English Vocabulary 1

Front 1

apposite

Back 1

Being of striking appropriateness and relevance; very
applicable; apt.

Hint 1

As we survey Jewish history as a whole from the vantage point of the late twentieth century, Judah Halevi's phrase "prisoner of hope" seems entirely apposite. The prisoner of
hope is sustained and encouraged by his hope, even as he is confined by it.
--Jane S. Gerber (Editor), [1]The Illustrated History of the Jewish People

Suppose, for example, that in a theoretical physics seminar we were to explain a very technical concept in quantum field theory by comparing it to the concept of aporia in
Derridean literary theory. Our audience of physicists would wonder, quite reasonably, what is the goal of such a metaphor--whether or not it is apposite--apart from
displaying our own erudition.
--Alan D. Sokal and Jean Bricmont, [2]Fashionable Nonsense: Postmodern Intellectuals' Abuse of Science

Front 2

benefaction

Back 2

1. The act of conferring a benefit.
2. A benefit conferred; especially, a charitable donation.

Hint 2

Rockefeller's taxable income was then $33,000,000 and that his total fortune was probably more than $800,000,000. At that time he had distributed about $500,000,000 in public
benefactions.
--"Financier's Fortune in Oil Amassed in Industrial Era of 'Rugged individualism,'" [1]New York Times, May 24, 1937

It may be, as some social psychologists argue, that the competitive urge to gain more is in time replaced by an equally competitive urge to win fame and favor through
public benefactions.
--Robin W. Winks, [2]Laurance S. Rockefeller: Catalyst for Conservation.

Benefaction is from Late Latin benefactio, from Latin benefacere, "to do well, to do good to," from bene, "well" + facere, "to do."

Synonyms: donation, gift, present.

Front 3

jollification

Back 3

Merrymaking; festivity; revelry.

Hint 3

Some inform; some prompt the conscience; some entertain,while having more than jollification in mind.
--Stuart Klawans, "A Greek Bearing Gifts," [1]The Nation, June 21, 1999

In July, expect the usual impertinent jollifications in Key West: look-alike and Key-lime-pie-eating contests, arm-wrestling tournaments.
--David Gates, "Resurrecting Papa," [2]Newsweek, April 12,
1999

Jollification is from jolly (from Old French joli, jolif, "joyful, merry") + Latin -ficare, combining form of facere,
"to make."

Front 4

firmament

Back 4

1. The region of the air; the sky; the heavens.
2. The field or sphere of an interest or activity

Hint 4

But to judge by the twinkling summer stars that filled the firmament, the dawn was still far off.
--A. B. Yehoshua, [1]A Journey to the End of the Millennium

Studying the firmament--the night vault that sparkles with thousands of flickering lights--is older than recorded
history.
--William E. Burrows, [2]This New Ocean: The Story of the First Space Age

The glossy magazines have branded her a rising star,shooting up into the firmament of mega fashion stardom.
--Hadley Freeman, "If I see one more black suit, I'll want to roll over and die," [3]The Guardian, December 14, 2001

Firmament comes from Late Latin firmamentum, "firmness, the
sky," from Latin firmare, "to make firm."

Front 5

vociferous

Back 5

Making a loud outcry; clamorous; noisy.

Hint 5

Claudio has work to do and I have a vociferous son
demanding a story.
--Ariel Dorfman, [1]Heading South, Looking North: A Bilingual Journey

The local heroes received meals, heard speeches, were
presented with flags, and were accompanied to railroad
stations by vociferous crowds.
--Jeffry D. Wert, [2]A Brotherhood of Valor

Vociferous derives from Latin vociferari, "to shout, to cry out" from vox, "voice" + ferre, "to carry."