Page 169 - WEBSTER Essential vocabulary

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Essential Vocabulary
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moderation (MAH doer AY shin) n. 1. bringing within bounds; 2. avoiding
excesses or extremes; 3. calmness; absence of violence
• Everything should be done in moderation, including moderation itself.
• Partying in moderation means that you’re likely to have a good time and to
remember it the next day.
• Both parties to the dispute acted with moderation so that no fighting erupted.
modicum (MAH di kim) n. a small amount; a bit (with of )
• Grandpa likes to tell tall tales, so take everything he tells you with a
modicum of salt.
• You need not use a lot of ground pepper when seasoning your roast;
usually just a modicum is needed.
modulate (MAHD yoo LAYT) vt. 1. to adjust or to regulate to the appropriate
degree; 2. change the pitch or intensity, usually to a lower level; 3. (radio) to vary
the amplitude or frequency of a wave’s oscillation in accordance with some signal
• One must modulate what to expect from a child in accordance with the
child’s age.
• A great opera singer is one with the ability to modulate his or her voice.
• AM radio is amplitude modulated, while FM is frequency modulated.
[-d, modulating, modulator n.]
momentous* (moh MEN tis) adj. very important; of great moment
• The Wright Brothers’ first powered flight, in 1903, was a momentous occa-
sion for human travel.
• Deciding whether or not to apply to college is a momentous decision.
[-ly adv.]

QUICK REVIEW #56

Match the word from column 2 with the word from column 1 that means most
nearly the same thing.

1. mimicry a. bit
2. mineral b. important
3. misgiving c. imitation
4. mishap d. calmness
5. misleading e. element
6. missing f. regulate
7. mitigate g. qualm
8. mock h. lessen
9. moderation i. accident
10. modicum j. ridicule
11. modulate k. deceiving
12. momentous l. absent