Chapter 1 – Learning New Words from the ContextPart 1 – Contexts with

Contrasting WordsGroup 2

English 9

1. Adjourn

Close a meeting; suspend the business of a meeting; disband; recess

When we visited Washington, D.C., Congress was not in session; it had adjourned for the Thanksgiving weekend.

2. astute

Shrewd; wise; sagacious

Crafty, cunning; sly; wily

Marie was the only one to solve the riddle; she is a very astute thinker.

An astute Greek tricked the Trojans into opening the gates of Troy.

3. Censure

Act of blaming; expression of disapproval; hostile criticisms; rebuke; reprimand

Ali was about to reach for the third slice of cake but was stopped by a look of censure in Mother’s eyes.

4. Demolish

Tear down; destroy; raze; smash; wreck

It took several days for the wrecking crew to demolish the old building.

• Alternate Form: demolition

5. Discharge

Unload

Dismiss; fire

After discharging its cargo, the ship will go into dry dock for repairs.

One employee was discharged.

6. Dissent

Differ in opinion; disagree; object

There was nearly complete agreement on al’s proposal. Enid and Alice were the only ones who dissented.

• Alternate Form: dissension

7. Equitable

Fair to all concerned; just; impartial; objective; unbiased

The only equitable way for the three to share the $600 profit is for each to receive $200.

• Alternate Form: Inequitable – unfair or unjust

8. Exonerate

Free from blame; clear from accusation; acquit; absolve

The other driver exonerated Isabel of any responsibility for the accident.

9. Extemporaneous

Composed or spoken without preparation; offhand; impromptu; improvised.

It was obvious that the speaker’s talk was memorized, though she tried to make it seem extemporaneous.

10. Extricate

Free from difficulties; disentangle; disencumber; release

If you let your assignments pile up, you may get into a situation from which you will not be able to extricate yourself.

VOC 2B

English 9

11. Forfeit

Lose or have to give up as a penalty for some error, neglect, or fault; sacrifice

One customer gave a $150 deposit on an order of slipcovers. When they were delivered, she decided she didn’t want them. Of course, she forfeited her deposit.

12. Illegible

Not able to be read; very hard to read; not legible; undecipherable

It is fortunate that Miguel uses a computer to do his reports because his handwriting is illegible.

13. Inadvertently

Not done on purpose; unintentionally; thoughtlessly; accidentally; carelessly

I finally found my glasses on the the windowsill. I must have left them there inadvertently.

14. Inappropriate

Not fitting; unsuitable; unbecoming; not appropriate; improper

Since I was the one who nominated Bruce, it would be inappropriate for me to vote for another candidate.

15. Lucrative

Moneymaking; profitable; advantageous; remunerative

This year’s school dance was not so lucrative; we made only $150 compared to $375 last year.

16. Permanent

Lasting; enduring; intended to last; stable

Write to me at my temporary address, the Gateway Hotel. As soon as I find an apartment, I shall notify you of my permanent address.

17. Prohibit

Forbid; ban; enjoin; interdict

The library’s regulations prohibit the borrowing of reference books.

18. Punctual

On time; prompt; timely

Be punctual. If you are late, we shall have to depart without you.

19. Rebuke

Express disapproval of; criticize sharply; censure severely; reprimand; reprove

Our coach rebuked the two players who were late for practice, but he praised the rest of the team for their punctuality.

20. Transient

Not lasting; passing soon; fleeting, short-lived; momentary

It rained all day upstate, but down here we had only a transient shower; it was over in minutes.