Barron's 1100 Words You Need to Know » Week 28 - Day 3

Word List
  • sedate [si dāt´]
    quiet, still, undisturbed, sober
    → “Few public places maintain a sedate atmosphere equal to the majestic chambers of the Supreme Court.” Milton Konvitz, editor, Bill of Rights Reader
  • equanimity [ē´ kwə nim´ ə tē]
    evenness of mind, composure
    → “We have to call upon our whole people to stand up with equanimity to the fire of the enemy.” Winston Churchill, speech, 1942
  • compatible [kəm pat´ ə bəl]
    harmonious, well-matched
    → “The policies of the party are not compatible with his conservative beliefs.” U.S. News and World Report, 8/25/99
  • serenity [sə ren´ ə tē]
    peaceful repose
    → “At the top, they planted the crucifix and gathered round, moved by the serenity.” Sontag Orme, “Solemnity and Flash in the Land of Jesus,” New York Times, 1/1/00
  • revere [ri vir´]
    honor, respect, admire
    → “Paul McCartney and other celebrities who yet revere the name of rock-and-roll great Buddy Holly will host a tribute to him at the Roseland Ballroom.” Letta Taylor, “Tribute to Buddy,” Newsday, 9/3/99

The first impression one gets of Holland is that it is a calm, sedate, and simple land. The slow rhythm of life is even seen in the barges on the canals and the bicycles on the roads. One gradually discovers this equanimity of daily existence is not in accord with the intrinsic* nature of the Dutch. These people are moved by strong feelings that are not compatible with the serenity of the world around them. There is a conflict between the rigid, traditional* social rules and the desire for liberty and independence, both of which the Dutch revere.

Sample Sentences Pay attention to the fine differences in meaning.

  1. There is something absurd* about a well-dressed, __________ man throwing snowballs.
  2. The __________ of the countryside was shattered by the explosion.
  3. The speaker lost his __________ and began to use invective* when the audience started to laugh.
  4. The boy and girl discovered they had many __________ interests.
  5. There are not many people in this world whom one can __________.

Definitions Match the new words with their definitions.

  1. a. peaceful repose
  2. b. quiet, still, undisturbed, sober
  3. c. evenness of mind, composure
  4. d. honor, respect, admire
  5. e. harmonious, well-matched
  1. sedate __________
  2. equanimity __________
  3. compatible __________
  4. serenity __________
  5. revere __________

Answer Key
a feather in one’s cap—something to be proud of
If she could get the movie star’s autograph, she knew it would be a feather in her cap.

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