Vocab Unit 1 11A English

In the question-and-answer session, we tried to _____ from the candidates some definite indication of how they proposed to reduce the national debt.

elicit

S: protest against a course of action

expostulate

Since I don't like people who play favorites in the office, I have frequently _____ against such behavior with my superiors.

expostulated

A: a series of novel magic tricks

hackneyed

If you take pride in expressing yourself with force and originality, you should not use so many _____ phrases.

hackneyed

During the brief _____ in the music, someone's ringing cell phone split the air.

hiatus

S: pause in the hectic workday

hiatus

S: insinuation not supported by fact

innuendo

The manager expressed her unfavorable opinion of the job applicant by _____ rather than by direct statement.

innuendo

If you cannot meet the college's entrance requirements, it will be futile to have someone _____ on your behalf.

intercede

S: mediate in a dispute

intercede

S: wearied by too many compliments

jaded

Their tastes have been so _____ by luxurious living that they seem incapable of enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

jaded

S: gruesome tales of grave robbers

lurid

The midnight fire in our apartment building cast a _____, unearthly light on the faces of the firefighters struggling to put it out.

lurid

A: a record of discreditable actions

meritorious

I certainly appreciate your praise, but I must say that I can see nothing so remarkably _____ in having done what any decent person would do.

meritorious

Of course you have a right to ask the waiter for a glass of water, but is there any need to use the _____ tone of a spoiled child?

petulant

S: impolite and peevish questions

petulant

I feel that, as an old friend, I have the _____ of criticizing your actions without arousing resentment.

prerogative

S: a perquisite of her rank

prerogative

A: a broad-minded approach to education

provincial

In an age when the United States has truly global responsibilities, we cannot afford to have leaders with _____ points of view.

provincial

S: feign a reconciliation

simulate

Various insects have a marvelous capacity to protect themselves by _____ the appearance of twigs and other objects in their environment.

simulating

S: to exceed one's limitations

transcend

The issue of good faith that your conduct raises far _____ the specific question of whether or not you are responsible for the problem.

transcends

I take no _____ at your personal remarks, but I feel you would have been better advised not to make them.

umbrage

S: exploding in annoyance

umbrage

Forever humbling himself and flattering others, Dickens' Uriah Heep is famously _____.

unctuous

S: unceasing and servile modesty

unctuous

The only way to defeat the party in power is for all the reform groups to form a _____ and back a single slate of candidates.

coalition

A: the development of a civilization

decadence

Weakened militarily, and with a large part of the population living on free "bread and circuses," the once mighty Roman Empire now entered a period of _____.

decadence

His confidence grew as he received clear signs of the _____ of his superiors.

approbation

S: seeking the boss's commendation

approbation

Although we tried to express our sympathy, we knew that mere words could do nothing to _____ her grief.

assuage

S: alleviate his worst fears

assuage

S: finding strength through an alliance

coalition

A: trying to squelch suggestions

elicit