1. ADVANCING VOCABULARY SKILLS
Fourth Edition
Sherrie L. Nist
© Townsend Press

2. Unit Four: Chapter 17 • complement • implement • discreet • impromptu
• fastidious • inference
• flout • intuition
• heinous • obtrusive
Page 148 in textbook.

3. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 1 complement – verb
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
1 complement
– verb
• The new singer’s voice complemented the other voices, rounding out the group’s sound.
• A red tie would complement Pedro’s gray suit and white shirt, giving the outfit a needed touch of color.
Complement means
A. to go perfectly with.
B. to reach out for.
C. to overpower.
Page 148 in textbook.
Answer: A
The next slide explains the answer.

4. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 1 complement – verb
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
1 complement
– verb
• The new singer’s voice complemented the other voices, rounding out the group’s sound.
• A red tie would complement Pedro’s gray suit and white shirt, giving the outfit a needed touch of color.
Complement means
A. to go perfectly with.
B. to reach out for.
C. to overpower.
Page 148 in textbook.
If the new singer’s voice rounds out the group’s sound, it must go perfectly with the other voices. If a red tie would give Pedro’s outfit the needed touch of color, it would go perfectly with his outfit.

5. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 2 discreet – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
2 discreet
– adjective
• Once the teacher realized Jared could not read well, she made discreet efforts to give him extra help. She didn’t want to embarrass him in front of his classmates.
• “Be discreet about these drawings, Wilson,” the boss said. “Don’t show them to just anyone. We don’t want another company stealing our designs”
Discreet means
A. honest.
B. cautious.
C. obvious.
Page 148 in textbook.
Answer: B
The next slide explains the answer.

6. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 2 discreet – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
2 discreet
– adjective
• Once the teacher realized Jared could not read well, she made discreet efforts to give him extra help. She didn’t want to embarrass him in front of his classmates.
• “Be discreet about these drawings, Wilson,” the boss said. “Don’t show them to just anyone. We don’t want another company stealing our designs”
Discreet means
A. honest.
B. cautious.
C. obvious.
Page 148 in textbook.
If the teacher didn’t want to embarrass Jared, she would be cautious in her efforts to give him extra help. Since the boss doesn’t want the designs stolen, he warns Wilson to be cautious about showing the drawings to others.

7. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 3 fastidious – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
3 fastidious
– adjective
• Tilly was a fastidious housekeeper who vacuumed every day, dusted twice a day, and never allowed so much as a pencil or safety pin to be out of place.
• A fastidious dresser, Mr. Lapp never leaves his home without looking as if he has just stepped out of a fashion magazine.
Fastidious means
A. working quickly.
B. having insight.
C. very particular.
Page 148 in textbook.
Answer: C
The next slide explains the answer.

8. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 3 fastidious – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
3 fastidious
– adjective
• Tilly was a fastidious housekeeper who vacuumed every day, dusted twice a day, and never allowed so much as a pencil or safety pin to be out of place.
• A fastidious dresser, Mr. Lapp never leaves his home without looking as if he has just stepped out of a fashion magazine.
Fastidious means
A. working quickly.
B. having insight.
C. very particular.
Page 148 in textbook.
If Tilly vacuums every day, dusts twice a day, and never lets anything be out of place, she must be a very particular housekeeper. If Mr. Lapp always looks as if he just stepped out of a fashion magazine, he must be a very particular dresser.

9. Flouting a “No Parking” sign
TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
4 flout
– verb
• My neighbors were evicted from their apartment because they flouted the building’s rules. They threw trash in the hallway, had loud all-night parties, and just laughed at anyone who complained.
• The men in the warehouse are flouting regulations about eating on the job. Wastebaskets are filled with sandwich wrappers and empty chip, pretzel, and nacho bags.
Flout means
A. to mock and defy.
B. to put into effect.
C. to show off.
Page 148 in textbook.
Answer: A
The next slide explains the answer.
Flouting a “No Parking” sign
Photo: Kenneth Allen

10. Flouting a “No Parking” sign
TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
4 flout
– verb
• My neighbors were evicted from their apartment because they flouted the building’s rules. They threw trash in the hallway, had loud all-night parties, and just laughed at anyone who complained.
• The men in the warehouse are flouting regulations about eating on the job. Wastebaskets are filled with sandwich wrappers and empty chip, pretzel, and nacho bags.
Flout means
A. to mock and defy.
B. to put into effect.
C. to show off.
Page 148 in textbook.
The evicted neighbors’ actions show they mocked and defied the building’s rules. The items found in the wastebaskets show that the men mock and defy the regulations about eating.
Flouting a “No Parking” sign
Photo: Kenneth Allen

11. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 5 heinous – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
5 heinous
– adjective
• The child murderer’s final heinous act was taunting the victim’s father as the guilty verdict was announced.
• Millions of people were shocked recently by news reports of a heinous act: a woman had locked her little daughter in the basement and starved her to death.
Heinous means
A. wicked.
B. unplanned.
C. detailed.
Page 148 in textbook.
Answer: A
The next slide explains the answer.

12. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 5 heinous – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
5 heinous
– adjective
• The child murderer’s final heinous act was taunting the victim’s father as the guilty verdict was announced.
• Millions of people were shocked recently by news reports of a heinous act: a woman had locked her little daughter in the basement and starved her to death.
Heinous means
A. wicked.
B. unplanned.
C. detailed.
Page 148 in textbook.
Taunting the murdered child’s father is a wicked act. Locking one’s daughter up and starving her to death is a wicked act.

13. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 6 implement – verb
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
6 implement
– verb
• NASA expects to implement its plan for a mission to Mars in 2015.
• Brett is full of ideas about starting his own business, but he never follows through and implements them.
Implement means
A. to recall.
B. to put into effect.
C. to criticize.
Page 148 in textbook.
Answer: B
The next slide explains the answer.

14. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 6 implement – verb
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
6 implement
– verb
• NASA expects to implement its plan for a mission to Mars in 2015.
• Brett is full of ideas about starting his own business, but he never follows through and implements them.
Implement means
A. to recall.
B. to put into effect.
C. to criticize.
Page 148 in textbook.
NASA would expect to put its plan into effect. If Brett never follows through, he never puts his ideas into effect.

15. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 7 impromptu – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
7 impromptu
– adjective
• My speech at my cousin’s birthday dinner was impromptu; I hadn’t expected to be called on to say anything.
• When Maya discovered that she and Barry had both brought guitars to the party, she suggested an impromptu duet.
Impromptu means
A. not rehearsed.
B. not very good.
C. very quiet.
Page 149 in textbook.
Answer: A
The next slide explains the answer.

16. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 7 impromptu – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
7 impromptu
– adjective
• My speech at my cousin’s birthday dinner was impromptu; I hadn’t expected to be called on to say anything.
• When Maya discovered that she and Barry had both brought guitars to the party, she suggested an impromptu duet.
Impromptu means
A. not rehearsed.
B. not very good.
C. very quiet.
Page 149 in textbook.
If the person hadn’t expected to speak, his or her speech would not be rehearsed. If Maya hadn’t known Barry was bringing his guitar, their duet would not be rehearsed.

17. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 8 inference – noun
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
8 inference
– noun
• Ruby said with a wink, “Did you notice how Uncle Joe’s hair has miraculously grown back?” My inference was that he was wearing a toupee.
• “Where did you buy these pork chops?” asked Harry. “Why? What’s wrong with them?” Maria asked, making the inference that he didn’t like them.
Inference means
A. a statement.
B. a conclusion.
C. a secret.
Page 149 in textbook.
Answer: B
The next slide explains the answer.

18. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 8 inference – noun
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
8 inference
– noun
• Ruby said with a wink, “Did you notice how Uncle Joe’s hair has miraculously grown back?” My inference was that he was wearing a toupee.
• “Where did you buy these pork chops?” asked Harry. “Why? What’s wrong with them?” Maria asked, making the inference that he didn’t like them.
Inference means
A. a statement.
B. a conclusion.
C. a secret.
Page 149 in textbook.
Ruby’s comment and wink lead to the conclusion the Uncle Joe was wearing a toupee. Maria’s questions suggest she has drawn the conclusion that Harry doesn’t like the pork chops.

19. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 9 intuition – noun
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
9 intuition
– noun
• “I paint by intuition,” the artist said. “In a flash, I see how a work should look. I don’t really think it out.”
• “The minute I met your mother,” my father said, “my intuition told me that we’d get married someday.”
Intuition means
A. careful study.
B. memory.
C. instinct.
Page 149 in textbook.
Answer: C
The next slide explains the answer.

20. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 9 intuition – noun
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
9 intuition
– noun
• “I paint by intuition,” the artist said. “In a flash, I see how a work should look. I don’t really think it out.”
• “The minute I met your mother,” my father said, “my intuition told me that we’d get married someday.”
Intuition means
A. careful study.
B. memory.
C. instinct.
Page 149 in textbook.
If the artist doesn’t think out his paintings, he must paint by instinct. If the man knew from the moment he met the woman that he was going to marry her, his instinct must have told him so.

21. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 10 obtrusive – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
10 obtrusive
– adjective
• The huge, sprawling new mall seemed obtrusive in the quiet little country town.
• My brother’s stutter is often hardly noticeable, but when he is nervous or in a hurry, it can become obtrusive.
Obtrusive means
A. overly obvious.
B. unplanned.
C. greatly improved.
Page 149 in textbook.
Answer: A
The next slide explains the answer.
A mask with
an obtrusive nose

22. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 10 obtrusive – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
10 obtrusive
– adjective
• The huge, sprawling new mall seemed obtrusive in the quiet little country town.
• My brother’s stutter is often hardly noticeable, but when he is nervous or in a hurry, it can become obtrusive.
Obtrusive means
A. overly obvious.
B. unplanned.
C. greatly improved.
Page 149 in textbook.
In contrast with the quiet little country town, the huge sprawling mall would seem overly obvious. In contrast with the stutter being hardly noticeable, under some circumstances it can be overly obvious.
A mask with
an obtrusive nose

23. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. complement B. discreet C. fastidious
D. flout
E. heinous
F. implement G. impromptu H. inference
I. intuition
J. obtrusive
1. Rachel’s __________ told her not to date a man who kept tropical fish in his bathtub.
2. After Rudy _______(e)d his 11 p.m. curfew—breezing in at 2 a.m. with a cheerful “Hi, folks!”—his parents took away his car keys for a month.
Page 150 in textbook.
Answers: 1. intuition; 2. flout
The next slide explains the answers.

24. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. complement B. discreet C. fastidious
D. flout
E. heinous
F. implement G. impromptu H. inference
I. intuition
J. obtrusive
1. Rachel’s __________ told her not to date a man who kept tropical fish in his bathtub.
intuition
Rachel’s instinctive knowledge would tell her not to date such a man.
2. After Rudy __________ his 11 p.m. curfew—breezing in at 2 a.m. with a cheerful “Hi, folks!”—his parents took away his car keys for a month.
flouted
Page 150 in textbook.
Rudy’s attitude shows he was mocking and defying the curfew.

25. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. complement B. discreet C. fastidious
D. flout
E. heinous
F. implement G. impromptu H. inference
I. intuition
J. obtrusive
3. In the American system of justice, anyone charged with a crime, no matter how _________ the offense, is entitled to be defended by a lawyer.
4. The _________ press conference turned out to be a bad idea. The senator should have planned his remarks beforehand.
Page 150 in textbook.
Answers: 3. heinous; 4. impromptu; 5. discreet
The next slide explains the answers.
5. “Loose lips sink ships” was a famous World War II slogan. It warned Americans to be _________ and not say anything that might reveal military plans.

26. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. complement B. discreet C. fastidious
D. flout
E. heinous
F. implement G. impromptu H. inference
I. intuition
J. obtrusive
3. In the American system of justice, anyone charged with a crime, no matter how _________ the offense, is entitled to be defended by a lawyer.
heinous
Anyone charged is entitled to a lawyer, no matter how evil the crime.
4. The _________ press conference turned out to be a bad idea. The senator should have planned his remarks beforehand.
impromptu
Page 150 in textbook.
If the senator didn’t plan his remarks, they were not rehearsed.
5. “Loose lips sink ships” was a famous World War II slogan. It warned Americans to be _________ and not say anything that might reveal military plans.
discreet
Americans were warned to be cautious and not accidentally reveal military plans.

27. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. complement B. discreet C. fastidious
D. flout
E. heinous
F. implement G. impromptu H. inference
I. intuition
J. obtrusive
6. To __________ their plan for a surprise attack on the girls’ club, the boys needed squirt guns and a gallon of grape juice.
7. The writer Ernest Hemingway had a “tough guy” image but was __________ about using words; he rewrote the ending of one novel forty-four times.
Page 150 in textbook.
Answers: 6. implement; 7. fastidious
The next slide explains the answers.

28. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. complement B. discreet C. fastidious
D. flout
E. heinous
F. implement G. impromptu H. inference
I. intuition
J. obtrusive
6. To __________ their plan for a surprise attack on the girls’ club, the boys needed squirt guns and a gallon of grape juice.
implement
Without squirt guns and grape juice, they could not carry out the attack.
7. The writer Ernest Hemingway had a “tough guy” image but was __________ about using words; he rewrote the ending of one novel forty-four times.
fastidious
Page 150 in textbook.
If he rewrote the ending forty-four times, he must have been very fussy about using words.

29. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. complement B. discreet C. fastidious
D. flout
E. heinous
F. implement G. impromptu H. inference
I. intuition
J. obtrusive
8. Wendy is an excellent hair stylist, because she doesn’t just cut hair. She also advises her customers about which hairstyle will __________ their features.
9. Alicia signed her card to Manuel “Warm regards.” Manuel’s __________ was that she meant “I feel only warm regards, not love.”
Page 150 in textbook.
Answers: 8. complement; 9. inference; 10. obtrusive
The next slide explains the answers.
10. The new partition between the restaurant’s smoking and nonsmoking sections looks __________. Some plants or flowers might help it blend in better.

30. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. complement B. discreet C. fastidious
D. flout
E. heinous
F. implement G. impromptu H. inference
I. intuition
J. obtrusive
8. Wendy is an excellent hair stylist, because she doesn’t just cut hair. She also advises her customers about which hairstyle will __________ their features.
complement
Wendy would suggest a hairstyle that would add to the client’s features.
9. Alicia signed her card to Manuel “Warm regards.” Manuel’s __________ was that she meant “I feel only warm regards, not love.”
inference
Page 150 in textbook.
Manuel makes an assumption about what Alicia’s words mean.
10. The new partition between the restaurant’s smoking and nonsmoking sections looks __________. Some plants or flowers might help it blend in better.
obtrusive
If the partition does not blend in, it must be undesirably noticeable.