the experienced volunteers feel as if they were children.
conjecture
noun 推测；猜想
a conclusion or guess based on incomplete evidence
Without the missing records, the historian's explanation remained a conjecture.
contemptuous
adjective 轻蔑的；鄙视的
showing strong disrespect or scorn
He gave a contemptuous laugh when his opponent began speaking.
disdain
noun 鄙视；轻蔑
a feeling that someone or something is unworthy of respect
She spoke about the dishonest practice with obvious disdain.
eccentric
adjective 古怪的；异乎寻常的
unconventional and noticeably different from what is considered normal
The eccentric inventor wore mismatched shoes and kept notes on scraps of cardboard.
enigmatic
adjective 神秘的；难以理解的
mysterious and difficult to understand or explain
The final line of the poem remained enigmatic even after several readings.
fervent
adjective 热烈的；热诚的
showing strong and sincere enthusiasm or emotion
The speaker made a fervent appeal for the town to protect its wetlands.
forthright
adjective 直率的；坦诚的
direct, honest, and straightforward in speech or behavior
Her forthright response admitted the mistake instead of trying to hide it.
hackneyed
adjective 陈腐的；老套的
overused so often that it has become dull or unoriginal
The editor removed several hackneyed phrases that made the essay sound predictable.
incongruous
adjective 不协调的；不合适的
not fitting together naturally or seeming out of place
The neon plastic chair looked incongruous in the formal historic room.
indolent
adjective 懒惰的；懒散的
habitually lazy and avoiding effort
The indolent student repeatedly avoided tasks that required sustained effort.
innocuous
adjective 无害的；无恶意的
harmless and not likely to cause damage or offense
The message seemed innocuous, so no one expected it to cause a problem.
intrepid
adjective 无畏的；勇敢的
fearless and willing to face danger or difficulty
The intrepid rescue team entered the flooded area despite the difficult conditions.
mundane
adjective 平凡的；日常的
ordinary, routine, and lacking excitement or special interest
Sorting old receipts was a mundane task, but it helped the team find the missing expense.
nonchalant
adjective 若无其事的；漠不关心的
calm and unconcerned in a way that may seem surprisingly casual
He appeared nonchalant before the final round, even though everyone else was nervous.
ostentatious
adjective 炫耀的；浮华的
designed to attract attention or impress others by displaying wealth or importance
The lobby's gold walls and enormous chandelier seemed unnecessarily ostentatious.
precocious
adjective 早熟的；超前发展的
developing abilities or maturity earlier than is usual
The precocious ten-year-old could discuss astronomy with high school students.
pretentious
adjective 自命不凡的；炫耀的
trying to seem more important, intelligent, or impressive than one really is
The review sounded pretentious because it used complicated terms to describe very simple ideas.
prolific
adjective 多产的；丰富的
producing many works, results, or offspring
The prolific author published more than forty novels during her career.
reticent
adjective 沉默寡言的；不愿透露的
unwilling to speak freely about one's thoughts or feelings
Although friendly in class, Elena was reticent about discussing her family.
reverent
adjective 恭敬的；虔敬的
showing deep respect or admiration
The visitors became quiet and reverent as they entered the memorial.
sagacious
adjective 睿智的；有远见的
showing wise judgment and good understanding
The sagacious coach knew when to challenge the team and when to let the players rest.
succinct
adjective 简洁的；言简意赅的
expressed clearly and briefly without unnecessary words
His succinct explanation answered the question in only two clear sentences.
turbulent
adjective 动荡的；混乱的
marked by disorder, conflict, rapid change, or violent movement
The country experienced a turbulent decade of protests, reforms, and leadership changes.
vindictive
adjective 报复心强的；怀恨的
having a strong desire to punish someone for a real or imagined wrong
Her vindictive response focused on revenge rather than solving the original disagreement.
Section 2 Immediate Retrieval
Write the word that matches each meaning. Do not look back at the word cards.
1.
What word describes strong and sincere enthusiasm or emotion?
2.
What word describes speech that is direct, honest, and straightforward?
3.
What word means a feeling that someone or something is unworthy of respect?
4.
What word describes someone who carefully considers risks before acting or speaking?
5.
What word describes a period marked by disorder, conflict, and rapid change?
6.
What word describes someone fearless and willing to face danger or difficulty?
7.
What word describes behavior intended to make someone seem more important or sophisticated than they really are?
8.
What word describes someone who appears calmly unconcerned in a surprisingly casual way?
9.
What word describes someone or something noticeably unconventional or unusual?
10.
What word describes an explanation that is clear and brief without unnecessary words?
11.
What word describes an attitude that shows strong disrespect or scorn?
12.
What word describes an activity deliberately kept secret because it is not meant to be discovered?
13.
What word describes something harmless and unlikely to cause damage or offense?
14.
What word describes someone unwilling to speak freely about personal thoughts or feelings?
15.
What word describes something deliberately showy and designed to impress others?
16.
What word describes someone who habitually avoids effort because of laziness?
17.
What word describes an expression that has been overused until it seems dull or unoriginal?
18.
What word means a conclusion or guess made from incomplete evidence?
19.
What word describes something ordinary, routine, and lacking excitement?
20.
What word describes a child who develops abilities or maturity unusually early?
21.
What word describes someone who strongly wants revenge for a real or imagined wrong?
22.
What word describes a manner that treats other people as if they are less capable or important?
23.
What word describes someone who shows wise judgment and strong understanding?
24.
What word describes behavior that shows deep respect or admiration?
25.
What word describes someone who produces a large amount of work?
26.
What word describes something that seems out of place because it does not fit its surroundings?
27.
What word describes behavior that changes suddenly and unpredictably without a clear reason?
28.
What word describes something mysterious and difficult to understand?
29.
What word describes a manner that is harsh and irritating to other people?
30.
What word describes someone who is kind and generous toward people in need?
Section 3 Review from Earlier Chapters
These words come from earlier lessons. Use what you remember - the meanings are not repeated here.
1.
The store offered a refund to ______ customers who were angry about the delay.
2.
Which earlier word best completes the sentence?
□reward
□appoint
□praise
□censure
3.
The manager spoke honestly and directly. Which earlier vocabulary word fits?
4.
The new counselor's ______ manner made nervous students feel comfortable immediately.
5.
Which earlier word best completes the sentence?
□reward
□consult
□admonish
□praise
6.
The students publicly supported a proposed change. Which earlier vocabulary word fits?
7.
Maya felt ______ while waiting to hear whether she had made the team.
8.
Which earlier word best completes the sentence?
□ignore
□bolster
□replace
□weaken
9.
The storm became less severe. Which earlier vocabulary word fits?
10.
Even after several requests, the principal remained ______ that the rule would not change.
11.
Which earlier word best completes the sentence?
□articulate
□hesitant
□rambling
□vague
12.
The group reluctantly accepted the decision without further protest. Which earlier vocabulary word fits?
Section 4 Context Practice
Choose the word that best completes each sentence. Fill in one box for each question.
1.
Her ______ answer admitted exactly what had happened without excuses or evasions.
□articulate
□affable
□assertive
□forthright
2.
His ______ plan was designed to punish a former friend long after the original argument had ended.
□vindictive
□resentful
□indignant
□contentious
3.
The instructor's ______ tone suggested that the adult learners could not understand even simple ideas.
□condescending
□dismissive
□forthright
□abrasive
4.
Without direct evidence, the historian's explanation remained only ______.
□hypothesis
□conjecture
□articulate
□assumption
5.
Although usually sociable, Marcus was ______ when anyone asked about his private worries.
□taciturn
□apprehensive
□reticent
□reclusive
6.
The manager's ______ decisions changed from day to day depending on his mood.
□orthodox
□adamant
□censure
□capricious
7.
The group held ______ meetings after hours so that school officials would not discover its prohibited activities.
□restricted
□clandestine
□private
□confidential
8.
The scientist was considered ______ because she kept unusual hours and filled her office with antique clocks.
□reclusive
□whimsical
□erratic
□eccentric
9.
He spoke with open ______ about the dishonest shortcut, making it clear that he had no respect for it.
□resentment
□animosity
□disdain
□skepticism
10.
The ______ climbers continued the rescue despite freezing wind and dangerous terrain.
□intrepid
□tenacious
□bolster
□audacious
11.
The mansion's marble fountains and gold-covered gates seemed deliberately ______.
□luxurious
□ornate
□ostentatious
□pretentious
12.
The ______ worker avoided every task that required sustained effort, even when he had plenty of energy.
□lethargic
□admonish
□complacent
□indolent
13.
The ______ adviser anticipated problems that no one else had noticed and recommended a practical solution.
□sagacious
□experienced
□cautious
□appease
14.
She sounded ______ about the interview, as if the outcome did not concern her at all.
□indifferent
□nonchalant
□complacent
□stoic
15.
Their appeal was ______ and urged the school to preserve the old theater.
□adamant
□diligent
□indignant
□fervent
16.
The ______ researcher published dozens of influential papers during a single decade.
□consistent
□diligent
□prolific
□creative
17.
Her ______ response answered the question clearly in only three sentences.
□direct
□succinct
□articulate
□superficial
18.
The comment seemed ______ and caused no offense or harm.
□innocuous
□minor
□superficial
□ordinary
Section 5 Semantic Discrimination
All four words are close in meaning. Choose the one that fits the situation most precisely.
1.
A giant inflatable flamingo sits in the middle of a formal museum gallery and clearly does not fit the setting. Which word fits most precisely?
□eccentric
□eclectic
□conspicuous
□incongruous
2.
A competitor sneers and acts as though the opposing team is beneath respect. Which word fits most precisely?
□contemptuous
□dismissive
□articulate
□hostile
3.
A wealthy neighbor quietly funds meals for struggling families without seeking attention. Which word fits most precisely?
□affable
□bolster
□benevolent
□magnanimous
4.
A speaker fills a simple explanation with unnecessary academic terms mainly to sound more sophisticated. Which word fits most precisely?
□superficial
□pretentious
□articulate
□formal
5.
A task consists of entering routine data into the same form every afternoon. Which word fits most precisely?
□mundane
□trivial
□adamant
□conventional
6.
Before commenting on a sensitive issue, a spokesperson carefully considers what could go wrong if the statement is misunderstood. Which word fits most precisely?
□reserved
□reticent
□methodical
□circumspect
7.
A note contains clues but remains mysterious even after careful analysis. Which word fits most precisely?
□obscure
□ambiguous
□enigmatic
□subtle
8.
A manager's comments are not dishonest, but the harsh and irritating way he speaks makes coworkers avoid him. Which word fits most precisely?
□condescending
□abrasive
□forthright
□blunt
9.
A slogan has appeared in so many advertisements that it now sounds stale and unoriginal. Which word fits most precisely?
□superficial
□conventional
□orthodox
□hackneyed
10.
A decade includes protests, government changes, economic crises, and repeated social conflict. Which word fits most precisely?
□volatile
□contentious
□turbulent
□abate
11.
Visitors lower their voices and behave with deep respect at a national memorial. Which word fits most precisely?
□solemn
□reverent
□deferential
□sentimental
12.
An eight-year-old writes music at a level normally expected from much older students. Which word fits most precisely?
□precocious
□candid
□articulate
□talented
Section 6 Synonyms
Choose the word that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
S1.
INDOLENT:
□active
□industrious
□diligent
□lazy
S2.
ECCENTRIC:
□ordinary
□unconventional
□standard
□typical
S3.
REVERENT:
□mocking
□contemptuous
□irreverent
□respectful
S4.
CIRCUMSPECT:
□cautious
□careless
□impulsive
□reckless
S5.
PRECOCIOUS:
□delayed
□advanced
□ordinary
□immature
S6.
CONJECTURE:
□fact
□certainty
□speculation
□proof
S7.
FERVENT:
□passionate
□apathetic
□cool
□indifferent
S8.
OSTENTATIOUS:
□modest
□plain
□showy
□subtle
S9.
PROLIFIC:
□barren
□idle
□scarce
□productive
S10.
CONTEMPTUOUS:
□respectful
□scornful
□admiring
□grateful
S11.
CONDESCENDING:
□humble
□respectful
□patronizing
□deferential
S12.
DISDAIN:
□admiration
□scorn
□respect
□approval
S13.
CAPRICIOUS:
□fickle
□reliable
□steady
□deliberate
S14.
ABRASIVE:
□pleasant
□gentle
□reserved
□harsh
S15.
PRETENTIOUS:
□sincere
□genuine
□affected
□modest
S16.
MUNDANE:
□remarkable
□exceptional
□exciting
□ordinary
S17.
BENEVOLENT:
□hostile
□charitable
□formal
□selfish
S18.
RETICENT:
□reserved
□open
□talkative
□forthcoming
S19.
INTREPID:
□anxious
□timid
□hesitant
□fearless
S20.
SUCCINCT:
□verbose
□brief
□lengthy
□rambling
S21.
FORTHRIGHT:
□direct
□vague
□evasive
□guarded
S22.
CLANDESTINE:
□open
□public
□secret
□official
S23.
INCONGRUOUS:
□incompatible
□harmonious
□fitting
□suitable
S24.
ENIGMATIC:
□plain
□explicit
□mysterious
□obvious
S25.
VINDICTIVE:
□generous
□magnanimous
□forgiving
□spiteful
S26.
NONCHALANT:
□worried
□unconcerned
□anxious
□agitated
S27.
TURBULENT:
□peaceful
□orderly
□chaotic
□stable
S28.
SAGACIOUS:
□naive
□reckless
□foolish
□wise
S29.
HACKNEYED:
□stale
□fresh
□original
□novel
S30.
INNOCUOUS:
□harmful
□harmless
□dangerous
□offensive
Section 7 Cumulative Reading
Read the passage carefully. You may underline words you recognise from this lesson and earlier lessons.
The Enigmatic Inventor
While researching a local history project, Maya's class became interested in Elias Venn, an eccentric inventor who had lived in their town a century earlier. Venn had been prolific, producing dozens of devices, yet he was also reclusive and gave few interviews. Most surviving newspaper articles described him as enigmatic. One even repeated a hackneyed story that he had built a machine capable of predicting storms, but the article offered no evidence.
The students decided to investigate more carefully. Their teacher urged them to be circumspect because several popular accounts mixed fact with conjecture. At the historical society, they found letters written by Venn's former assistant. The assistant was surprisingly forthright about Venn's difficult personality, describing his manner as abrasive but also praising his benevolent habit of repairing farm equipment for families who could not afford help. Another letter mentioned clandestine experiments conducted at night, although it did not explain why they were secret.
A normally reticent archivist then showed the class a sealed box of documents that had recently been donated. Inside were technical sketches, personal notes, and a succinct journal entry about a severe flood. The entry described Venn joining an intrepid group that crossed dangerous water to rescue two trapped families. The students found the account poignant because it contrasted sharply with the cold image presented in earlier newspapers. They also discovered that one supposedly mysterious machine had a mundane purpose: it measured river levels.
By the end of the project, the class had a more coherent view of Venn. He was neither the brilliant hero nor the strange failure described in older stories. The students concluded that the truth was more complex. Their most sagacious decision was to separate what the evidence could establish from what remained speculation. Instead of repeating dramatic legends, they built their exhibit around corroborated records and clearly labeled every remaining conjecture.
Section 8 Reading & Application
Answer the questions using the passage. For the written questions, reply in complete sentences on the lines provided.
1.
Why did the teacher urge the class to be circumspect when researching Elias Venn?
□Some popular accounts mixed established facts with unsupported guesses.
□The teacher wanted the class to finish the project as quickly as possible.
□The teacher wanted students to avoid the historical society.
□The teacher believed all of Venn's inventions were dangerous.
2.
How did the assistant's letters change the students' understanding of Venn?
□They showed that Venn's assistant had invented the stories about him.
□They proved that Venn had never built any useful machines.
□They showed that Venn could be difficult in manner while also acting generously toward people in need.
□They revealed that every newspaper account about Venn was accurate.
3.
Why did the students find the flood journal entry especially important?
□It proved that Venn had caused the flood through an experiment.
□It explained how Venn's storm-prediction machine worked.
□It showed that the archivist had hidden documents from the public.
□It revealed courageous behavior that challenged the colder image found in earlier accounts.
4.
What principle guided the class when it created the final exhibit?
5.
Describe a situation in which someone should be circumspect before accepting a conjecture.
6.
Explain how someone can be forthright without becoming abrasive.
7.
Describe how a sagacious person might respond differently from a vindictive person after being treated unfairly.
Section 9 Final Retrieval
Close the workbook to the previous sections. Write the word for each meaning from memory.
1.
Someone remains focused on punishing another person long after a disagreement. Which lesson word fits?
2.
Someone has harmless but highly unconventional habits that make the person stand out. Which lesson word fits?
3.
A child shows advanced ability much earlier than is usual. Which lesson word fits?
4.
A person feels that a dishonest practice is beneath respect. Which lesson word fits?
5.
An explanation states the essential idea clearly with very few words. Which lesson word fits?
6.
A person's words are not dishonest, but the harsh manner irritates everyone nearby. Which lesson word fits?
7.
A period is filled with conflict, disorder, and rapid change. Which lesson word fits?
8.
Visitors behave with deep respect at a memorial. Which lesson word fits?
9.
A display is deliberately showy and designed to impress others with wealth or importance. Which lesson word fits?
10.
A sociable person becomes unwilling to discuss private thoughts or feelings. Which lesson word fits?
11.
An adviser gives unusually wise judgment based on deep understanding. Which lesson word fits?
12.
A leader changes decisions suddenly according to mood rather than a consistent rule. Which lesson word fits?
13.
An object clearly looks out of place in its surroundings. Which lesson word fits?
14.
Someone carefully considers possible risks before making a public statement. Which lesson word fits?
15.
A task is routine, ordinary, and not especially interesting. Which lesson word fits?
16.
A message remains mysterious even after careful study. Which lesson word fits?
17.
A witness gives a direct and honest answer to an uncomfortable question. Which lesson word fits?
18.
Someone openly shows scorn and treats another person as beneath respect. Which lesson word fits?
19.
A phrase has been repeated so often that it now sounds stale and unoriginal. Which lesson word fits?
20.
Someone quietly uses personal resources to help families in need. Which lesson word fits?
21.
A rescue worker willingly enters a dangerous area to help others. Which lesson word fits?
22.
A speaker expresses intense and sincere support for a cause. Which lesson word fits?
23.
Someone repeatedly avoids work because of habitual laziness. Which lesson word fits?
24.
Someone appears surprisingly calm and unconcerned before an important event. Which lesson word fits?
25.
Someone uses unnecessary sophistication mainly to seem more impressive. Which lesson word fits?
26.
A writer or researcher produces an unusually large amount of work. Which lesson word fits?
27.
A remark causes no harm or offense. Which lesson word fits?
28.
A proposed explanation is based on incomplete evidence and has not been proved. Which lesson word fits?
29.
An activity is deliberately hidden because the participants do not want authorities to discover it. Which lesson word fits?
30.
A speaker talks to capable adults as though they are inferior or unintelligent. Which lesson word fits?