Vocab Unit 12

Question 1

abound

Answer 1

(v.) to be plentiful, be filled

Lush fruit trees abound in the orchards.

Question 2

clarification

Answer 2

(n.) the act of making clear or understandable, an explanation

Reporters asked for clarification of the president’s statement so they could report it accurately.

Question 3

leisurely

Answer 3

(adj.) unhurried, taking plenty of time; (adv.) in an easygoing or unhurried way

My parents enjoy taking a leisurely stroll through the park. We ate leisurely and spent hours talking.

Question 4

malady

Answer 4

(n.) a sickness, illness, disease, disorder

Rheumatic fever, usually a childhood malady can cause damage to the heart.

Question 5

nomadic

Answer 5

(adj.) wandering, moving about from place to place

Many groups in the dessert live a nomadic life.

Question 6

piecemeal

Answer 6

(adj.) one piece at a time; (adv.) gradually

The committee’s piecemeal approach to the problem was taking more time and money than the board could afford.
Patchwork quilts are sewn piecemeal.

Question 7

quest

Answer 7

(n.) a search, hunt; (v.) to search, seek, ask

In quest of a safe water route, they journey more than 3,000 miles.
Diplomats quest for peaceful solutions to global problems.

Question 8

random

Answer 8

(adj.) by chance, not planned or prearranged; irregular

According to a random sampling of voters, Proposition 10 will be approved.

Question 9

reinforce

Answer 9

(v.) to make stronger with new materials or support

They used steel beams to reinforce the structure of the building.

Question 10

status

Answer 10

(n.) a persons condition or position in the eyes of the law

Winning the prestigious book award boosted the young writers literary status.

Question 11

braggart

Answer 11

(n.) a boaster
(adj.) boast in an annoying way

There seems to be a braggart in every family, who boasts about his or her achievements and worth.

Greek mythology is filled with braggart gods and heroes who take great pride in their deeds and skills.

Question 12

cache

Answer 12

(n.) a hiding place; something hidden or stoned

We found a cache of canned food hidden under the stairs in the cellar.

Question 13

despondent

Answer 13

(adj.) sad, without hope, discouraged

The doctor was despondent over the loss of his patient and dear friend.

Question 14

embezzle

Answer 14

(v.) to steal property entrusted to ones care

The senators aside lost his job when he was caught trying to embezzle campaign funds.

Question 15

heartrending

Answer 15

(adj.) causing mental pain or grief

The survivor told a heartrending story about the shipwreck and the days she spent alone on the island.

Question 16

lethargic

Answer 16

(adj.) unnaturally sleepy; dull, slow moving

The twins often become lethargic after eating a large meal at their grandparents house.

Question 17

mellow

Answer 17

(adj.) ripe, soft, sweet and rich
(v.) to become gentle and sweet

Hawaii is known for its mellow fruit, all of which is ripe and juicy.

Mom continued to hope that her upstart brother would mellow with age and experience.

Question 18

rant

Answer 18

(v.) to speak wildly and noisily
(n.) loud

When a speaker began to rant like a rabble-rouser, the crowd shouted him down.

Listening to the rant of the radio personality makes me want to give up on talk shows.

Question 19

seclusion

Answer 19

(n.) isolation from others, solitude

Some actors choose to live in seclusion away from the prying eyes of journalists.

Question 20

turmoil

Answer 20

(n.) a state of great confusion or disorder

For many years after the Civil War, the South remained a society in turmoil.