Vocabulary Workshop Unit 4

Front 1

annul

Back 1

(v) cancel, abolish, invalidate, nullify

The state legislators voted by an overwhelming majority to annul the out-of-date law.

Front 2

blasé

Back 2

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

Battle-hardened soldiers may tend to become a bit blasé 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 post

When you write a research paper, you 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 to, 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 nonentities 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 gilded 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 ousted 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 conscience, uneasiness, misgiving, or doubt; a feeling of faintness or nausea

Don't you have serious qualms about voting for such a relatively unknown and inexperienced candidate?

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 result, I will still have recourse to a higher 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 anxious about someone or something

Neighbors made solicitous inquiries about the state of the elderly couple's health.

Front 19

staid

Back 19

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

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

Front 20

sustain

Back 20

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

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