Lesson 7

preparatory school work done outside school (especially at home)

the quality of being greater in number or quantity

The preponderance of complaints suggests that the service quality has declined.

to positively impact someone’s opinion

Her confident and friendly demeanor always prepossesses those she meets.

absurd and contrary to common sense

The idea that elephants can fly is preposterous and defies all known laws of physics.

a follower or student who adheres to the teachings and practices of a particular leader, teacher, or philosophy

Jesus Christ had many disciples who followed him and spread his teachings.

related to a specific branch of knowledge or academic field

She completed a disciplinary study in the field of cognitive psychology.

to train a person or animal by instruction and exercise, usually with the aim of improving or correcting behavior

Parents use various methods to discipline their children, teaching them values and acceptable behavior.

to formally request someone’s presence in court to answer for a serious crime

They are currently arraigning him for charges related to organized crime activities.

complete and utter, typically used to describe something negative or undesirable

He was accused of being an arrant fool for making such a reckless decision.

a usually dry watercourse that after a heavy rain temporarily fills and flows with water

Wildlife in the area depended on the arroyo’s temporary waters for survival after the rains.

to noisily argue over an unimportant matter

The children began to squabble over the last piece of cake, each insisting it was rightfully theirs.

to go to a position in which the knees are bent and the back of thighs are touching or very close to one's heels

During the workout, the fitness instructor demonstrated how to squat properly.

easily sickened by unpleasant things

She felt squeamish when she saw the blood on the floor after the accident.

to make something unclear or confusing

The convoluted explanations befogged the listeners, leaving them uncertain about the topic.

to make friends with someone

During the school orientation, she made an effort to befriend her classmates.

to come into sudden and forceful contact with another object or person

The two cars collided at the intersection, resulting in a minor accident.

(physics) the act of two or more moving items crashing into each other

Astronomers predicted a future collision between two galaxies billions of years from now.

to waste or misuse something valuable, such as money, time, or opportunities

Instead of investing wisely, he chose to squander his inheritance on extravagant vacations.

(of a construction) to fall down suddenly, particularly due to being damaged or weak

The old building collapsed after years of neglect and structural decay.