Vocab Review (Groups 1–2)
Review groups 1–2, then take the quiz at the bottom of the page.
Group 1
convoluted |
intricate; complex |
The directions were so convoluted that we drove all around the city and got lost. |
cryptic |
difficult to comprehend |
The writing on the walls of the crypt was cryptic; none of the scientists understood it. |
futile |
having no useful purpose; pointless |
It is futile to try to explain the difference between right and wrong to your pet. |
impede |
to slow the progress of |
The retreating army constructed barbed-wire fences and destroyed bridges to impede the advance of the enemy. |
obscure |
(adj.) relatively unknown |
Scott constantly makes references to obscure cult films, and no one ever gets his jokes. |
obscure |
(v.) to conceal or make indistinct |
The man in front of me was so tall that his head obscured my view of the movie. |
quandary |
a state of uncertainty or perplexity |
Ann was in a quandary because she had no soap with which to do her laundry. |
indolent |
lazy |
Mr. Lan said his students were indolent because they had not done their homework. |
Group 2
insipid |
uninteresting; unchallenging |
That insipid movie was so boring and predictable. |
listless |
lacking energy |
Since he is accustomed to an active lifestyle, Mark feels listless when he has nothing to do. |
torpor |
laziness; inactivity; dullness |
The hot and humid day filled everyone with an activity-halting torpor. |
alienated |
removed or disassociated from (friends, family, or homeland) |
Rudolf felt alienated from the other reindeer because they never let him join in their reindeer games. |
alliance |
a union of two or more groups |
The two countries formed an alliance to stand against their common enemy. |
disparity |
inequality in age, rank, or degree; difference |
There is a great disparity between rich and poor in many nations. |
servile |
submissive; like a servant |
Cameron’s servile behavior finally ended when he decided to stand up to his older brother. |
suppressed |
subdued; kept from being circulated |
The author’s book was suppressed because the dictator thought it was too critical of the regime. |
Instructions for the Quiz
Answer the questions.
Quiz