Barron's 1100 Words You Need to Know » Week 29 - Day 4

Word List
  • pique [pēk]
    fit of resentment
    → “In a fit of pique he raised his pistol to take aim at me but Masha threw herself at his feet.” Aleksandr Pushkin, “The Shot”
  • dilettante [dil ə tänt´]
    one who has great interest, but little knowledge
    → “This art exhibit is not for the dilettante; the subject matter is too shocking.” New York Daily News, 10/3/99
  • atypical [ā tip´ ə kəl]
    nonconforming
    → “He is an atypical candidate, without glamour, fame or wealth.” New York Post, 8/15/99
  • nondescript [non´ də skript]
    undistinguished, difficult to describe
    → “Jane Austen can picture ordinary, commonplace and nondescript characters in ways denied to me.” Walter Scott, Journal, 1826
  • wane [wān]
    decrease, decline
    → “Japan, once an economic power, has seen its influence wane.” New York Times, 8/1/99

One day each week is set aside for college football, and another for the professional brand. Most fans enjoy both varieties. Nothing can put an avid* viewer into a pique more quickly than missing an important contest. It is the dilettante who eschews* the amateur variety and watches only the professional games. The atypical fan will watch only his home team play; however, enthusiasts will continue to view the most nondescript contests involving teams that have no connection with their own town or school. Some intrepid* fans have been known to watch high school games when that was all that was offered. Public interest in football grows each year, while interest in other sports may be on the wane.

Sample Sentences Complete these sentences with the new words.

  1. The __________ will scoff* at those who admit that they know very little about modern art.
  2. It is the __________ fisherman who does not embellish* the story about the fish that got away.
  3. The detective had little to go on because of the __________ nature of the criminal.
  4. Many virulent* diseases are now on the __________.
  5. He showed his __________ by slamming the door.

Definitions Match the new words with their definitions.

  1. a. decrease, decline
  2. b. fit of resentment
  3. c. one who has great interest, but little knowledge
  4. d. nonconforming
  5. e. undistinguished, difficult to describe
  1. pique __________
  2. dilettante __________
  3. atypical __________
  4. nondescript __________
  5. wane (n.) __________

Answer Key
in the arms of Morpheus—asleep; Morpheus was the Roman god of dreams
The day’s activities were so enervating, he was soon in the arms of Morpheus.

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