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

2. Unit Two: Chapter 7 • bolster • relegate • depreciate • replete
• indiscriminate • sedentary
• inquisitive • tenet
• nebulous • terse
Page 50 in textbook.

3. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 1 bolster – verb
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
1 bolster
– verb
• The front porch was sagging, so we had to bolster it with cinder blocks until it could be repaired.
• When Yoko was in the hospital, visits from friends bolstered her spirits.
Bolster means
A. to reach.
B. to replace.
C. to support.
Page 50 in textbook.
Answer: C
The next slide explains the answer.

4. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 1 bolster – verb
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
1 bolster
– verb
• The front porch was sagging, so we had to bolster it with cinder blocks until it could be repaired.
• When Yoko was in the hospital, visits from friends bolstered her spirits.
Bolster means
A. to reach.
B. to replace.
C. to support.
Page 50 in textbook.
Cinder blocks would support the sagging porch. Visits from friends would support Yoko’s spirits while she was in the hospital.

5. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 2 depreciate – verb
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
2 depreciate
– verb
• As soon as you drive a new car off the lot, it depreciates; it’s immediately worth less than you paid for it.
• The property depreciated when the city built a sewage plant nearby.
Depreciate means
A. to become better.
B. to become less valuable.
C. to become definite.
Page 50 in textbook.
Answer: B
The next slide explains the answer.

6. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 2 depreciate – verb
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
2 depreciate
– verb
• As soon as you drive a new car off the lot, it depreciates; it’s immediately worth less than you paid for it.
• The property depreciated when the city built a sewage plant nearby.
Depreciate means
A. to become better.
B. to become less valuable.
C. to become definite.
Page 50 in textbook.
If the car is worth less than you paid for it, it has become less valuable. Having a sewage plant built next door would make a property become less valuable.

7. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 3 indiscriminate – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
3 indiscriminate
– adjective
• Some people end up hopelessly in debt because of indiscriminate spending, so be selective about what and how much you buy.
• I confess to an indiscriminate love of chocolate. I don’t distinguish between plain old Hershey bars and fancy imported chocolates—I adore them all.
Indiscriminate means
A. healthy.
B. unenthusiastic.
C. not selective.
Page 50 in textbook.
Answer: C
The next slide explains the answer.

8. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 3 indiscriminate – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
3 indiscriminate
– adjective
• Some people end up hopelessly in debt because of indiscriminate spending, so be selective about what and how much you buy.
• I confess to an indiscriminate love of chocolate. I don’t distinguish between plain old Hershey bars and fancy imported chocolates—I adore them all.
Indiscriminate means
A. healthy.
B. unenthusiastic.
C. not selective.
Page 50 in textbook.
The word selective suggests that indiscriminate means “not selective.” A person who doesn’t distinguish between plain old Hershey bars and fancy imported chocolates is not selective in his or her love of chocolate.

9. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 4 inquisitive – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
4 inquisitive
– adjective
• Inquisitive students usually do better than those who are less curious and less eager to learn.
• Small children are naturally inquisitive. They wonder about the world around them, and they are constantly asking “Why?”
Inquisitive means
A. hard-working.
B. particular.
C. questioning.
Page 50 in textbook.
Answer: C
The next slide explains the answer.

10. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 4 inquisitive – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
4 inquisitive
– adjective
• Inquisitive students usually do better than those who are less curious and less eager to learn.
• Small children are naturally inquisitive. They wonder about the world around them, and they are constantly asking “Why?”
Inquisitive means
A. hard-working.
B. particular.
C. questioning.
Page 50 in textbook.
Students who are less curious are contrasted with students who are questioning. Children who are constantly asking “Why?” are children who are questioning.

11. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 5 nebulous – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
5 nebulous
– adjective
• When I ask Leonard what he wants for his birthday, he never gives me any specific ideas. He just gives a nebulous answer like “Oh, something I can use.”
• “A good essay cannot be nebulous,” the English instructor explained. “It must contain sharp, precise details.”
Nebulous means
A. indefinite.
B. long.
C. specific.
Page 50 in textbook.
Answer: A
The next slide explains the answer.

12. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 5 nebulous – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
5 nebulous
– adjective
• When I ask Leonard what he wants for his birthday, he never gives me any specific ideas. He just gives a nebulous answer like “Oh, something I can use.”
• “A good essay cannot be nebulous,” the English instructor explained. “It must contain sharp, precise details.”
Nebulous means
A. indefinite.
B. long.
C. specific.
Page 50 in textbook.
Saying “Oh, something I can use” shows that Leonard is indefinite about what he wants. An essay that does not contain sharp, precise details is indefinite.

13. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 6 relegate – verb
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
6 relegate
– verb
• At family gatherings, we kids were always relegated to the kitchen table, while the adults ate in the dining room.
• When we have overnight guests, my parents give them my room and relegate me to a cot in the attic.
Relegate means
A. to send.
B. to punish.
C. to reward.
Page 50 in textbook.
Answer: A
The next slide explains the answer.

14. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 6 relegate – verb
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
6 relegate
– verb
• At family gatherings, we kids were always relegated to the kitchen table, while the adults ate in the dining room.
• When we have overnight guests, my parents give them my room and relegate me to a cot in the attic.
Relegate means
A. to send.
B. to punish.
C. to reward.
Page 50 in textbook.
In the first item, the kids were sent to the kitchen table. In the second item, the speaker would be sent to a cot in the attic.

15. A table replete with food
TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
7 replete
– adjective
• The show was replete with dazzling effects, including gorgeous scenery, glittering costumes, dramatic lighting, and thrilling music.
• The book of household hints got an excellent review. “It’s replete with good advice,” the critic wrote. “Every homeowner should purchase a copy.”
Replete means
A. replaced.
B. filled.
C. followed.
Page 51 in textbook.
Answer: B
The next slide explains the answer.
A table replete with food

16. A table replete with food
TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
7 replete
– adjective
• The show was replete with dazzling effects, including gorgeous scenery, glittering costumes, dramatic lighting, and thrilling music.
• The book of household hints got an excellent review. “It’s replete with good advice,” the critic wrote. “Every homeowner should purchase a copy.”
Replete means
A. replaced.
B. filled.
C. followed.
Page 51 in textbook.
A show that includes gorgeous scenery, glittering costumes, dramatic lighting, and thrilling music is filled with dazzling effects. To get an excellent review, the book would have to be filled with good advice.
A table replete with food

17. A sedentary group of women
TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
8 sedentary
– adjective
• People in sedentary occupations, such as bus drivers and writers, need to make a special effort to exercise.
• My older sister’s lifestyle is so sedentary that the longest walk she ever takes is from her living-room couch to the front seat of her car.
Sedentary means
A. involving much walking.
B. involving stress.
C. involving much sitting.
Page 51 in textbook.
Answer: C
The next slide explains the answer.
A sedentary group of women

18. A sedentary group of women
TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
8 sedentary
– adjective
• People in sedentary occupations, such as bus drivers and writers, need to make a special effort to exercise.
• My older sister’s lifestyle is so sedentary that the longest walk she ever takes is from her living-room couch to the front seat of her car.
Sedentary means
A. involving much walking.
B. involving stress.
C. involving much sitting.
Page 51 in textbook.
Driving a bus and writing are occupations that involve much sitting. If the longest walk the sister ever takes is from her living-room couch to the front seat of the car, her lifestyle must involve much sitting.
A sedentary group of women

19. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 9 tenet – noun
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
9 tenet
– noun
• One of the basic tenets of democracy is freedom of speech.
• This world might be a paradise if everyone lived by such tenets as “Never cause suffering.”
Tenet means
A. a principle.
B. a ritual.
C. a prediction.
Page 51 in textbook.
Answer: A
The next slide explains the answer.

20. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 9 tenet – noun
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
9 tenet
– noun
• One of the basic tenets of democracy is freedom of speech.
• This world might be a paradise if everyone lived by such tenets as “Never cause suffering.”
Tenet means
A. a principle.
B. a ritual.
C. a prediction.
Page 51 in textbook.
Freedom of speech is one of the basic principles of democracy. “Never cause suffering” is a principle that could help make the world a paradise.

21. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 10 terse – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
10 terse
– adjective
• I was hurt by Roberto’s terse response to my invitation. All he said was “No thanks.”
• A British humor magazine once gave this terse advice to people about to marry: “Don’t.”
Terse means
A. dishonest.
B. unclear.
C. short.
Page 51 in textbook.
Answer: C
The next slide explains the answer.

22. TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT 10 terse – adjective
Choose the meaning closest to that of the boldfaced word.
10 terse
– adjective
• I was hurt by Roberto’s terse response to my invitation. All he said was “No thanks.”
• A British humor magazine once gave this terse advice to people about to marry: “Don’t.”
Terse means
A. dishonest.
B. unclear.
C. short.
Page 51 in textbook.
The first item gives an example of a short response. The second item gives an example of a short bit of advice.

23. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. bolster B. depreciate C. indiscriminate
D. inquisitive
E. nebulous
F. relegate G. replete H. sedentary
I. tenet
J. terse
1. John considers Arlene rude because her comments are usually __________, but I prefer her brief, clear answers to his long-winded ones.
2. Phan’s TV viewing is ___________. He just watches whatever happens to be on.
Page 52 in textbook.
Answers: 1. terse; 2. indiscriminate
The next slide explains the answers.

24. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. bolster B. depreciate C. indiscriminate
D. inquisitive
E. nebulous
F. relegate G. replete H. sedentary
I. tenet
J. terse
1. John considers Arlene rude because her comments are usually __________, but I prefer her brief, clear answers to his long-winded ones.
terse
The words brief and clear define the word terse.
2. Phan’s TV viewing is ___________. He just watches whatever happens to be on.
indiscriminate
Page 52 in textbook.
Since Phan watches whatever happens to be on, his TV viewing is not based on careful selection.

25. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. bolster B. depreciate C. indiscriminate
D. inquisitive
E. nebulous
F. relegate G. replete H. sedentary
I. tenet
J. terse
3. When a sofa leg broke, we _______(e)d that end of the sofa with a pile of books.
4. Houses and antiques often increase in value as they get older, but most other things, like cars, computers, and appliances, tend to __________.
Page 52 in textbook.
Answers: 3. bolster; 4. depreciate; 5. tenet
The next slide explains the answers.
5. A large sign in the boys’ treehouse stated their club’s main __________: “No Girls or Snakes Allowed!!!”

26. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. bolster B. depreciate C. indiscriminate
D. inquisitive
E. nebulous
F. relegate G. replete H. sedentary
I. tenet
J. terse
3. When a sofa leg broke, we __________ that end of the sofa with a pile of books.
bolstered
A pile of books would support the end of the sofa.
4. Houses and antiques often increase in value as they get older, but most other things, like cars, computers, and appliances, tend to __________.
Page 52 in textbook.
depreciate
In contrast with things that increase in value, most things decrease.
5. A large sign in the boys’ treehouse stated their club’s main __________: “No Girls or Snakes Allowed!!!”
tenet
The sign states the club’s main principle.

27. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. bolster B. depreciate C. indiscriminate
D. inquisitive
E. nebulous
F. relegate G. replete H. sedentary
I. tenet
J. terse
6. The refrigerator was __________ with all kinds of marvelous foods for the party.
7. The catcher worried that unless he started playing better, he’d be _______(e)d to the minor leagues.
Page 52 in textbook.
Answers: 6. replete; 7. relegate
The next slide explains the answers.

28. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. bolster B. depreciate C. indiscriminate
D. inquisitive
E. nebulous
F. relegate G. replete H. sedentary
I. tenet
J. terse
6. The refrigerator was __________ with all kinds of marvelous foods for the party.
replete
In preparation for a party, the refrigerator would be well-filled with marvelous foods.
7. The catcher worried that unless he started playing better, he’d be __________ to the minor leagues.
relegated
Page 52 in textbook.
Being sent to the minor leagues is being assigned to a less important place.

29. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. bolster B. depreciate C. indiscriminate
D. inquisitive
E. nebulous
F. relegate G. replete H. sedentary
I. tenet
J. terse
8. Before this semester, my thoughts about a career were __________, but now I have a much clearer idea of what work I want to do.
9. When we were children, my active sister was always playing tag or jumping rope. I was more __________, preferring to spend hour after hour just sitting and reading.
Page 52 in textbook.
Answers: 8. nebulous; 9. sedentary; 10. inquisitive
The next slide explains the answers.
10. The book Answers to 1,001 Interesting Questions sounds like the perfect gift for a(n) _______ person.

30. SENTENCE CHECK 1
Complete each item with the correct word from the box.
A. bolster B. depreciate C. indiscriminate
D. inquisitive
E. nebulous
F. relegate G. replete H. sedentary
I. tenet
J. terse
8. Before this semester, my thoughts about a career were __________, but now I have a much clearer idea of what work I want to do.
nebulous
In contrast with the clearer idea, the person’s thoughts were vague.
9. When we were children, my active sister was always playing tag or jumping rope. I was more __________, preferring to spend hour after hour just sitting and reading.
sedentary
Page 52 in textbook.
The words just sitting suggest the meaning of sedentary.
10. The book Answers to 1,001 Interesting Questions sounds like the perfect gift for an _________ person.
inquisitive
A book that answers 1001 questions would be appropriate for a curious person.