The World of Words: Vocabulary for College Success ... - eLibrary

Words to Learn 71As you can see, the word altruistic, which you learned in Chapter 1,has been defined in each sentence. Many sentences use the synonymunselfish. Others provide a longer definition through examples, such asdonated money to charity and did volunteer work with children.Here are three more examples of context clues of definition. Can youmake an intelligent guess about the meaning of each italicized word?1. In 776 BCE, the first Olympic games were held on the plain of Olympia,a sacred place in Greece. (An appositive phrase is used.)2. The margin of the leaf was sinuated, and indented curves ran along theedge. (An and clue is used.)3. The ruler took draconian measures against the renegades, and theirsupporters were also punished severely. (And and also clues are used.)Answers are on page 399.Try using context clues to figure out the meanings of words you willlearn in this chapter.1. I was chagrined, really embarrassed, when my cousin revealed our familysecrets on a national television talk show. (An appositive is used.)Chagrined means _______________________________________________ .2. I am contemplating buying a car, but I need to think more about it.Contemplating means ___________________________________________ .3. Now that you have shortened your speech, it is concise enough to fitinto the time limit. (Indirect definition is used.)Concise means _________________________________________________ .Answers are on page 399.Copyright © Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.Words to LearnPart 11. bland (adjective) blănda. calming; not spicy or sharp tastingThe mayor’s bland responses calmed the angry crowd.He hid his anger beneath a bland expression.Mashed potatoes are a truly bland food.b. dullAlmita perked up her bland brown outfit with a colorful scarfand shiny silver jewelry.