Question

vocabulary chapter #8
five words in context
in the space provided, circle the meaning closest to that of each boldfaced word. use the context of the sentences to help you figure out each words meaning.

1. inhibit

verb
the belt barrier inhibited many people from entering the auditorium before it was officially open.
if your friends are inhibiting you from doing the things you want to do, they probably arent very good friends.
a. to hold back b. to get into a habit c. to satisfy

1. moderate

adjective
the trainer devised a moderate workout that would be easy enough for her novice participants but still make those that had been coming to her class for a while sweat.
the weather wasnt too hot but it wasnt too cold either, it was a moderate temperature.
a. modern b. average c. difficult

1. supplement

verb
many people supplement their income by working second jobs.
home improvement stores usually look for seasonal workers during the summer time to supplement their garden center staff.
a. to replace b. to add to c. to reduce

1. surpass

verb
want to reach and even surpass a goal? start planning for it now! you are capable of beating it.
guinness world records is always checking whether any of their published records have been surpassed.
a. to go beyond b. to avoid c. to equal

1. undermine

verb
the earthquake undermined the buildings foundation, making it unsafe to use.
the student undermined the teachers authority by making jokes about her behind her back.
a. to reach b. to explore c. to weaken

Explanation:

1. In the sentences for "inhibit", it shows preventing or holding back people from doing something, so "to hold back" is the correct meaning.
2. For "moderate", the examples of workout and temperature indicate an average - not too much or too little, so "average" is right.
3. The sentences about supplementing income and staff show adding to something, so "to add to" is the meaning.
4. "Surpass" in the context of goals and records means going beyond, so "to go beyond" is correct.
5. The earthquake weakening a building's foundation and a student weakening a teacher's authority show that "to weaken" is the meaning of "undermine".

Answer:

1. a. to hold back
2. b. average
3. b. to add to
4. a. to go beyond
5. c. to weaken