AWP2 ch 01

ADVANCED

WORD POWER

Second Edition

BETH JOHNSON

JANET M. GOLDSTEIN

Unit One: Chapter 1

•

affinity

•

proximity

•

fledgling

•

sagacious

•

hackneyed

•

supplant

•

incessant

•

unassailable

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT

Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.

• It is hard for someone with an affinity for warm weather to be happy living in Alaska.

• My cat has an affinity for small, dark hiding places—I’ve often found her asleep in my dresser drawer, under the footstool, and inside my suitcase.

Affinity means

A. a preference.

B. a fear.

C. ignorance.

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT

Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.

1

affinity

• It is hard for someone with an affinity for warm weather to be happy living in Alaska.

• My cat has an affinity for small, dark hiding places—I’ve often found her asleep in my dresser drawer, under the footstool, and inside my suitcase.

Affinity means

A. a preference.

B. a fear.

C. ignorance.

If a person has a preference for warm weather he or she would not be happy living in the cold weather of Alaska. If the cat often is found in a drawer, under a stool, or in a suitcase, she must have a

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT

Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.

2

fledgling

• The short-story class is full of fledgling writers. They’re all

enthusiastic, but since they’re beginners, they’re shy about sharing their work.

• Myra and her sisters are excited about their fledgling catering service, which was booked for three parties during its first week of business.

Fledgling means

A. old.

B. new.

C. different.

A fledgling archer learns from an expert.

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT

Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.

2

fledgling

Fledgling means

A. old.

B. new.

C. different.

In the first item, the word

beginners tells you that fledgling

means “new.” And a catering service that is in its first week of business is a new company.

• The short-story class is full of fledgling writers. They’re all

enthusiastic, but since they’re beginners, they’re shy about sharing their work.

• Myra and her sisters are excited about their fledgling catering service, which was booked for three parties during its first week of business.

A fledgling archer learns from an expert.

– adjective

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT

Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.

3

hackneyed

• The hackneyed phrase “Have a nice day!” is heard so often that it has become almost meaningless.

• The worst part of our family reunions is hearing my uncle’s

hackneyed jokes—the ones he’s been telling since about 1980.

Hackneyed means

A. worn-out.

B. insulting.

C. funny.

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT

Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.

3

hackneyed

• The hackneyed phrase “Have a nice day!” is heard so often that it has become almost meaningless.

• The worst part of our family reunions is hearing my uncle’s

hackneyed jokes—the ones he’s been telling since about 1980.

Hackneyed means

A. worn-out.

B. insulting.

C. funny.

A phrase that is heard so often it has become almost meaningless is

worn out. Jokes the uncle has been telling since 1980 are worn-out

jokes.

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT

Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.

4

incessant

• The children nearly drove their parents crazy on the long car trip with their incessant questions: “Are we there yet?” “Is it much further?” “When can we get out of the car?”

• Mrs. Soto finally insisted that her husband see a doctor about his

incessant snoring. It didn’t bother him, but she wasn’t getting

any sleep. _{Incessant means}

A. silent.

B. wise.

C. nonstop.

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT

Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.

4

incessant

• The children nearly drove their parents crazy on the long car trip with their incessant questions: “Are we there yet?” “Is it much further?” “When can we get out of the car?”

• Mrs. Soto finally insisted that her husband see a doctor about his

incessant snoring. It didn’t bother him, but she wasn’t getting

any sleep. _{Incessant means}

A. silent.

B. wise.

C. nonstop.

If the children nearly drove the parents crazy, their questions must have been nonstop. If Mrs. Soto isn’t getting any sleep, her husband’s snoring must be nonstop.

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT

Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.

5

opulence

• The opulence of the magnificent, luxurious resort was in stark contrast to the poverty of the little fishing village at its gates. • The writer Thoreau had no liking for opulence. He wrote in his

journal, “That man is richest whose pleasures are the cheapest.”

Opulence means

A. closeness.

B. riches.

C. permanence.

The opulence of a king’s palace

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT

Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.

5

opulence

• The opulence of the magnificent, luxurious resort was in stark contrast to the poverty of the little fishing village at its gates. • The writer Thoreau had no liking for opulence. He wrote in his

journal, “That man is richest whose pleasures are the cheapest.”

Opulence means

A. closeness.

B. riches.

C. permanence.

The words magnificent and luxurious suggest that opulence means “riches” or “luxury.” The statement from

Thoreau’s journal indicate that he had no liking for riches.

The opulence of a king’s palace

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT

Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.

6

proximity

• The proximity of the railroad tracks worries neighborhood parents when their children play outside.

• My brother doesn’t drive a car, so when he was apartment hunting, he had to consider the proximity of public

transportation.

Proximity means

A. similarity.

B. contrast.

C. nearness.

Proximity to mom helps baby swans survive.

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT

Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.

6

proximity

• The proximity of the railroad tracks worries neighborhood parents when their children play outside.

• My brother doesn’t drive a car, so when he was apartment hunting, he had to consider the proximity of public

transportation.

Proximity means

A. similarity.

B. contrast.

C. nearness.

If the parents are worried about the children’s safety, the railroad tracks must be nearby. Not driving a car would make the it important to live near public transportation. Proximity to mom helps

baby swans survive.

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT

Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.

7

sagacious

• The Bible tells the story of King Solomon, who was so

sagacious that he knew what to do when two women came to him, both claiming to be the mother of the same child.

• Often when you are faced with a difficult situation, the most

sagacious response is to do nothing right away, but wait to see

what happens. _{Sagacious means}

A. silly.

B. intelligent.

C. strong.

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT

Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.

7

sagacious

• The Bible tells the story of King Solomon, who was so

sagacious that he knew what to do when two women came to him, both claiming to be the mother of the same child.

• Often when you are faced with a difficult situation, the most

sagacious response is to do nothing right away, but wait to see

what happens. _{Sagacious means}

A. silly.

B. intelligent.

C. strong.

A king who knew what to do in the situation described must be

intelligent. In a difficult situation, waiting to see what happens is often the intelligent thing to do.

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT

Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.

8

supplant

• Acme Company fired its entire accounting staff today. It intends to supplant these employees with part-time workers.

• An idealistic young revolutionary overthrew the dictator and set up a democratic government. But he too was soon supplanted

when a military strongman seized power.

Supplant means

A. to replace.

B. to restore.

C. to support.

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT

Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.

8

supplant

• Acme Company fired its entire accounting staff today. It intends to supplant these employees with part-time workers.

• An idealistic young revolutionary overthrew the dictator and set up a democratic government. But he too was soon supplanted

when a military strongman seized power.

Supplant means

A. to replace.

B. to restore.

C. to support.

If the company fired the entire accounting staff, it would need to

replace these employees in some way. If a military strongman seized power, the young revolutionary must have been replaced.

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT

Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.

9

unassailable

• The Bradleys’ claim that their house is the oldest in town is

unassailable. They have a deed dated 1804, and a copy was filed in the county courthouse that same year.

• “My opponent may try to attack me,” said the candidate, “but my record is unassailable. On every issue, I’ve voted for the benefit

of this city.” _{Unassailable means}

A. untrue.

B. undeniable.

C. unimportant.

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT

Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.

9

unassailable

• The Bradleys’ claim that their house is the oldest in town is

unassailable. They have a deed dated 1804, and a copy was filed in the county courthouse that same year.

• “My opponent may try to attack me,” said the candidate, “but my record is unassailable. On every issue, I’ve voted for the benefit

of this city.” _{Unassailable means}

A. untrue.

B. undeniable.

C. unimportant.

The deed and the copy filed in the courthouse make the Bradleys’ claim undeniable. If the candidate has always voted for the benefit of the city, his or her record is undeniable.

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT

Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.

10

voluminous

• In the weeks before Christmas, each issue of our newspaper is

voluminous, swollen enormously by all the ads. After the holidays, the paper shrinks back to its normal size.

• Denise chose a wedding dress in a “Southern belle” style, with a long, voluminous skirt. Now she’s worried she’ll trip over all those yards of material. _{Voluminous means}

A. valuable.

B. cut short.

C. large.

– adjective

Voluminous

TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT

Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.

10

voluminous

• In the weeks before Christmas, each issue of our newspaper is

voluminous, swollen enormously by all the ads. After the holidays, the paper shrinks back to its normal size.

• Denise chose a wedding dress in a “Southern belle” style, with a long, voluminous skirt. Now she’s worried she’ll trip over all those yards of material. _{Voluminous means}

A. valuable.

B. cut short.

C. large.

The words swollen enormously suggest that voluminous means “large.” If

there are yards of material in the long skirt, it must be large.

– adjective

Voluminous

SENTENCE CHECK 1

2. During the 1960s, the Beatles held a(n) _________ position as the world’s most popular rock group. They sold more records and won more fame than any other band.

1. In her __________ tote bag, my mother carries money, credit cards, photos, makeup, a mirror, running shoes, and an amazing quantity of other stuff.

Complete each item with the correct word from the box.

A. affinity B. fledgling C. hackneyed D. incessant E. opulence

SENTENCE CHECK 1

2. During the 1960s, the Beatles held an __________ position as the world’s most popular rock group. They sold more records and won more fame than any other band.

1. In her __________ tote bag, my mother carries money, credit cards, photos, makeup, a mirror, running shoes, and an amazing quantity of other stuff.

Complete each item with the correct word from the box.

A. affinity B. fledgling C. hackneyed D. incessant E. opulence

F. proximity G. sagacious H. supplant I. unassailable J. voluminous

A tote bag that holds an amazing quantity of stuff must be large.

If the Beatles sold more records and won more fame than any other band, they their position as the most popular rock band was

undeniable.

voluminous

SENTENCE CHECK 1

Complete each item with the correct word from the box.

4. It would not be __________ to go out today without an umbrella—look at those black clouds!

5. Crows have a(n) _________ for bright, shiny things, so they sometimes pick up bits of mirrors, metal, or jewelry and carry them back to their nests.

3. Irene knew her roommate’s family was wealthy, but nothing had prepared her for the __________ of their home—it was like a palace.

A. affinity B. fledgling C. hackneyed D. incessant E. opulence

SENTENCE CHECK 1

Complete each item with the correct word from the box.

4. It would not be __________ to go out today without an umbrella—look at those black clouds!

5. Crows have an __________ for bright, shiny things, so they sometimes pick up bits of mirrors, metal, or jewelry and carry them back to their nests.

3. Irene knew her roommate’s family was wealthy, but nothing had prepared her for the __________ of their home—it was like a palace.

A. affinity B. fledgling C. hackneyed D. incessant E. opulence

F. proximity G. sagacious H. supplant I. unassailable J. voluminous

A home that is like a palace is a place of great wealth.

If it is going to rain, it would not be sensible to go out without an umbrella.

If crows carry bright, shiny things to their nests, they must have a

liking for such objects.

opulence

sagacious

SENTENCE CHECK 1

7. I get my hair done cheaply by going to a beauty school, where __________ hairdressers do cuts and coloring for half of what more experienced beauticians charge.

6. “You’ll always be my best friend,” Christy told Keisha when Keisha moved away. “I may have other friends, but no one will ever __________ you in my heart.” Complete each item with the correct word from the box.

A. affinity B. fledgling C. hackneyed D. incessant E. opulence

7. I get my hair done cheaply by going to a beauty school, where __________ hairdressers do cuts and coloring for half of what more experienced beauticians charge.

6. “You’ll always be my best friend,” Christy told Keisha when Keisha moved away. “I may have other friends, but no one will ever __________ you in my heart.”

SENTENCE CHECK 1

Complete each item with the correct word from the box.

If Keisha will always be her best friend, no one will ever take her place.

The hairdressers at the beauty school are inexperienced compared with the beauticians who have finished school. The words more experienced are an antonym clue.

A. affinity B. fledgling C. hackneyed D. incessant E. opulence

F. proximity G. sagacious H. supplant I. unassailable J. voluminous

supplant

SENTENCE CHECK 1

Complete each item with the correct word from the box.

9. While visiting Hollywood, Sayda was excited by the

__________ of movie stars. “You could be standing right beside one and never know it!” she said.

10. Allie has decided to stop saying the __________ word “Hello!” when she answers the phone. Instead, she says “Greetings!”

8. Mr. Engelhardt finally told his daughter to stop running in place in her upstairs bedroom; the __________ pounding noise was giving him a headache.

A. affinity B. fledgling C. hackneyed D. incessant E. opulence

SENTENCE CHECK 1

Complete each item with the correct word from the box.

9. While visiting Hollywood, Sayda was excited by the

__________ of movie stars. “You could be standing right beside one and never know it!” she said.

10. Allie has decided to stop saying the __________ word “Hello!” when she answers the phone. Instead, she says “Greetings!”

8. Mr. Engelhardt finally told his daughter to stop running in place in her upstairs bedroom; the __________ pounding noise was giving him a headache.

A. affinity B. fledgling C. hackneyed D. incessant E. opulence

F. proximity G. sagacious H. supplant I. unassailable J. voluminous

Running in place would create a nonstop pounding noise in the house.

The words standing right beside suggest the nearness of the stars.

Because almost everyone answers the phone by saying “Hello!”, the word might be considered over-used.

incessant

proximity