Barron's 1100 Words You Need to Know » Week 33 - Day 4

Word List
  • propensity [prə pen´ sə tē]
    disposition, inclination, bent
    → “You had a propensity for telling simple and professional tales before the war.” Joseph Conrad, “The Tale”
  • wary [wer´ ē]
    watchful, shrewd
    → “These figures were wary in their movements and perfectly silent afoot.” Joseph Conrad, Lord Jim
  • allay [ə lā´]
    calm, soothe
    → “The President’s message was an attempt to allay the fears of senior citizens.” “The Future of Medicare,” Washington Post, 3/16/98
  • deter [di tėr´]
    hinder, discourage
    → “Concern for his job did not deter him from making public the dangers of smoking.” “Brave Politician,” New York Times, 4/12/99
  • connoisseur [kon´ ə sėr´]
    expert
    → “This is the car for the connoisseur who doesn’t have to think about cost.” Car and Driver, 10/99

Evelyn was an anomaly*: she had a propensity for folk music and rock and roll dancing, and, at the same time, she was an avid* fan of classical ballet. At one time she had been a fledgling* ballet dancer. Robert headed for a theater where a venerable* ballet company was performing. He knew he had to be wary so that Evelyn might not see him first. It was Tuesday evening; two days gone with so little to show. Only three more remaining before the deadline set by Evelyn. He tried hard to allay the sudden fear that came over him that he might not locate her. Nothing would deter him from succeeding! And so, although he was far from a connoisseur of the dance, he was standing among the throng* in the lobby, hoping it would be a propitious* evening for him.

Sample Sentences Use the new words in these sentences.

  1. The __________ scoffs* at the dilettante,* who has only a veneer* of knowledge.
  2. It is difficult to __________ the concern of parents about how susceptible* their children are and how easily they succumb* to drugs.
  3. Some girls have a __________ for swarthy men who wear gaudy* clothes.
  4. Her father warned her to be __________ of adding the encumbrance* of a steady boyfriend as this would attenuate* her chances of finishing college.
  5. This did not __________ her from getting into a deplorable* situation due to her rash* and perverse* actions.

Definitions Match the new words with their definitions.

  1. a. hinder, discourage
  2. b. expert
  3. c. disposition, inclination, bent
  4. d. calm, soothe
  5. e. watchful, shrewd
  1. propensity __________
  2. wary __________
  3. allay __________
  4. deter __________
  5. connoisseur __________

Answer Key
out of one’s depth—in a situation that is too difficult to handle
We thought he knew the ropes,* but we found him behind the eight ball* because he was out of his depth.

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