The Island in the Wind

Vocabulary

contour  - n. the outline of a figure or body

cartographer –n.  the production of maps

stagnate – v. to stop developing, growing, progressing, or advancing

premium – n. a prize, bonus, or award; an insurance

proliferation –n.  the growth or production of cells by multiplication of parts; a rapid and often excessive spread or increase

traumatic –adj.  of, pertaining to, or produced by a trauma or wound; psychologically painful.

pittance –n.  a small amount or share

plummet –n. something that weighs down or depresses.

precipitously – adv. extremely or impassably steep

diversification –n.  the act or process of diversifying; state of being diversified.

bifurcate – v.  to divide or fork into two branches.

burgeoning –v.  to grow or develop quickly

Vocabulary Exercise

Choose the lettered word or phrase that is most nearly similar in meaning to the word in capital letters.

1. BIFURCATE

(A) figure out  (B) divide into two (C) transform  (D) disobey  (E) magnify

2. STAGNATE

(A) stop growth    (B) fasten  (C) scorn  (D) arise    (E) soak

3. PREMIUM

(A) primary     (B) widespread    (C) ambitious    (D) reward (E) wasteful

4. PROLIFERATION

(A) industry (B) teacher of philosophy   (C) shoplifting    (D) profile    (E) rapid increase

(A) calm   (B) priceless   (C) painful    (D) muddy   (E) original

6. BURGEONING

(A) grow forth    (B) make shiny  (C) govern     (D) spoil     (E) tolerate

7. PITTANCE

(A) pity     (B) remorse    (C) acknowledgement    (D) small amount    (E) regret

8. PLUMMET

(A) drop     (B) feather     (C) rise    (D) request     (E) divide

9. PRECIPITOUSLY

(A) exactly     (B) fast    (C) quickly    (D) precisely    (E) extremely steep

10. CONTOUR

(A) friendly      (B) journey   (C) outline   (D) argue    (E) rational

Answers

1. B     2. A        3. D       4. E        5. C       6. A       7. D       8. D     9. E       10. C