Page 250 - Word Power Made Easy: The Complete Handbook for Building a Superior Vocabulary

KEY: 1–no, 2–yes, 3–yes, 4–no, 5–yes, 6–yes, 7–yes, 8–no, 9–yes, 10–yes

Can you use the words?

In this exercise you gain the value of actually writing a new word as a meaningful
solution to a problem. To think about a word, to say it, to write it, to use it—that is the
road to word mastery. Write the verb that best fits each situation.

1. You’ve been asked to take a stand on a certain issue, but you don’t have the courage to
be either definitely for or against.
You __________________.

2. You spread around an unpleasant story that you know will blacken someone’s
reputation.
You __________________ that person.

3. Your friend is justifiably angry—you asked him to go to a party with you, ignored him
all evening, and then finally left with someone else. What must you do if you wish to
restore the relationship?
You must try to __________________ him.

4. You virtually worship your therapist. You express your admiration in lavish flattery;
you praise her in such excessive terms that she appears devoid of all human frailty.
You __________________ her.

5. You are crowding 260 on the scales, so your doctor warns against high-calorie meals,
rich desserts, second helpings, excessive carbohydrates, etc.
The doctor __________________ these foods.
6. Your child Johnnie has smacked the neighbor’s kid—entirely without provocation, you

are forced to admit. But after all, you think, tomorrow the other kid will, with equal
lack of provocation, probably smack Johnnie.
You __________________ Johnnie’s behavior.
7. When your son, understandably expecting praise, mentions the three B’s and two A’s he

earned in his courses, you respond, callously, “Is that the best you can do? What
stopped you from getting all A’s?”
You __________________ his accomplishment.
8. You have run out of cash and plan to go to the bank to make a withdrawal; then

unexpectedly you discover a twenty-dollar bill you secreted in your desk drawer months
ago.
Your find __________________ a trip to the bank.
9. You are the soul of honesty, but unfortunately, you have a sneaky, thievish, sinister

look—and no one ever trusts you.
Your appearance __________________ against you.
10. The centerfold of Playboy or Playgirl provides a mild and agreeable stimulation.