Question

1. precipitate (v., pri sip ə tāt; adj., n., pri sip at ət) (v.) to fall as moisture; to bring about suddenly; to hurl down from a great height; to give distinct form to; (adj.) characterized by excessive haste; (n.) moisture; the product of an action or process

scholars often disagree over which event or process ____________ an historic moment.
i admit that my outburst was ____________.
too many eggs in this particular pudding will leave a messy ____________ in the baking pan.

1. stringent (strin jənt) (adj.) strict, severe; rigorously or urgently binding or compelling; sharp or bitter to the taste

some argue that more ____________ laws against speeding will make our streets safer.
using context
for each item, determine whether the boldface word from pages 26 - 27 makes sense in the context of the sentence. circle the item numbers next to the six sentences in which the words are used correctly.

1. stellar grades and diverse volunteer work make her the epitome of a desirable applicant.
2. “i wonder if our food will come in this millennium,” i joked after waiting in line to order.
3. he reacted with such aplomb when he was told that he could not order his favorite dessert.
4. change happens if you have intrinsic motivation, so there is no need for external forces to encourage you.
5. the enthusiasm of my friends was helpful to inveigh me to run for class president.
6. her mind is so stringent that she has so far been able to master four languages.
7. my doctors exhorted me from running for a few weeks after i sprained my ankle.
8. it is tough to make any of my ideas heard in meetings when some of my peers are simply focused on making bombastic interjections just to hear themselves talk.
9. the union hopes that the proposed construction projects will precipitate a hiring frenzy.
10. be wary of those who try to ingratiate themselves with you, as they may have an ulterior motive.

Explanation:

1. "epitome" means a perfect example, and her stellar grades and volunteer work make her a perfect example of a desirable applicant, so it's used correctly.
2. "millennium" refers to a period of 1000 years. Waiting in line for food and joking about it coming in this long - time period is a humorous and correct usage.
3. "aplomb" means self - confidence or composure. Reacting with self - confidence when told he couldn't order his favorite dessert is a correct usage.
4. "intrinsic" means coming from within. Having internal motivation for change is a correct usage.
5. "inveigh" means to speak of something with strong disapproval. The correct word here should be something like "persuade". This is an incorrect usage.
6. "stringent" means strict, severe. It's not appropriate to describe a mind as strict in this context. This is an incorrect usage.
7. "exhorted" means to strongly encourage or urge. Doctors would likely tell someone not to run after an ankle sprain, not encourage it. This is an incorrect usage.
8. "bombastic" means over - the - top or pompous. Peers making over - the - top interjections just to hear themselves talk is a correct usage.
9. "precipitate" means to bring about suddenly. The union hoping construction projects will suddenly bring about a hiring frenzy is a correct usage.
10. "ingratiate" means to try to gain someone's favor. Being wary of people trying to gain your favor for an ulterior motive is a correct usage.

Answer:

1. Correct
2. Correct
3. Correct
4. Correct
5. Incorrect
6. Incorrect
7. Incorrect
8. Correct
9. Correct
10. Correct