Vocabulary 24 Introduction

Sentence

/ Word /

Definition

Modern science has not yet solved the mystery of how Aztecs were able to lift ponderous objects with their meager tools. / ponderous
adj. / very heavy; bulky; labored
and dull or tiresome
The public opinion poll is a pragmatic way of determining the thinking of people at a given point in time. / pragmatic
adj. / Practical; opinionated; concerned with actual practice rather than with theory or speculation
Remember that failure in one’s first attempt should not preclude one from trying again. / preclude
v. / To make impossible; to shut out; to prevent
The precocious Mozart is said to have composed music at the age of three. / precocious
adj. / Having or showing much more ability or knowledge than is usual at such a young age; early or prematurely ripe or developed
Stella was trying to decide between a post with the diplomatic corps and less prestigious job teaching in a small midwestern college. / prestigious
adj. / Honored; having an illustrious name or reputation
The pretentious young author acted as if he had already won a Pulitzer Price for his writing. / pretentious
adj. / Claiming or demanding a position of distinction or merit; showy; self-important
If we fail to make an immediate decision and continue to procrastinate, the problem will grow until it becomes unmanageable. / procrastinate
v. / To put off doing something until a later time; to delay
There was a prodigious outpouring of sympathy from the community for the bereaved family. / prodigious
adj. /

Enormous; extraordinary

The pious benefactor withdrew his support of the show because of its profane treatment of the Biblical story. / profane
adj. / Secular; not holy; not connected with religion; irreverent
The weeds grew in profusion along the side of the house and required several helpers to eradicate. / profusion
n. / Abundance; a great or generous amount; extravagance