Note the spelling, pronunciation, part(s) of speech, and definition(s) of each of the following words. Then write the word in the blank spaces in the illustrative sentence(s) following. Finally, study the lists of synonyms and antonyms. 1. (n.) a cheerful readiness; brisk and eager action Neighbors responded with __________ to the woman's cries for help.

• alacrity

• apathy

• torpor

• indolence

(v.) to relieve, make more bearable The doctors and nurses did everything they could to __________ the patient's severe pain.

• alleviate

• exacerbate

• ignore

• prolong

(n.) the direct opposite, a sharp contrast Discriminatory practices may be said to constitute the very __________ of our nation's democratic ideals.

• antithesis

• analogy

• paragon

• epitome

(v.) to fill with dismay or horror The assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 __________ the nation and the world.

• appalled

• delighted

• ignored

• amused

Note the spelling, pronunciation, part(s) of speech, and definition(s) of each of the following words. Then write the word in the blank spaces in the illustrative sentence(s) following. Finally, study the lists of synonyms and antonyms. 5. (adj.) warlike in manner or temperament; quarrelsome Teddy Roosevelt's foreign policy was often driven by a rather __________ brand of patriotism.

• bellicose

• placid

• timorous

• amicable

Note the spelling, pronunciation, part(s) of speech, and definition(s) of each of the following words. Then write the word in the blank spaces in the illustrative sentence(s) following. Finally, study the lists of synonyms and antonyms. 6. (v.) to belittle, speak slightingly of; to undervalue Don't you think voters are getting awfully tired of listening to politicians __________ their opponents' voting records?

• disparage

• commend

• exaggerate

• praise

Note the spelling, pronunciation, part(s) of speech, and definition(s) of each of the following words. Then write the word in the blank spaces in the illustrative sentence(s) following. Finally, study the lists of synonyms and antonyms. 7. (adj.) not in harmony; disagreeing, at odds The clamor of __________ voices could be heard clearly through the closed doors of the meeting room.

• dissonant

• resonant

• melodious

• consonant

The hero or heroine of a popular sitcom may be surrounded by a cast of __________ eccentrics.

• droll

• tedious

• hostile

• apathetic

(n.) an order issued by someone in authority Only in fairy tales can human unhappiness and misery be banished forever by royal __________.

• edict

• banquet

• festival

• parade

The precise meaning of a passage in Middlemarch is sometimes hard to __________.

• elucidate

• fabricate

• neglect

• exaggerate