English Vocabulary (Unit 15)

Question 1

abase (v.)

Answer 1

to lower in esteem, degrade; to humble

Question 2

actuate (v.)

Answer 2

to move to action; to impel

Question 3

avert (v.)

Answer 3

to turn aside, turn away; to prevent, avoid

Question 4

boorish (adj.)

Answer 4

rude, unrefined; clumsy

Question 5

brunt (n.)

Answer 5

the main impact, force, or burden

Question 6

combatant (n. and adj.)

Answer 6

(n. ) a fighter

(adj. ) engaged in fighting

Question 7

dormant (adj.)

Answer 7

inactive; in a state of suspension; sleeping

Question 8

dubious (adj.)

Answer 8

causing uncertainty or suspicion; in a doubtful or uncertain state of mind, hesitant

Question 9

harangue (v. and n.)

Answer 9

(v. ) to deliver a loud, ranting speech

(n. ) a loud speech

Question 10

harry (adj.)

Answer 10

to make a destructive raid on; to torment, harass

Question 11

impenitent (adj.)

Answer 11

not feeling remorse or sorrow for errors or offenses

e.g., His impenitent demeanor during the trial probably encouraged the judge to impose a harsh sentence

Question 12

knave (n.)

Answer 12

a tricky, unprincipled, or deceitful fellow

e.g., Her friends always knew that knave of a first husband was only after inheritance

Question 13

legion (n. and adj.)

Answer 13

(n. ) a large military force; any large group or number

(adj. ) many, numerous

Question 14

liberality (n.)

Answer 14

generosity, generous act; breadth ofmind or outlook

Question 15

plaintiff (n.)

Answer 15

one who begins a lawsuit

Question 16

probe (v. and n.)

Answer 16

(v. ) to examine, investigate thoroughly

(n. ) an investigation; a device used to explore or examine

Question 17

protract (v.)

Answer 17

(v.) to draw out orlengthen in space or time

Question 18

quarry (v.)

Answer 18

(v. ) to cut or take from (or as if from) a quarry

(n. ) a place from which stone is taken; something that is hunted or pursued

Question 19

spurn (v.)

Answer 19

to refuse with scorn, disdain

Question 20

subterfuge (n.)

Answer 20

an excuse or trick for escaping or hiding something