Vocabulary Workshop Unit 4

Front 1

annul

Back 1

(v.) to reduce to nothing; to make ineffective or inoperative; to declare legally invalid or void

The state legislators voted by an overwhelming majority to annul the out-of-date law.

Front 2

blase

Back 2

(adj.) indifferent, bored as a result of having enjoyed many pleasures; apathetic

Battle-hardened soldiers may tend to become a bit blase about the dangers they face.

Front 3

bolster

Back 3

(v.) to support, give a boost to; (n.) a long pillow or cushion; a supporting boost

When you write a research paper, you should always use appropriate facts to bolster your case.

The sofa has four comfortable bolsters.

Front 4

deplore

Back 4

(v.) to feel or express regret or disapproval

Social critics deplore what they believe is a widespread decline in good manners.

Front 5

frivolous

Back 5

(adj.) of little importance,not worthy of serious attention; not meant seriously

I'll ignore your frivolous suggestion.

Front 6

muster

Back 6

(v.) to bring together for service or battle; to gather or summon; to amount of, comprise, include; (n.) a list of military personnel ; a gathering, accumulation

You will need to muster your courage to face the bully who has been tormenting you.

The sleepy new recruits assembled on the parade ground for the early morning muster.

Front 7

nonentity

Back 7

(n.) a person or thing of no importance

We may not be movie stars, but we did not deserve to be treated as nonentity by the presumptuous and haughty headwaiter.

Front 8

obsess

Back 8

(v.) to trouble, haunt, or fill the mind

If you allow fear of failure to obsess you, you will find it difficult or even impossible to achieve your goals in life.

Front 9

ornate

Back 9

(adj.) elaborately decorated; showily splendid

If you ask me, an ornate filded frame distracts the viewer's eye from a simple drawing.

Front 10

oust

Back 10

(v.) to remove, drive out of a position or place

Military leaders oust the duly elected president and took over the government.

Front 11

peruse

Back 11

(v.) to read thoroughly and carefully

It is wise to have a lawyer peruse an agreement before you sign it.

Front 12

porous

Back 12

(adj.) full of tiny holes; able to be penetrated by air or water

Some synthetic materials are as porous and strong as natural sponges.

Front 13

promontory

Back 13

(n.) a high point of land extending into water

We chose a high promontory overlooking the sea as the perfect spot for our picnic lunch.

Front 14

prone

Back 14

(adj.) lying face down; inclined, likely

Unfortunately, I am prone to earaches and sinus infections.

Front 15

qualm

Back 15

(n.) a pang of consicence, neasiness, misgiving, or doubt; a feeling of faintness or nausea

Don't you have serios qualm about voting for such a relaticvely unknown and inexperienced cadidate?

Front 16

recourse

Back 16

(n.) a person or thing turned to for help or advice; the act of seeking help or protection

If my letter of complaint fails to get results, I will still have recourse to a highter authority

Front 17

residue

Back 17

(n.) a remainder, that which remains when a part has been used up or removed

A residue of sticky taffy made the pan difficult to clean.

Front 18

solicitous

Back 18

(adj.) showing concern or care; fearful or anzious about someone or something

Neightbors made solicitous inquiries abot the state of the elderlu couple' health.

Front 19

staid

Back 19

(adj.) serious and dignified; quiet or subdued in character or conduct

Many companies have a dress code which requires that all employees wear staid colors such as nacy or gray.

Front 20

sustain

Back 20

(v.) to support, nourish, keep up; to suffer, undergo; to bear up under, withstand; to affirm the calidity of

You may sustain a serious injury if you forget to wear you safety goggles when you work with chemicals or power tools.