Chapter 1

Question 1

An ‘insular’ community that is not receptive of new ideas.

Answer 1

1. of, relating to, or constituting an island

2. characteristic of isolated people

Question 2

Tie the rowboat up at the ‘wharf’!

Answer 2

a structure built along or at an angle from the shore of navigable waters so that ships may lie alongside to receive and discharge cargo and passengers

Question 3

1. There is the ‘commerce’ of travelers, which is by no means inconsiderable; and there is the ‘commerce’ of Mind.
2. Probably it will be done some time, but in the interests of ‘commerce’ rather than war.

Answer 3

1. the exchange or buying and selling of commodities on a large scale involving transportation from place to place
2. social relations : interchange of ideas, opinions, or sentiments

Question 4

A lone ‘sentinel’ kept watch over the fort.

Answer 4

sentry; guard; watch

Question 5

We were fishing at the ‘pierhead’.

Answer 5

the outer end of a wharf

Question 6

1. Building a ‘bulwark’ in the harbor

2. These democratic principles will stand as a ‘bulwark’ against tyranny.

Answer 6

1. a solid wall-like structure raised for defense

2. a strong support or protection

Question 7

1. ‘Suffice’ it to say that they are dedicated, serious personalities!
2. Her example alone should ‘suffice’ to show that anything is possible.

Answer 7

1. (intransitive) to meet or satisfy a need : be sufficient

2. (transitive) to be enough for

Question 8

It is tossed hither and ‘thither’, swayed by the wind.

Answer 8

1. (adv.) to that place : there

2. (adj.) being on the more remote side

Question 9

There is no ‘infallible’ remedy to these problems.

Answer 9

1. incapable of error

2. not liable to mislead, deceive, or disappoint : certain

Question 10

He is in ‘robust’ health.

The sauce has a ‘robust’ flavor.

Answer 10

having or showing vigor, strength, or firmness

Question 11

The politician is revered by his supporters and ‘abominated’ by his enemies.

Answer 11

to hate or loathe intensely : abhor

Question 12

The play is about the ‘tribulation’ of a family of immigrants.

Answer 12

distress or suffering resulting from oppression or persecution

Question 13

‘Judicious’ planning now can prevent problems later.

Answer 13

having, exercising, or characterized by sound judgment

Question 14

‘Reverence’ for or worship of the dead is found in all societies, because belief in life after death is universal.

Answer 14

honor or respect felt or shown : deference

Question 15

These insects are capable of ‘inflicting’ a painful sting.

Answer 15

to cause pain or suffering to : afflict

Question 16

He is a gentlemanly and ‘urbane’ host of elegant dinner parties

Answer 16

notably polite or polished in manner

Question 17

She ‘consigned’ the painting to the auction house.

Answer 17

to give, transfer, or deliver into the hands or control of another

Question 18

Sinners are condemned to eternal ‘perdition’.

Answer 18

1. [archaic] utter destruction

2. loss; damnation

Question 19

Those teaching methods are still ‘prevalent’ at some schools.

Answer 19

1. [archaic] powerful
2. dominant
3. generally or widely accepted, practiced, or favored : widespread

Question 20

The boat was following close ‘astern’ our ship.

Answer 20

at the stern of a ship; back of a ship

Question 21

This advertisement is meant to ‘induce’ people to eat healthier.

Answer 21

1. to move by persuasion or influence; to call forth or bring about by influence or stimulation
2. effect; cause

Question 22

He ‘cajoled’ her into doing his laundry for him.

Answer 22

to persuade with flattery or gentle urging especially in the face of reluctance

Question 23

She is under the ‘delusion’ that we will finish on time.

Answer 23

the act of tricking or deceiving someone; the state of being deluded : illusion

Question 24

A red sky in the morning can be a ‘portent’ of a coming storm.

Answer 24

something that foreshadows a coming event : omen, sign

Question 25

This might seem like a ‘conceit’, but the end result will be overwhelmingly powerful.

Answer 25

1. a result of mental activity : thought
2. excessively favorable opinion of an individual’s importance, ability, e.t.c
3. fancy; fanciful idea