Vocabulary Handout Unit 1
UNIT 1 VOCABULARY detriment dexterous discretion facetious gregarious optimum ostentatious scrupulous sensory vicarious TEN WORDS IN CONTEXT: In the space provided, write the letter of the meaning closest to that of each boldfaced word. Use the context of the sentences to help you figure out each word’s meaning.
1. detriment [noun]
Loni’s purple hair may be a detriment when she goes for a job interview.
Smoking is a detriment to your health. It’s estimated that each cigarette smoked will reduce your life by one and a half minutes. detriment means a. an aid b. a discovery c. a disadvantage 2. dexterous [adjective]
The juggler was so dexterous that he managed to keep five balls in motion at once.
Although he has arthritis in his hands, Phil is very dexterous. For example, he builds model airplanes.
dexterous means a. skilled b. educated c. awkward
3. discretion [noun]
Ali wasn’t using much discretion when she passed a police car at eighty miles an hour.
Small children haven’t yet developed discretion. They ask embarrassing questions like “When will you be dead, Grandpa?”
discretion means a. skill b. good sense c. courage
4. facetious [adjective]
Professor Segura has a facetious sign on his office door: “I’d like to help you out. Which way did you come in?”.
My boss always says, “You don’t have to be crazy to work here, but it helps.” I hope she’s just being facetious. facetious means a. serious b. dishonest c. funny
5. gregarious [adjective]
Melissa is so gregarious that she wants to be with other people even when she’s studying.
My gregarious brother loves parties, but my sister is shy and prefers to be alone. gregarious means a. attractive b. outgoing c. humorous
6. optimum [adjective]
The road was so icy that the optimum driving speed was only about ten miles an hour.
For the weary traveler, optimum hotel accommodations include a quiet room, a comfortable bed, and efficient room
1. detriment [noun]
Loni’s purple hair may be a detriment when she goes for a job interview.
Smoking is a detriment to your health. It’s estimated that each cigarette smoked will reduce your life by one and a half minutes. detriment means a. an aid b. a discovery c. a disadvantage 2. dexterous [adjective]
The juggler was so dexterous that he managed to keep five balls in motion at once.
Although he has arthritis in his hands, Phil is very dexterous. For example, he builds model airplanes.
dexterous means a. skilled b. educated c. awkward
3. discretion [noun]
Ali wasn’t using much discretion when she passed a police car at eighty miles an hour.
Small children haven’t yet developed discretion. They ask embarrassing questions like “When will you be dead, Grandpa?”
discretion means a. skill b. good sense c. courage
4. facetious [adjective]
Professor Segura has a facetious sign on his office door: “I’d like to help you out. Which way did you come in?”.
My boss always says, “You don’t have to be crazy to work here, but it helps.” I hope she’s just being facetious. facetious means a. serious b. dishonest c. funny
5. gregarious [adjective]
Melissa is so gregarious that she wants to be with other people even when she’s studying.
My gregarious brother loves parties, but my sister is shy and prefers to be alone. gregarious means a. attractive b. outgoing c. humorous
6. optimum [adjective]
The road was so icy that the optimum driving speed was only about ten miles an hour.
For the weary traveler, optimum hotel accommodations include a quiet room, a comfortable bed, and efficient room