to accept or agree to something reluctantly but without protest
After several objections, the committee finally agreed to acquiesce to the revised schedule.
Tim's Teachers Vocabulary Mastery
High-Utility Vocabulary for ISEE & SSAT
Chapter
5
30 High-Utility Words
Name
Date
Section 1 Learn the Words
Read each word, its part of speech and its meaning. Say the word aloud, then read the example sentence. The Chinese is a quick support only.
acquiesce
verb 默许；勉强同意
adamant
adjective 坚决的；坚定不移的
firmly refusing to change an opinion or decision
Even after hearing several arguments, Maya remained adamant that the safety rule should stay.
admonish
verb 告诫；责备
to warn or criticize someone firmly but usually gently
The coach had to admonish the players for ignoring the practice schedule.
affable
adjective 和蔼的；友善的
friendly, pleasant, and easy to talk to
The new counselor was affable, so students quickly felt comfortable speaking with her.
appease
verb 安抚；平息
to calm or satisfy someone by giving them what they want
The organizers added extra seating to appease parents who were worried about overcrowding.
apprehensive
adjective 忧虑的；担心的
worried or uneasy about something that may happen
Jonah felt apprehensive before presenting his project to a large audience.
articulate
adjective 善于表达的；口齿清楚的
able to express ideas clearly and effectively
The articulate speaker explained a complicated issue in language everyone could understand.
censure
verb 严厉批评；谴责
to express strong official criticism or disapproval
The board voted to censure the member for repeatedly ignoring its rules.
concur
verb 同意；赞同
to agree with an opinion, decision, or conclusion
After reviewing the evidence, the three judges concurred that the second proposal was stronger.
conspicuous
adjective 显眼的；引人注目的
easy to notice because it stands out clearly
The bright red backpack was conspicuous among the rows of black bags.
credulous
adjective 轻信的；易受骗的
too ready to believe things without enough evidence
A credulous reader may accept an online rumor without checking its source.
decorum
noun 礼仪；得体的举止
proper and polite behavior appropriate to a situation
The principal reminded the audience to maintain decorum during the awards ceremony.
deferential
adjective 恭敬的；顺从的
showing respectful attention to someone of higher status or authority
The student was deferential when asking the judge to reconsider the ruling.
disparage
verb 贬低；轻视
to speak about someone or something in a way that lowers its value or reputation
It is unfair to disparage a classmate's idea before hearing the full explanation.
dubious
adjective 可疑的；怀疑的
doubtful, uncertain, or not likely to be trustworthy
The claim sounded dubious because the website provided no evidence or sources.
erroneous
adjective 错误的；不正确的
incorrect because of an error or mistaken belief
The scientist corrected an erroneous calculation before publishing the report.
gregarious
adjective 合群的；爱交际的
sociable and enjoying the company of other people
Because Lena is gregarious, she enjoys clubs, group projects, and large gatherings.
indignant
adjective 愤慨的；愤怒的
angry because something seems unfair or insulting
The students were indignant when they were blamed for damage they had not caused.
lethargic
adjective 无精打采的；迟钝的
lacking energy, enthusiasm, or alertness
After staying up too late, Marco felt lethargic throughout the morning.
magnanimous
adjective 宽宏大量的；宽厚的
generous and forgiving, especially toward a rival or weaker person
The winner was magnanimous and praised her opponent's strong performance.
orthodox
adjective 正统的；传统的
following established, traditional, or widely accepted beliefs or methods
The researcher began with an orthodox method before testing a more unusual approach.
poignant
adjective 令人感伤的；深刻动人的
causing a strong feeling of sadness, sympathy, or emotional reflection
The final scene was poignant because it showed the friends saying goodbye after many years together.
reclusive
adjective 隐居的；孤僻的
avoiding other people and preferring to live or spend time alone
The reclusive author rarely appeared in public or gave interviews.
sporadic
adjective 零星的；偶发的
happening occasionally or irregularly rather than continuously
The town experienced sporadic power outages during the storm.
stringent
adjective 严格的；严厉的
very strict, demanding, or severe
The laboratory follows stringent safety rules when students handle chemicals.
superficial
adjective 肤浅的；表面的
concerned only with the surface and lacking depth or thoroughness
A superficial review of the evidence missed several important details.
taciturn
adjective 沉默寡言的
habitually quiet and unwilling to talk very much
The taciturn witness answered each question with only a few words.
vigilant
adjective 警觉的；警惕的
carefully watchful for possible danger or problems
Lifeguards must remain vigilant even when the pool appears calm.
whimsical
adjective 异想天开的；古怪有趣的
playfully unusual or based on sudden imaginative ideas
The illustrator filled the book with whimsical creatures wearing tiny hats.
zealous
adjective 热心的；狂热的
showing intense enthusiasm and devotion to a cause or goal
The zealous volunteers arrived early and stayed late to prepare the community event.
Section 2 Immediate Retrieval
Write the word that matches each meaning. Do not look back at the word cards.
1.
What word describes something that happens irregularly and only from time to time?
2.
What word describes a claim that seems doubtful or untrustworthy?
3.
What word describes a method that follows traditional or widely accepted practice?
4.
What word describes information that is incorrect because of an error?
5.
What word describes something that causes strong sadness or emotional reflection?
6.
What word describes feeling unusually low in energy or alertness?
7.
What word means proper and polite behavior for a particular situation?
8.
What word means to agree with another person's conclusion or decision?
9.
What word describes someone who is friendly, pleasant, and easy to talk to?
10.
What word describes someone showing intense enthusiasm and devotion to a cause?
11.
What word describes behavior that shows respectful attention to authority?
12.
What word describes someone who firmly refuses to change a decision?
13.
What word describes a person who is habitually quiet and says very little?
14.
What word means to speak about someone or something in a way that lowers its reputation?
15.
What word describes something playfully imaginative and unusually fanciful?
16.
What word describes someone who expresses ideas clearly and effectively?
17.
What word describes someone who remains carefully watchful for danger or problems?
18.
What word describes someone who enjoys being around and interacting with other people?
19.
What word describes someone who is generous and forgiving toward a rival?
20.
What word means to warn or criticize someone firmly but not harshly?
21.
What word means to express strong official criticism of someone's conduct?
22.
What word describes an examination that lacks depth or thoroughness?
23.
What word describes someone who believes claims too easily without enough evidence?
24.
What word means to accept a decision reluctantly without continuing to protest?
25.
What word describes something that is easy to notice because it stands out?
26.
What word means to calm someone by satisfying a concern or demand?
27.
What word describes rules or requirements that are extremely strict?
28.
What word describes someone who avoids social contact and prefers being alone?
29.
What word describes feeling worried about something that may happen?
30.
What word describes anger caused by something unfair or insulting?
Section 3 Review from Earlier Chapters
These words come from earlier lessons. Use what you remember - the meanings are not repeated here.
1.
The reporter made a(n) ______ observation that revealed the weakness in the proposal.
2.
Which earlier word best completes the sentence?
□appease
□persuade
□assist
□antagonize
3.
A neutral person was asked to settle the disagreement. Which earlier vocabulary word fits?
4.
New evidence convinced the committee to ______ the student of responsibility for the damaged equipment.
5.
Which earlier word best completes the sentence?
□ambivalent
□indifferent
□certain
□hostile
6.
The students needed to absorb and understand new information. Which earlier vocabulary word fits?
7.
The young inventor made a(n) ______ attempt to redesign a machine that experts had struggled with for years.
8.
Which earlier word best completes the sentence?
□cooperation
□ambivalence
□animosity
□respect
9.
The change made the problem less severe. Which earlier vocabulary word fits?
10.
Giving the entire prize to a family in need was a(n) ______ decision.
11.
Which earlier word best completes the sentence?
□favorable
□adverse
□stable
□mild
12.
The student showed sharp practical judgment about money. Which earlier vocabulary word fits?
Section 4 Context Practice
Choose the word that best completes each sentence. Fill in one box for each question.
1.
The old photograph was especially ______ because it showed the family together before they moved apart.
□poignant
□acumen
□ordinary
□humorous
2.
After arguing for an hour, the minority finally agreed to ______ to the committee's decision.
□object
□negotiate
□appeal
□acquiesce
3.
After examining the data independently, both scientists ______ that the result was significant.
□hesitate
□concur
□wonder
□disagree
4.
The student's ______ analysis mentioned only obvious details and ignored the deeper argument.
□thorough
□insightful
□comprehensive
□superficial
5.
The ______ volunteers worked every weekend to protect the local wetlands.
□zealous
□audacious
□apathetic
□indifferent
6.
The doctor first recommended the ______ treatment that most specialists use for the condition.
□unconventional
□experimental
□orthodox
□antagonize
7.
Applicants must satisfy ______ requirements before they can enter the advanced program.
□flexible
□informal
□stringent
□lenient
8.
Against the gray wall, the bright orange warning sign looked extremely ______.
□conspicuous
□ordinary
□subtle
□animosity
9.
The candidate was ______ and explained her position clearly without relying on notes.
□rambling
□hesitant
□vague
□articulate
10.
The internet connection was ______, working well for a few minutes and then disappearing again.
□constant
□sporadic
□continuous
□steady
11.
Security officers remained ______ throughout the event because a large crowd was expected.
□careless
□vigilant
□distracted
□relaxed
12.
The ______ artist avoided interviews and rarely left his mountain home.
□reclusive
□sociable
□gregarious
□altruistic
13.
The report contained ______ information because one number had been entered incorrectly.
□acumen
□accurate
□precise
□erroneous
14.
The host was so ______ that even the shyest guests felt comfortable speaking with him.
□reserved
□distant
□affable
□stern
15.
The company offered refunds to ______ customers who were angry about the delay.
□adverse
□ignore
□challenge
□appease
16.
The council voted to ______ the official for violating its code of conduct.
□consult
□appoint
□censure
□praise
17.
Although she had won the contest, Maya was ______ and publicly praised the runner-up's work.
□magnanimous
□boastful
□petty
□resentful
18.
The students felt ______ before learning whether their project had qualified for the finals.
□confident
□apprehensive
□indifferent
□relieved
Section 5 Semantic Discrimination
All four words are close in meaning. Choose the one that fits the situation most precisely.
1.
A student gains energy from clubs, parties, and frequent interaction with many people. Which word fits most precisely?
□gregarious
□articulate
□acumen
□affable
2.
A parent hears several requests but still refuses to change a firm safety decision. Which word fits most precisely?
□decisive
□adamant
□confident
□dogmatic
3.
A story features talking teacups, upside-down castles, and playful events that follow imaginative rather than realistic logic. Which word fits most precisely?
□obscure
□eclectic
□altruistic
□whimsical
4.
A person immediately believes an astonishing rumor from an anonymous account without checking any facts. Which word fits most precisely?
□dubious
□apprehensive
□credulous
□skeptical
5.
A junior employee speaks with special respect to the director and gives extra weight to her opinion. Which word fits most precisely?
□taciturn
□alleviate
□affable
□deferential
6.
A coach quietly tells a player that the behavior was unacceptable and must not happen again. Which word fits most precisely?
□admonish
□advise
□censure
□disparage
7.
During a solemn ceremony, everyone is expected to behave with proper respect and courtesy. Which noun fits most precisely?
□discipline
□decorum
□courtesy
□adverse
8.
A competitor repeatedly makes belittling comments intended to make another team's work seem worthless. Which word fits most precisely?
□admonish
□dismiss
□disparage
□censure
9.
A student becomes angry after being publicly punished for something another student did. Which word fits most precisely?
□defensive
□indignant
□assimilate
□irritated
10.
A normally active person moves slowly, struggles to focus, and has almost no energy. Which word fits most precisely?
□lethargic
□reluctant
□distracted
□apathetic
11.
A person is not unfriendly but habitually speaks very little even among people they know. Which word fits most precisely?
□reclusive
□deferential
□apprehensive
□taciturn
12.
A source makes a remarkable claim but provides weak evidence and has a history of inaccuracies. Which word fits most precisely?
□apprehensive
□erroneous
□dubious
□superficial
Section 6 Synonyms
Choose the word that is closest in meaning to the word in capital letters.
S1.
VIGILANT:
□relaxed
□watchful
□distracted
□careless
S2.
DUBIOUS:
□questionable
□certain
□proven
□reliable
S3.
ORTHODOX:
□radical
□unusual
□conventional
□experimental
S4.
INDIGNANT:
□amused
□calm
□pleased
□outraged
S5.
ADAMANT:
□flexible
□unyielding
□gentle
□uncertain
S6.
APPEASE:
□placate
□challenge
□anger
□provoke
S7.
CONCUR:
□oppose
□question
□doubt
□agree
S8.
CREDULOUS:
□gullible
□skeptical
□cautious
□critical
S9.
ZEALOUS:
□reluctant
□indifferent
□fervent
□apathetic
S10.
APPREHENSIVE:
□confident
□anxious
□carefree
□relieved
S11.
DISPARAGE:
□support
□admire
□praise
□belittle
S12.
STRINGENT:
□lenient
□strict
□casual
□flexible
S13.
SUPERFICIAL:
□shallow
□detailed
□profound
□thorough
S14.
ACQUIESCE:
□protest
□argue
□consent
□refuse
S15.
CENSURE:
□praise
□condemn
□approve
□appoint
S16.
LETHARGIC:
□active
□alert
□sluggish
□energetic
S17.
DECORUM:
□disorder
□haste
□rudeness
□propriety
S18.
RECLUSIVE:
□solitary
□gregarious
□outgoing
□sociable
S19.
AFFABLE:
□amiable
□hostile
□reserved
□stern
S20.
GREGARIOUS:
□reclusive
□sociable
□reserved
□taciturn
S21.
MAGNANIMOUS:
□petty
□vindictive
□selfish
□generous
S22.
ADMONISH:
□praise
□reward
□reprimand
□ignore
S23.
CONSPICUOUS:
□ordinary
□noticeable
□subtle
□hidden
S24.
ARTICULATE:
□vague
□silent
□awkward
□expressive
S25.
TACITURN:
□talkative
□expressive
□reserved
□gregarious
S26.
WHIMSICAL:
□fanciful
□ordinary
□solemn
□realistic
S27.
SPORADIC:
□continuous
□steady
□intermittent
□constant
S28.
DEFERENTIAL:
□arrogant
□casual
□defiant
□respectful
S29.
POIGNANT:
□moving
□trivial
□ordinary
□cheerful
S30.
ERRONEOUS:
□verified
□incorrect
□valid
□accurate
Section 7 Cumulative Reading
Read the passage carefully. You may underline words you recognise from this lesson and earlier lessons.
The Memorial Garden Debate
The student council at Westbridge Middle School wanted to create a memorial garden for a beloved teacher who had recently retired. At first, the proposal seemed simple, but disagreement quickly emerged. One group was adamant that the garden should follow an orthodox design with neat rows and formal paths. Another group favored a whimsical plan with curved benches, unusual sculptures, and native flowers. Maya, an articulate student leader, tried to keep the discussion respectful and reminded everyone to maintain decorum.
Some students became apprehensive that the project would collapse under so much disagreement. A few even began to disparage the opposing designs rather than evaluate them fairly. Maya admonished the group and asked members to remain vigilant about the difference between criticizing an idea and attacking a person. Her affable manner helped calm the meeting, but she was also adamant that personal insults would not be accepted. Several members were still dubious about whether any compromise could satisfy both sides.
The turning point came when a normally taciturn student named Eli spoke. He described how the retired teacher had quietly helped him during a difficult year. His brief story was poignant, and even the most zealous supporters of competing plans stopped arguing. Eli suggested combining elements from both proposals. The traditional path could remain, while several whimsical features could make the space welcoming to younger students. The compromise was not perfect, but most members were willing to acquiesce.
Before approving the final design, the council scrutinized the budget because one estimate looked dubious. Their caution proved useful: an erroneous total had made the project appear far more expensive than it really was. The council adopted stringent spending limits and scheduled volunteers to work on sporadic weekends throughout the semester. When the garden finally opened, even students who had once been indignant about the debate were magnanimous in praising one another's contributions.
Section 8 Reading & Application
Answer the questions using the passage. For the written questions, reply in complete sentences on the lines provided.
1.
Why did Maya remind the council to maintain decorum during the discussion?
□She believed only the traditional design should be discussed.
□She wanted students to avoid asking questions about the budget.
□She wanted the disagreement to remain respectful instead of becoming personal.
□She wanted the meeting to end before anyone could vote.
2.
What effect did Eli's story have on the debate?
□It caused the council to reject the traditional design completely.
□It convinced the council to cancel the garden.
□It made students more suspicious of the budget.
□It reduced the conflict and helped students become open to a compromise.
3.
Why was the council's concern about the budget justified?
□A mistaken calculation had made the project seem much more expensive than it actually was.
□The most expensive design had already been ordered.
□The volunteers refused to work without being paid.
□The school had prohibited the use of donated materials.
4.
How did the final garden plan reflect both sides of the original disagreement?
5.
Describe a situation in which someone might begin adamant about a decision but eventually acquiesce.
6.
Explain why being vigilant can prevent someone from being too credulous online.
7.
Write about a situation in which a person could feel indignant but still choose to act magnanimously.
Section 9 Final Retrieval
Close the workbook to the previous sections. Write the word for each meaning from memory.
1.
A student speaks with special respect toward an authority figure. Which lesson word fits?
2.
A set of requirements allows almost no exceptions. Which lesson word fits?
3.
Someone continuously watches for possible danger or problems. Which lesson word fits?
4.
Someone refuses every request to change a firm decision. Which lesson word fits?
5.
A winner treats a defeated rival generously instead of boasting. Which lesson word fits?
6.
Someone tries to lower another person's reputation through belittling comments. Which lesson word fits?
7.
Someone becomes angry because of treatment that seems unfair. Which lesson word fits?
8.
A business offers a refund mainly to calm an angry customer. Which lesson word fits?
9.
Formal behavior appropriate to a ceremony is expected. Which lesson word fits?
10.
A design is playful, imaginative, and unusually fanciful. Which lesson word fits?
11.
A person habitually says very little even when others are talking. Which lesson word fits?
12.
Something occurs at irregular intervals rather than continuously. Which lesson word fits?
13.
A scene causes deep sadness and thoughtful emotion. Which lesson word fits?
14.
A statement is wrong because it is based on a mistaken calculation. Which lesson word fits?
15.
A person has very little energy and responds slowly. Which lesson word fits?
16.
A person is warm, approachable, and easy to speak with. Which lesson word fits?
17.
A person shows intense devotion and enthusiasm for a cause. Which lesson word fits?
18.
A student strongly enjoys social gatherings and group activities. Which lesson word fits?
19.
A speaker expresses complicated ideas with unusual clarity. Which lesson word fits?
20.
An organization formally condemns a member's misconduct. Which lesson word fits?
21.
An object stands out so clearly that it is difficult not to notice. Which lesson word fits?
22.
A claim seems questionable because its evidence is weak. Which lesson word fits?
23.
A teacher firmly warns a student that the behavior must stop. Which lesson word fits?
24.
A group stops resisting a decision even though it still dislikes it. Which lesson word fits?
25.
A reader believes a remarkable rumor without checking any evidence. Which lesson word fits?
26.
Two judges independently reach the same conclusion. Which lesson word fits?
27.
A person avoids social contact and prefers to spend most time alone. Which lesson word fits?
28.
A method follows traditional and widely accepted practice. Which lesson word fits?
29.
A student feels uneasy while waiting for important results. Which lesson word fits?
30.
An explanation considers only obvious surface details and lacks depth. Which lesson word fits?