Vocabulary 24 Introduction
Sentence
Modern science has not yet solved the
mystery of how Aztecs were able to lift
ponderous objects with their meager
tools.
The public opinion poll is a pragmatic
way of determining the thinking of
people at a given point in time.
Word
ponderous
adj.
Definition
very heavy; bulky;
labored
and dull or tiresome
pragmatic
adj.
Remember that failure in one’s first
attempt should not preclude one from
trying again.
The precocious Mozart is said to have
composed music at the age of three.
preclude
v.
Practical; opinionated;
concerned with actual
practice rather than with
theory or speculation
To make impossible; to
shut out; to prevent
Stella was trying to decide between a
post with the diplomatic corps and less
prestigious job teaching in a small
midwestern college.
The pretentious young author acted as if
he had already won a Pulitzer Price for
his writing.
If we fail to make an immediate decision
and continue to procrastinate, the
problem will grow until it becomes
unmanageable.
There was a prodigious outpouring of
sympathy from the community for the
bereaved family.
The pious benefactor withdrew his
support of the show because of its
profane treatment of the Biblical story.
The weeds grew in profusion along the
side of the house and required several
helpers to eradicate.
precocious
adj.
prestigious
adj.
pretentious
adj.
procrastinate
v.
Having or showing much
more ability or
knowledge than is usual
at such a young age; early
or prematurely ripe or
developed
Honored; having an
illustrious name or
reputation
Claiming or demanding a
position of distinction or
merit; showy; selfimportant
To put off doing
something until a later
time; to delay
prodigious
adj.
Enormous; extraordinary
profane
adj.
Secular; not holy; not
connected with religion;
irreverent
Abundance; a great or
generous amount;
extravagance
profusion
n.