ADVANCED WORD POWER Second Edition BETH JOHNSON JANET

Unit Two: Chapter 9 • accolade • edifice • assuage • gravity • cacophony • infraction • censure • profane • diatribe • somber

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word. 1 accolade – noun • Many people rushed out to try the new Thai restaurant on Wayne Avenue after it received an accolade in a newspaper review. • Although it was filmed in 1941, Citizen Kane continues to earn accolades as one of the best movies ever made. Accolade means A. an expression of approval. B. an apology. C. a greeting. Photo: Shealah Craighead Accolades for a heroic citizen

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word. 1 accolade – noun • Many people rushed out to try the new Thai restaurant on Wayne Avenue after it received an accolade in a newspaper review. • Although it was filmed in 1941, Citizen Kane continues to earn accolades as one of the best movies ever made. Accolade means A. an expression of approval. B. an apology. C. a greeting. Photo: Shealah Craighead Accolades for a heroic citizen Only an expression of approval would send so many readers out to a new restaurant. Calling it “one of the best movies ever made” is one of many expressions of approval the film has earned.

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word. 2 assuage – verb • My brother’s apology helped to assuage my anger at him. • The grief one feels over the loss of a loved one never fully goes away, but time does assuage the pain. Assuage means A. to increase. B. to explain. C. to make less severe.

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word. 2 assuage – verb • My brother’s apology helped to assuage my anger at him. • The grief one feels over the loss of a loved one never fully goes away, but time does assuage the pain. Assuage means A. to increase. B. to explain. C. to make less severe. Offering an apology is a way to make another person’s anger less severe. Even though people continue to feel some grief, the passage of time can make their pain feel less severe.

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word. 3 cacophony – noun • “I bought my daughter an i. Pod, ” Gordon confessed, “so I wouldn’t have to listen to the cacophony that she calls music. ” • When we listen to the cacophony of orchestra members tuning their instruments, it is hard to believe that they will soon produce a beautiful symphony. Cacophony means A. harmony. B. unpleasant noise. C. silence. Photo: Alterna 2 Concert or cacophony?

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word. 3 cacophony – noun • “I bought my daughter an i. Pod, ” Gordon confessed, “so I wouldn’t have to listen to the cacophony that she calls music. ” • When we listen to the cacophony of orchestra members tuning their instruments, it is hard to believe that they will soon produce a beautiful symphony. Cacophony means A. harmony. B. unpleasant noise. C. silence. Photo: Alterna 2 Concert or cacophony? The father doesn’t want to listen to the unpleasant noise his daughter calls music. A beautiful symphony is contrasted with the unpleasant noise of an orchestra tuning up.

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word. 4 censure – noun • After Aaron got his ear pierced, he had to deal not only with his father’s censure, but also with his grandfather’s sarcastic remarks and icy stares. • Jodi’s parents were strongly opposed to her engagement. Unable to stand up to their censure, she broke up with her boyfriend. Censure means A. disapproval. B. tolerance. C. neglect.

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word. 4 censure – noun • After Aaron got his ear pierced, he had to deal not only with his father’s censure, but also with his grandfather’s sarcastic remarks and icy stares. • Jodi’s parents were strongly opposed to her engagement. Unable to stand up to their censure, she broke up with her boyfriend. Censure means A. disapproval. B. tolerance. C. neglect. Sarcastic remarks and icy stares show the grandfather’s disapproval. If Jodi’s parents were strongly opposed to her engagement, they probably showed their disapproval.

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word. 5 diatribe – noun • A reporter covering a preacher’s sermon sat through an hour-long diatribe about wickedness. He later wrote, “Mr. Blank spoke on sin. He was against it. ” • The art teacher, normally soft-spoken, subjected the class to a loud diatribe when he discovered that someone had spilled Coca-Cola on his computer. Diatribe means A. a calm discussion. B. a physical attack. C. a verbal attack.

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word. 5 diatribe – noun • A reporter covering a preacher’s sermon sat through an hour-long diatribe about wickedness. He later wrote, “Mr. Blank spoke on sin. He was against it. ” • The art teacher, normally soft-spoken, subjected the class to a loud diatribe when he discovered that someone had spilled Coca-Cola on his computer. Diatribe means A. a calm discussion. B. a physical attack. C. a verbal attack. If the preacher spoke against sin, his hour-long sermon must have been a verbal attack on wickedness. The teacher’s soft-spoken manner is contrasted with his loud verbal attack on the students for having carelessly spilled soda on his computer.

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word. 6 edifice – noun • On the college’s hundredth anniversary, a plaque was put up in honor of the architect who had designed its first edifice, now the administration building. • The company president decided to continue to rent office space, rather than buy a building. “It would be nice to move into a fine new edifice, ” she said, “but I’d rather spend the money on higher salaries and a better product. ” Edifice means A. a structure. B. an expense. C. a design. Photo: Jiuguang Wang A tall edifice

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word. 6 edifice – noun • On the college’s hundredth anniversary, a plaque was put up in honor of the architect who had designed its first edifice, now the administration building. • The company president decided to continue to rent office space, rather than buy a building. “It would be nice to move into a fine new edifice, ” she said, “but I’d rather spend the money on higher salaries and a better product. ” Edifice means A. a structure. B. an expense. C. a design. Photo: Jiuguang Wang In both items, the word building suggests that an edifice is a structure. A tall edifice

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word. 7 gravity – noun • “I’m not sure you understand the gravity of the crimes you are accused of, ” the lawyer told his client. “Do you realize you could go to prison for a very long time? ” • The anxious parents waited in the emergency room to learn the gravity of their son’s condition. Gravity means A. grief. B. seriousness. C. usefulness.

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word. 7 gravity – noun • “I’m not sure you understand the gravity of the crimes you are accused of, ” the lawyer told his client. “Do you realize you could go to prison for a very long time? ” • The anxious parents waited in the emergency room to learn the gravity of their son’s condition. Gravity means A. grief. B. seriousness. C. usefulness. Only crimes of great seriousness are punished by long prison terms. Most parents would be anxious to find out the seriousness of the medical condition that brought their child to the emergency room.

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word. 8 infraction – noun • “In my class, there will be no texting or other cell-phone use, ” said the instructor. “Any infraction of this rule will lead to a lower grade. ” • Mrs. Hoeffel charges her kids for household infractions. For instance, there is a five-cent fine for leaving towels on the bathroom floor and a twenty-five-cent fine for failing to turn off the living-room lights at bedtime. Infraction means A. an exception. B. an explanation. C. a violation.

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word. 8 infraction – noun • “In my class, there will be no texting or other cell-phone use, ” said the instructor. “Any infraction of this rule will lead to a lower grade. ” • Mrs. Hoeffel charges her kids for household infractions. For instance, there is a five-cent fine for leaving towels on the bathroom floor and a twenty-five-cent fine for failing to turn off the living-room lights at bedtime. Infraction means A. an exception. B. an explanation. C. a violation. The first item describes an instructor’s rule (no texting or cell-phone use) and the consequence for any violation (a lower grade). The second item describes a parent’s rules (no leaving towels on floors, no leaving lights on at bedtime) and the consequences for any violation (cash fines).

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word. 9 profane – adjective • Karen refuses to use profane language. She says “Oh my gosh” instead of “Oh my God. ” • Movies may get an “R” rating because of violence, sexual scenes, or profane dialog. Profane language Profane means A. lacking reverence. B. ungrammatical. C. hard to understand.

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word. 9 profane – adjective • Karen refuses to use profane language. She says “Oh my gosh” instead of “Oh my God. ” • Movies may get an “R” rating because of violence, sexual scenes, or profane dialog. Profane language Profane means A. lacking reverence. B. ungrammatical. C. hard to understand. Karen thinks it would be lacking reverence to use the word God to show surprise. Dialog that is lacking reverence is considered unsuitable for children.

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word. 10 somber – adjective • When I saw the doctor’s somber expression, I was afraid she had bad news for me. • The dark colors and heavy furniture in the house give it a somber look —I think it would be hard to laugh or even smile there. Somber means Photo: U. S. Air Force - Rusti Caraker A. very serious. B. cheerful. C. restful. A somber ceremony

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word. 10 somber – adjective • When I saw the doctor’s somber expression, I was afraid she had bad news for me. • The dark colors and heavy furniture in the house give it a somber look —I think it would be hard to laugh or even smile there. Somber means Photo: U. S. Air Force - Rusti Caraker A. very serious. B. cheerful. C. restful. A somber ceremony If the doctor had bad news for her patient, the expression on her face would be very serious. If it is hard to laugh or even smile in the house, the atmosphere must be very serious.

SENTENCE CHECK 1 Complete each item with the correct word from the box. A. accolade B. assuage C. cacophony D. censure E. diatribe F. edifice G. gravity H. infraction I. profane J. somber 1. If parents use _____ language around children, the children will most likely repeat it—not only at home but also in public, and at the most embarrassing moments possible. 2. Many birds sing sweetly, but crows don’t—instead, they produce a harsh _____ of cawing.

SENTENCE CHECK 1 Complete each item with the correct word from the box. A. accolade B. assuage C. cacophony D. censure E. diatribe F. edifice G. gravity H. infraction I. profane J. somber 1. If parents use _____ profane language around children, the children will most likely repeat it—not only at home but also in public, and at the most embarrassing moments possible. Children embarrass parents by showing disrespect for sacred things. 2. Many birds sing sweetly, but crows don’t—instead, they produce a harsh _____ cacophony of cawing. Sweet birdsong is contrasted with the harsh, discordant sounds of cawing.

SENTENCE CHECK 1 Complete each item with the correct word from the box. A. accolade B. assuage C. cacophony D. censure E. diatribe F. edifice G. gravity H. infraction I. profane J. somber 3. Judging from the ____s the new movie has been receiving, it’s sure to be nominated for several Academy Awards. 4. The Little League team lost the championship game, but the coach ____(e)d the kids’ disappointment by taking them out for banana splits. 5. “Because of the ____ of the international situation, ” announced the newscaster, “we will stay on the air with constant news updates throughout the evening. ”

SENTENCE CHECK 1 Complete each item with the correct word from the box. A. accolade B. assuage C. cacophony D. censure E. diatribe F. edifice G. gravity H. infraction I. profane J. somber 3. Judging from the ____ accolades the new movie has been receiving, it’s sure to be nominated for several Academy Awards. Only movies that receive praise are nominated for Academy Awards. 4. The Little League team lost the championship game, but the coach _____ assuaged the kids’ disappointment by taking them out for banana splits. Banana splits would lessen kids’ disappointment about losing a game. 5. “Because of the ____ gravity of the international situation, ” announced the newscaster, “we will stay on the air with constant news updates throughout the evening. ” Networks often interrupt regular programming with news updates when a situation of weighty importance is unfolding.

SENTENCE CHECK 1 Complete each item with the correct word from the box. A. accolade B. assuage C. cacophony D. censure E. diatribe F. edifice G. gravity H. infraction I. profane J. somber 6. The doctor received a letter of ____ from the local medical association for his negligent° treatment of a sick homeless man. 7. Jessie’s apartment house is an ornate ____ dating from the nineteenth century.

SENTENCE CHECK 1 Complete each item with the correct word from the box. A. accolade B. assuage C. cacophony D. censure E. diatribe F. edifice G. gravity H. infraction I. profane J. somber 6. The doctor received a letter of ____ censure from the local medical association for his negligent° treatment of a sick homeless man. Professional associations express rebuke or sharp criticism of members who provide inadequate or irresponsible treatment. 7. Jessie’s apartment house is an ornate ____ edifice dating from the nineteenth century. An apartment house—especially an old, ornate one—can be a large, imposing building.

SENTENCE CHECK 1 Complete each item with the correct word from the box. A. accolade B. assuage C. cacophony D. censure E. diatribe F. edifice G. gravity H. infraction I. profane J. somber 8. Students are sent to detention for a variety of ____s, such as fighting, talking in class, or being disrespectful to a teacher. 9. On the day of the queen’s funeral, the national radio station played only ____ music, as if to commiserate° with a country in mourning. 10. The nutritionist lectured passionately on the folly of eating red meat. Then, tired and hungry after her ____, she went out to dinner at Steak ’n’ Ribs.

SENTENCE CHECK 1 Complete each item with the correct word from the box. A. accolade B. assuage C. cacophony D. censure E. diatribe F. edifice G. gravity H. infraction I. profane J. somber 8. Students are sent to detention for a variety of _____, infractions such as fighting, talking in class, or being disrespectful to a teacher. Students are sometimes sent to detention for breaking school rules. 9. On the day of the queen’s funeral, the national radio station played only ____ somber music, as if to commiserate° with a country in mourning. Solemn music would express sorrow and sympathy for mourning citizens. 10. The nutritionist lectured passionately on the folly of eating red meat. Then, tired and hungry after her ____, diatribe she went out to dinner at Steak ’n’ Ribs. If she lectured passionately against meat, she gave a bitterly critical speech.