Barron's 1100 Words You Need to Know » Week 4 - Day 2

Word List
  • pugnacious [pug nā´ shəs]
    quarrelsome
    → “Two pugnacious guard dogs in the railyard eliminated the nightly vandalism in a hurry.” Lewis Tumulty, “Civic Pride”
  • promulgate [prom´ əl gāt]
    to make known officially
    → “The rules and regulations are promulgated for the guidance of administrative employees, bureau heads, and supervisors.” “Rules and Regulations for Administrative Employees,” NYC Board of Education
  • brash [brash]
    impudent
    → “Baker’s brash manner quickly antagonized the other warehouse workers.” Seymour Broock, Labor Meets Its Match
  • scoff [skof]
    to sneer at
    → “No one was injured except the woman who had scoffed at the belief.” Leonard Fineberg, “Fire Walking in Ceylon”
  • belittle [bi lit´ l]
    to make seem less important
    → “To say this is not to belittle subject matter, which is clearly essential to any proper education.” William H. Kilpatrick, “Progressive Education”

The pugnacious K.O. Mullins demanded a rematch. He took a full-page newspaper advertisement to promulgate his challenge. When the champ’s manager saw the brash announcement, he accosted* Mullins, who was surrounded by a throng* of newsmen. The manager openly scoffed at Mullins and belittled his fighting ability. Mullins then lost his temper and fearlessly punched the manager, knocking him off of his crutches.

Sample Sentences Use the new words in the following sentences.

  1. We implored* the faculty advisor to __________ the requirements for the presidency of the club.
  2. My mother liked the salesman’s __________ personality, but he irritated most people.
  3. I don’t understand modern art, but I neither loathe* nor __________ at it.
  4. Since everyone can outpunch my cousin, he cannot afford to be __________ .
  5. Although Ralph can’t play, he doesn’t hesitate to __________ the efforts of our football team.

Definitions Match the new words with their meanings.

  1. a. quarrelsome
  2. b. to make seem less important
  3. c. to sneer at
  4. d. impudent
  5. e. to make known officially
  1. pugnacious __________
  2. promulgate __________
  3. brash __________
  4. scoff __________
  5. belittle __________

Answer Key
feeling no pain—drunk
Although the party had just begun, after his first drink he was feeling no pain.

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