Lesson 1: Central Ideas 1-5

Ready to become a master of words? This group focuses on terms related to skill, talent, and craftsmanship.

Key Words

Example Usage

• If you have a natural aptitude for computers, you should consider a career in tech.
• Maria is a versatile musician who plays the piano, guitar, and drums.
• A master watchmaker's dexterity with tiny parts is the result of years of patient work.

Explanation

These words describe different aspects of skill and ability. They range from natural talent, or aptitude, to the expert dexterity gained through practice. This group also includes terms for skilled people, like a craftsperson, and even the opposite of skillful—maladroit, which means clumsy.

Let's explore the vocabulary of hardship. These words describe states of poverty and the actions people take to manage with little.

Key Words

Example Usage

• If the company doesn't economize on its travel budget, it will face serious financial problems.
• After the factory closed, many families in the town became destitute and relied on aid.
• By living a frugal lifestyle, the students managed to save enough money for a short vacation.

Explanation

This set of words relates to the experience of having very little money or resources. Indigence and being destitute both refer to extreme poverty. To cope, one might need to be frugal (careful with spending) or economize (cut back on expenses) to avoid becoming even more impoverished.

Now for the other side of the coin! This group is all about wealth, from abundance and luxury to the desire for more.

Key Words

Example Usage

• As a uniquely affluent company, the tech giant donated billions to environmental causes.
• The dictator's lavish parties and sumptuous palaces were paid for by the impoverished citizens.
• The miser's avarice was so great that he would hoard every penny he found, never spending a dime.

Explanation

These terms describe everything related to having money. Being affluent means you have great opulence, or wealth. This can lead to a sumptuous lifestyle with lavish spending. However, this group also includes the dark side of wealth, like avarice (greed) and the temptation to hoard money or fleece others.

Feeling a little shaky? Don't worry, it's just this group of words related to fear, cowardice, and anxiety!

Key Words

Example Usage

• The coach warned the older players not to intimidate the new recruits.
• Who would have guessed that the timid student who never spoke would have the courage to lead the protest?
• He felt great trepidation as he walked onto the stage to give his speech.

Explanation

All these words revolve around the feeling of fear. Someone who is timid or apprehensive might cower when faced with a threat. A bully might try to intimidate others, a truly dastardly act. The noun for extreme nervousness or fear is trepidation, and a total coward can be called a poltroon.

Time to be brave! This final set of words celebrates courage, boldness, and daring deeds.

Key Words

Example Usage

• The firefighter was awarded a medal for her exploits in rescuing the family from the burning building.
• The small team had an indomitable spirit and never gave up, even when they were losing.
• It was a rash decision to go hiking without checking the weather forecast first.

Explanation

This group contains words for bravery and boldness. Someone who is dauntless or plucky shows great courage. Fortitude is the strength to endure hardship, while being indomitable means you're unconquerable. An audacious person is fearlessly daring, and their great achievements are called exploits.