Question

ten words in context
in the space provided, write the letter of the meaning closest to that of each boldfaced word. use the content of the sentences to help you figure out each words meaning.
1 alleviate
(ə - lē vē āt)
verb

• to alleviate her loneliness, the widow moved closer to her daughter and her family.
• after a long practice in the august heat, the young basketball players alleviated their thirst with iced lemonade.

alleviate means
a. to consider
b. to hide
c. to ease
2 benefactor
(běn ə - fäk tər)
-noun

• the second street bank is a long - time benefactor of the arts. this year it will sponsor a series of free jazz concerts in the parks.
• the wealthy benefactor who paid for the childs operation prefers to remain anonymous.

benefactor means
a. a financial supporter
b. a social critic
c. a cooperative person.
3 covert
(kō vurt)
-adjective

• miriam and davids relationship is so covert that they never eat out. even miriams parents dont know she is seeing him.
• if you enjoy covert activities, become a secret agent.

covert means
a. obvious
b. concealed
c. easy to hear
4 cynic
(sin ik)
-noun

• her parents nasty divorce has made libby a cynic about marriage.
• mr. bryan was a cynic about people until he fell down on a slick corner and several strangers rushed to his aid.

cynic means
a. someone who believes the worst
b. someone who gives help
c. someone with a bad reputation.
5 demise
(di - mīz)
-noun

• drugs have led to the demise of numerous athletes, such as the great basketball player len bias.
• in 1567, a beard caused a mans demise. hans steinigers beard was so long that he stepped on it while climbing a staircase, lost his balance, fell down the steps, and died.

demise means
a. popularity
b. error
c. dying.
6 infamous
(in fə - məs)
-adjective

• king henry viii of england was infamous throughout europe for beheading two of his six wives.
• visitors to the dungeons of ancient castles cringe when to see the instruments of torture, including the infamous iron maiden - a body - shaped box with spikes inside.

infamous means
a. known unfavorably
b. thought to be knowing
c. giving hope

Explanation:

1. In the first example, moving closer to family and having lemonade after a game both suggest actions to ease (alleviate) loneliness and thirst.
2. The second example mentions sponsoring events and paying for a child's operation, which are actions of a financial supporter (benefactor).
3. The relationship that is kept secret and the mention of a secret agent imply something concealed (covert).
4. The first example shows a negative view of marriage due to parents' divorce, and the second shows a negative view of people until help is received, indicating someone who believes the worst (cynic).
5. The first example talks about drugs leading to the end (demise) of athletes, and the second about a beard causing a man's death, both related to dying.
6. The first example of Henry VIII being known for beheading wives and the second of the Iron Maiden being a well - known (infamous) torture device imply being known unfavorably.

Answer:

1. c. to ease
2. a. a financial supporter
3. b. concealed
4. a. someone who believes the worst
5. c. dying
6. a. known unfavorably