Matching Exercise:

Match the word with its definition.

1. Abate
2. Epochal
3. Emulate
4. Hubris
5. Ignoble
6. Jocular
7. Kismet
8. Ostracize

a. To reduce in intensity or amount. b. Highly significant or influential. c. To imitate or strive to equal or surpass. d. Excessive pride or self-confidence. e. Dishonorable or shameful. f. Characterized by joking or humor. g. Fate or destiny. h. To exclude or reject someone socially.

Answers: 1. a 2. b 3. c 4. d 5. e 6. f 7. g 8. h

Fill in the Blanks:

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word from the list.

1. The storm began to ___ as the winds died down.
2. The discovery of penicillin was an ___ moment in medical history.
3. Many aspiring artists ___ famous painters in order to learn from their techniques.
4. His ___ led him to believe he was invincible, resulting in his downfall.
5. The politician’s ___ actions were exposed, tarnishing his reputation.
6. The comedian’s ___ style always brought laughter to the audience.
7. She believed it was ___ that she met her soulmate on a chance encounter.
8. The group decided to ___ the troublemaker from their social circle.

Answers: 1. abate 2. epochal 3. emulate 4. hubris 5. ignoble 6. jocular 7. kismet 8. ostracize