Directions:
 When you do “Vocabulary in Context”, write the part of speech.
 Follow the directions for each word. Your grade will be based on the sentence you write,
and the part of speech you give the word, not your definition of the word.
 In this assignment I have written the parts of speech and the definition for you. You can
copy those. You only have to write your own sentences according to the directions in the
textbook.
 The following is the form you should use.
First Name, Last Name
Prof. McKelvy
Eng. 0349
Jan. 15, 2014
HW
“Vocabulary in Context” New Directions, p. 16
1.
constraints – limits placed on someone or something (Noun)
I felt liberated from the constraints on my freedom of speech when I returned
to the U.S. after living in Spain in 1965 because Spain was under a
dictatorship.
2.
connotations – the emotional meaning associated with a word, in addition to its
literal meaning (Noun)
The idea of privacy has strong connotations in my culture and for many
Americans.
3.
stands out from the crowd - to be noticed among many (verb phrase +
prepositional phrase)
Yao Ming stands out from the crowd, not only because he is 7 ft. 6 in. tall, but
also because he was an outstanding basketball player.
4.
self reliance - independence, self-sufficiency - Noun
Self reliance is greatly valued in my American culture.
5.
aloof – unfriendly, distant, cold, unapproachable –Adj.
Some people seem aloof, but they are really just shy.
6.
place a premium on - give something a high value- verb phrase
As an instructor, I place a premium on honesty and effort.
7.
saw something through - to continue doing something until it is finished – verb
phrase
I was happy when I graduated from college because I saw something through.
8.
lay our cards on the table - to be honest about one’s feelings and/or intentions –
verb phrase
In their economic meeting with President Obama, many Republicans stated
“We are happy to have the opportunity to lay our cards on the table and
express openly our opposition to the President’s proposed economic stimulus
package.”
9.
forthright- up-front, outspoken, direct, candid – adj.
In my American culture, being forthright and direct in conversations is often
valued, but in the South, this is often not the case because Southerners value
good manners more.
10. inclined to – prone to, have a mind to, have a tendency to – verb phrase
Many people in my culture are not inclined to show their emotions; however,
this is not the case for all Americans.