Barron's 1100 Words You Need to Know » Week 24 - Day 4

Word List
  • vulnerable [vul´ nər ə bəl]
    capable of being injured
    → “Any vulnerable area in an otherwise strong person or structure is known as an Achilles heel.” Barbara G. Walker, The Women’s Encyclopedia
  • entreaty [en trē´ tē]
    appeal, plea
    → “The police captain made one more entreaty for the unruly crowd to leave.” New York Post, 10/23/99
  • tradition [trə dish´ ən]
    custom that has been handed down
    → “The town had a century-old tradition—an eight-hour canoe race.” Brenda Flock, “The Race”
  • originate [ə rij´ ə nā]
    begin, arise
    → “The early Egyptian rulers, in order to stop the practice of cannibalism, originated the method that protected the dead—mummification.” E. A. Wallis Budge, The Mummy
  • inviolable [in vī´ ə lə bəl]
    safe (from destruction, etc.)
    → “The coach broke an inviolable rule by striking one of his players.” Don DeLillo, End Zone

During the Middle Ages most people believed that the devil could enter our bodies when we sneezed, because at that propitious* moment we left our bodies vulnerable. However, this catastrophic* event could be avoided if another person immediately made an entreaty to God. This was how the practice began of saying “God bless you” after someone sneezes. Although the tradition continues today, few people are aware of its history. A superstition originates in ignorance—when people are unsure of the causes of events. But it continues inviolable over the years because it usually represents our deepest fears.

Sample Sentences Use these new words in the following sentences.

  1. Some bad habits __________ in adolescence and continue throughout a person’s life.
  2. The murderer made a(n) __________ to the governor for a pardon.
  3. Despite the inexorable* torture, 007 kept the __________ secret of the labyrinth* leading to the underground headquarters.
  4. It appears that many computers are __________ to “viruses” that can cause great damage.
  5. Eskimos have a(n) __________ of rubbing noses to show affection.

Definitions Match the new words with their meanings.

  1. a. begin, arise
  2. b. capable of being injured
  3. c. custom that has been handed down
  4. d. appeal, plea
  5. e. safe (from destruction, etc.)
  1. vulnerable __________
  2. entreaty __________
  3. tradition __________
  4. originate __________
  5. inviolable __________

Answer Key
blue chip—a highly valuable asset, stock, or property In poker, the blue chips are those with the highest value.
My father’s broker recommended that for safety we invest in blue chip stocks only.

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