Barron's 1100 Words You Need to Know » Week 33 - Day 1

Word List
  • complacent [kəm plā´ snt]
    self-satisfied
    → “Weather experts warn not to be complacent about the possibility of a dangerous hurricane.” New York, 9/18/95
  • somber [som´ bər]
    gloomy, sad
    → “There was a somber and moving tribute for his last game at Yankee Stadium.” John Updike, New Yorker, 10/22/94
  • debilitate [di bil´ ə tāt]
    weaken
    → “Exercise can help people overcome debilitating illnesses.” Vim & Vigor, Summer 1998
  • impetuous [im pech´ ü əs]
    impulsive
    → “He displayed the impetuous vivacity of youth.” Samuel Johnson, “The Rambler” No. 27
  • occult [ə kult´]
    secret, mysterious, supernatural
    → “Somehow, horror films have changed from one main figure who threatens a town or young women, to occult spirits that take over a normal human for unknown reasons.” Pauline Kael, I Lost It at the Movies

With the trivial* sum of five dollars in his pockets, Robert Lacy was feeling far from complacent about the future. In fact, it was his somber estimate that no matter how frugal* he was, his money would run out before the next day. He owed $3.50 in debts to friends; with the remainder he would have to eat enough to maintain his strength. Hunger would debilitate him to the point where he could not continue his fervid* search for Evelyn. There was no hope of an impetuous stranger suddenly thrusting money upon him. There was still less solace* for him in the hope that, after all this time, he might develop the occult power that would give him a mental image of where Evelyn could be found.

Sample Sentences Use the new words in these sentences.

  1. The guard was so __________ about the danger of escape that he gave the prisoner only a cursory* inspection.
  2. We should be prudent* in our play or work during very hot weather, because the sun has the power to enervate* and __________ those that scoff* at its effects.
  3. He looked for a propitious* moment to exhibit his __________ abilities.
  4. The deleterious* results of his irate* outburst put the previously jocose* audience in a __________ mood.
  5. They were so moved by the idyllic* setting, they exchanged surreptitious,* __________ kisses.

Definitions Match the new words with their definitions.

  1. a. secret, mysterious, supernatural
  2. b. impulsive
  3. c. self-satisfied
  4. d. weaken
  5. e. gloomy, sad
  1. complacent __________
  2. somber __________
  3. debilitate __________
  4. impetuous __________
  5. occult (adj.) __________

Answer Key
to hit the nail on the head—to state or guess something correctly
When Charlie said there were 3,627 beans in that jar, he hit the nail on the head.

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