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adept (adj) thoroughly skilled. Sentence: Not only is the soloist an accomplished singer, but he is also ____________ at playing the saxophone. (n) an expert. Sentence: An ____________ at chess, she hopes to compete in tournaments against top-rated players. aspire (v) to have ambitious hopes or plans, strive toward a higher goal, desire earnestly; to ascend. Sentence: An early fascination with ants led the young naturalist to ___________ to a career as an entomologist. bleak (adj) bare, dreary, dismal. Sentence: Urban renewal can turn a run-down city with _______________ economic prospects into a flourishing metropolis. chide (v) to blame; scold. Sentence: The teacher _____________ the student for truancy and tardiness. despicable (adj) worthy of scorn, contemptible. Sentence: Whatever the provocation, there is no justification for such ___________ behavior. diminutive (adj) small, smaller than most others of the same type. Sentence: The ________________ lapdog was so small that it actually fit in its owner's purse. emancipate (v) to free from slavery; to release or liberate. Sentence: Scientific knowledge can ___________ humanity from blind superstition. erroneous (adj) incorrect, containing mistakes. Sentence: An ________________ first impression is not easily corrected. exploit (v) to make use of, develop; to make improper use of for personal profit. Sentence: A good debater knows how to __________ weaknesses in an opponent's argument. (n) a feat, deed. Sentence: The ____________ of Robin Hood and his Mercy Men are so well known that they have become a part of Western culture. extemporaneous (adj) made or delivered on the spur of the moment. Sentence: The stand-up comedian's outrageous act included about twenty minutes of completely ___________ banter. impair (v) to make imperfect, damage, harm. Sentence: I am fortunate that the scratch on my eye will not permanently __________ my vision. invincible (adj) not able to be defeated, unbeatable. Sentence: Napoleon I, emperor of France, was ___________ until he launched a disastrous invasion of Russia. languid (adj) dropping; without energy, sluggish. Sentence: A big lunch makes me feel _____________ for the rest of the day. mire (n) mud; wet, swampy ground; a tough situation. Sentence: The once verdant expanse of the soccer field has become a rectangle of muck and ____________. (v) to get stuck. Sentence: Congress will never ratify that bill ____________ in controversy. obtrusive (adj) forward; undesirably prominent; thrust out. Sentence: I don't blame you for being put off by his _____________ attempt to dominate the conversation. preamble (n) an introduction to a speech or piece of writing. Sentence: The ____________ to the Constitution describes the purpose of our national government. render (v) to cause to become; to perform; to deliver officially; to process, extract. Sentence: The freelance writer presented the managing editor with a bill for services ________________. rugged (adj) rough, irregular; severe, stern; strong; stormy. Sentence: Settlers had a rough time crossing the ____________ Appalachian Mountains. skeptical (adj) inclined to doubt; slow to accept something as true. Sentence: I am _____________ of promises made by politicians when they are running for office. slipshod (adj) untidy in dress, personal habits, etc.; careless, sloppy. Sentence: The commission attributed the unfortunate collapse of the apartment building to its ______________ construction.