Vocabulary- Unit 1

Lesson C

cache

• hiding place to store something

The robber led detectives to a cache of stolen gems in the basement.

commend

• praise; mention favorably

Our class was commended for outstanding behavior when we had a substitute.

cur

• worthless dog

Lassie is a kind and intelligent animal. Please don’t refer to her as a “cur.”

despotic

• of a despot (a monarch having absolute power); domineering; dictatorial; tyrannical

The American colonists revolted against the despotic rule of King George III.

dispute

• argue about; debate; declare not true; call into question; oppose

Charley disputed my solution until I showed him definite proof that I was right.

edifice

• building, especially a large or impressive building

The huge edifice under construction near the airport will be a hotel.

era

• historical period; period of time

The atomic era began with the dropping of the first atomic bomb in 1945.

The 80’s Era

initiate

• v• (1) begin; introduce; originate

The Pilgrims initiated the custom of celebrating Thanksgiving Day.

• (2) admit or induct into a club by special ceremonies

Next Friday our club is going to initiate three new members.

Jolly Roger

• pirates’ flag; black flag with white skull and crossbones

The Jolly Roger flying from the mast of the approaching ship indicated that it was a pirate ship.

multitude

• crowd; throng; horde; swarm

There was such a multitude outside the store waiting for the sale to begin that we decided to return later.

perceive

• become aware of through the senses; see; note; observe

When the lights went out, I couldn’t see a thing, but gradually I was able to perceive the outlines of the larger pieces of furniture.

portal

• Door; entrance, especially a grand or impressive one

The original doors at the main entrance have been replaced by bronze portals.

reserved

• adj. restrained in speech or action; uncommunicative

Mark was reserved at first but became much more communicative when he got to know us better.

restrain

• hold back; check; curb; repress

Mildred could not restrain her impulse to open the package immediately, even though it read, “Do not open before Christmas!”

retract

• draw back; withdraw; take back

You can depend on Frank. Once he has given his promise, he will not retract it.

Pope urged to retract Islam remarks

spine

• chain of small bones down the middle of the back; backbone

The ribs are curved bones extending from the spine and enclosing the upper part of the body.

stroll

• idle and leisurely walk

It was a warm spring afternoon, and many people were out for a stroll.

timorous

• full of fear; afraid; timid

I admit I was timorous when I began my speech, but as I went along, I felt less and less afraid.

tuition

• payment for instruction

When I go to college, I will probably work each summer to help pay the tuition.

version

• v• (1) account or description from a particular point

of view

Now that we have Vera’s description of the accident, let us listen to your version.

• (2) translation

THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO was written in French, but you can read it in the English version.

Exercise 1: Which of the two terms makes the sentence correct? Enter the letter of the correct word on your paper.

1. Isn’t it a pity that this beautiful edifice is going to be ____________?

(A) raised (B) razed

2. Sandra should have been _________ for being punctual. (A) commended (B) reprimanded3. When it comes into power, a despotic government usually

___________ freedom of speech and press. (A) bans (B) permits

4. If you _______, there is nothing to dispute. (A) dissent (B) concur5. Haven’t you sometimes wished that you could retract

something you __________ you had said? (A) regretted (B) wished

Exercise 2: On your paper, write the correct letter from column 2 that matches column 1.

1. induct (into a club or society) by special ceremonies2. impressive building3. historical period4. hiding place5. impressive door6. account from a particular viewpoint7. without a backbone8. baker’s dozen9. worthless dog10. black flag with white skull

and crossbones

Column 1 Column 2

(A) cur

(B) cache

(C)spineless

(D)portal

(E) thirteen

(F) initiate

(G)Jolly Roger

(H)era

(I) version

(J) edifice

Exercise 3: Each word or expression in column 1 has an ANTONYM (or opposite) in column 2. On your paper, enter

the letter of the correct ANTONYM.

1. ended2. not afraid3. censured4. ran5. failed to see6. democratic7. reserved8. small group9. did not withdraw10. not argued about

Column 1

(A) strolled

(B) perceived

(C)multitude

(D)disputed

(E) initiated

(F) retracted

(G)commended

(H) timorous

(I) communicative

(J) despotic

Column 2