English 4, Unit 2: Utopia and Dystopia Vocabulary: Words to Know

Directions: Using context clues from the sentences provided, try to guess the meaning of each word. Type the guessed meanings in the appropriate spaces provided. Then, use dictionary.com to listen to the pronunciation and find the meanings of the words as they are used in each sentence. Type the dictionary meanings in the appropriate spaces provided.

1. When he heard the sound of the gun, George winced. Hazel could tell the noise bothered him.

Based on context clues, record your best guess of the meaning of the word wince: In this sentence wince could mean George became frightened or tensed towards the noise.

2. importunities – Insistent solicitation and entreaty.

Now, record the dictionary meaning of the word wince as it is used in the above sentence: Wince means to draw back or tense body as from pain.

2. When Harrison ripped the doors from the hinges, screams and barking cries of consternation could be heard everywhere. People ran around in confusion and fear.
Based on context clues, record your best guess of the meaning of the word consternation: In this sentence consternation could be he was in shock.

Now, record the dictionary meaning of the word consternation as it is used in the above sentence: Consternation means a sudden alarming amazement that results in utter confusion.

3. The owners seemed to be full of avarice, but the poor workers needed generosity.

Based on context clues, record your best guess of the meaning of the word avarice: In this sentence the word avarice could mean the full of needing something bad.

Now, record the dictionary meaning of the word avarice as it is used in the above sentence: Avarice means insatiable greed for riches, inordinate,miserly desire to gain and hoard wealth.

4. In Utopia, people participate in a secret ballot, so it is not known for whom each person gives suffrage.

Based on context clues, record your best guess of the meaning of the word suffrage: In this sentence suffrage could mean giving the right to do something.

Now, record the dictionary meaning of the word suffrage as it is used in the above sentence: Suffrage means giving the right to vote in political election.

5. cognitive dissonance – Anxiety that results from simultaneously holding contradictory or otherwise incompatible beliefs, or the like as when one person strongly disapproves of his or her habits.

5. The citizens of Utopia must have the approbation of the priests and senate in order to make certain decisions. If the decision is not supported, the citizen will not receive certain benefits.

Based on context clues, record your best guess of the meaning of the term approbation: In this sentence approbation could mean to have permission to do so.

Now, record the dictionary meaning of the term approbation as it is used in the above sentence: Approbation means approval, commendation.

6. Every day, he knelt down and prayed. He had faith that his supplications about his dying mother were heard. He had even more faith that they would be granted.

Based on context clues, record your best guess of the meaning of the word supplication: In this sentence supplication could mean in prayers, praying about something.

7. jocular – Given to, characterized by, intended for or suited by joking.

Now, record the dictionary meaning of the word supplication as it is used in the above sentence: Supplication means to pray humbly or beg earnestly.

7. Indignant responses including funny looks, cursing, general nastiness, or abrupt movements of the body are strongly discouraged as they may get you in more trouble.

Based on context clues, record your best guess of the meaning of the word indignant: In this sentence indignant could mean uncomfortable.

Now, record the dictionary meaning of the word indignant as it is used in the above sentence:
Indignant means feeling characterized by or expressing strong displeasure at something offensive or insulting.
0100090000037800000002001c00000000000400000003010800050000000b0200000000050000000c022d01ca08040000002e0118001c000000fb021000070000000000bc02000000000102022253797374656d0001ca08000088c81200734ad030302d17000c020000ca080000040000002d01000004000000020101001c000000fb02ceff0000000000009001000000000440001254696d6573204e657720526f6d616e0000000000000000000000000000000000040000002d010100050000000902000000020d000000320a2d0000000100040000000000ca082c0120d61600040000002d010000030000000000
8. The manager enumerated the jobs of the workers for the evening. Then, one by one, he assigned each job to each employee.

Based on context clues, record your best guess of the meaning of the word enumerate: In this sentence enumerate could mean count.

Now, record the dictionary meaning of the word enumerate as it is used in the above sentence: Enumerate means to separatley as to count.

9. Often he would lie from one meal to the next almost without stirring, sometimes asleep, sometimes waking into vague reveries in which it was too much trouble to open his eyes.

Based on context clues, record your best guess of the meaning of the word reverie: In this sentence reverie could mean day dreaming

Now, record the dictionary meaning of the word reverie as it is used in the above sentence: Reverie means a day dream, or dreamy meditation.

10. Winston Smith refused to fully capitulate. He obeyed Big Brother, but he hated Big Brother. He would never give up as long as the hate remained.

Based on context clues, record your best guess of the meaning of the word capitulate: In this sentence capitulate could mean not wanting to do so.

Now, record the dictionary meaning of the word capitulate as it is used in the above sentence: Capitulate means to surrender or on stipulated terms.