Question

definitions
note carefully the spelling, pronunciation, part(s) of speech, and definition(s) of each of the following words. then write the word in the blank space(s) in the illustrative sentence(s) following. finally, study the lists of synonyms and antonyms given at the end of each entry.

1. adroit (ə droit) (adj.) skillful, expert in the use of the hands or mind

many rodeo performers are ____________ at twirling a rope while on horseback.
synonyms: clever, deft, dexterous, slick
antonyms: clumsy, inept, all thumbs

1. amicable (am ə kə bəl) (adj.) peaceable, friendly

sometimes mediation by a neutral individual can lead to an ____________ settlement of a dispute.
synonyms: congenial, neighborly, cordial
antonyms: hostile, antagonistic

1. averse (ə vurs) (adj.) having a deep - seated distaste; opposed, unwilling

you are not likely to become a marathon runner if you are ____________ to strenuous exercise.
synonyms: disinclined, loath
antonyms: favorably disposed, eager, keen

1. belligerent (bə lij ə rənt) (adj.) given to fighting, warlike; combative, aggressive; (n.) one at war, one engaged in war

i did not expect such a ____________ answer to my request for directions.
after each ____________ signed the peace treaty, the war was declared officially over.
synonyms: (adj.) assertive, truculent, pugnacious
antonyms: (adj.) peaceful, conciliatory, placid

1. benevolent (bə nev ə lənt) (adj.) kindly, charitable

the newcomers had nothing but ____________ feelings toward all their neighbors.
synonyms: benign, well - meaning
antonyms: malicious, spiteful, malevolent

1. cursory (ker sə rē) (adj.) hasty, not thorough

the mayor gave a final ____________ glance at the text of her speech before mounting the podium.
synonyms: quick, superficial, perfunctory
antonyms: thorough, painstaking, careful

Explanation:

1. "adroit" means skillful, so "Many rodeo performers are adroit at twirling a rope while on horseback."
2. "amicable" means peaceable and friendly, so "Sometimes mediation by a neutral individual can lead to an amicable settlement of a dispute."
3. "averse" means having a deep - seated distaste, so "You are not likely to become a marathon runner if you are averse to strenuous exercise."
4. In "I did not expect such a belligerent answer to my request for directions", "belligerent" as an adjective means combative. In "After each belligerent signed the peace treaty, the war was declared officially over", "belligerent" as a noun means one engaged in war.
5. "benevolent" means kindly and charitable, so "The newcomers had nothing but benevolent feelings toward all their neighbors."
6. "cursory" means hasty and not thorough, so "The mayor gave a final cursory glance at the text of her speech before mounting the podium."

Answer:

1. adroit
2. amicable
3. averse
4. belligerent; belligerent
5. benevolent
6. cursory