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.The remarks by the CEO didnot allay the concerns of the employees. Resources CHAPTER 2 VOCABULARY FOR CIVIL SERVICE TESTS25altercation (awl·tr· kay·shOn) n.a heated dispute or quarrel.To prevent an altercation at social func-tions, one should avoid discussing politics and religion.ambivalent (am· biv··lnt) adj.having mixed or conflicting feelings about a person, thing, or situa-tion; uncertain.She was ambivalent about the proposal for the shopping center because she understood the argu-ments both for and against its construction.ameliorate (· meel·yO·rayt) v.to make or become better, to improve.The diplomat was able to ame-liorate the tense situation between the two nations.amorphous (· mor·fms) adj.having no definite shape or form; shapeless.The amorphous cloud of steamdrifted over her head.amulet ( am·ym·lit) n.something worn around the neck as a charm against evil.The princess wore anamulet after being cursed by a wizard.anachronism (· nak·rO·niz·m) n.1.something that is placed into an incorrect historical period 2.aperson, custom, or idea that is out of date.The authenticity and credibility of the 1920s movie was damagedby the many anachronisms that appeared throughout the scenes.anarchy ( an·r·kee) n.1.the complete absence of government or control, resulting in lawlessness 2.political disorder and confusion.The days immediately following the revolution were marked by anarchy.anomaly (· nom··lee) n.something that deviates from the general rule or usual form; one that is irreg-ular, peculiar or abnormal.Winning millions of dollars from a slot machine would be considered an anomaly.antipathy (an· tip··thee) n.1.a strong aversion or dislike 2.an object of aversion.It is a moment Irecall with great antipathy.antithesis (an· tith··sis) n.the direct or exact opposite, opposition or contrast.Martin s parenting styleis the antithesis of mine.apathetic (ap·· thet·ik) adj.feeling or showing a lack of interest, concern, or emotion; indifferent,unresponsive.Ms.Brownstone was distressed by how apathetic her eighth grade students were.aperture ( ap·r·chmr) n.an opening or gap, especially one that lets in light.The aperture setting on acamera has to be set perfectly to ensure that pictures will have enough light.apex ( ay·peks) n.1.the highest point 2.tip, pointed end.Upon reaching the apex of the mountain, theclimbers placed their flag in the snow.apocalypse (· pok··lips) n.a cataclysmic event bringing about total devastation or the end of theworld.Many people feared an apocalypse would immediately follow the development of nuclear weapons.apostate (· pos·tayt) n.one who abandons long-held religious or political convictions.Disillusionedwith the religious life, Reverend Gift lost his faith and left the ministry, not caring if he d be seen as an apostateby colleagues who chose to remain. VOCABULARY FOR CIVIL SERVICE TESTS CHAPTER 2 Resources26apotheosis (·poth·i· oh·sis) n.deification, an exalted or glorified ideal.Lancelot was the apotheosis ofchivalry until he met Guinevere.appease (· peez) v.to make calm or quiet, soothe; to still or pacify.His ability to appease his constituentshelped him win reelection.apprise (· pr to inform, give notice to.Part of Susan s job as a public defender was to apprise people of¯z) v.their legal rights.approbation (ap·rO· bay·shOn) n.approval.The local authorities issued an approbation to close the street fora festival on St.Patrick s Day.appropriate (· proh·pree·ayt) v.to take for one s own use, often without permission; to set aside fora special purpose.The state legislature will appropriate two million dollars from the annual budget to build anew bridge on the interstate highway.apropos (ap·rO· poh) adj.appropriate to the situation; suitable to what is being said or done.The chair-man s remarks about the founding fathers were apropos since it was the fourth of July.arcane (ahr· kayn) adj.mysterious, secret, beyond comprehension.A number of college students in the1980s became involved in the arcane game known as Dungeons and Dragons. archaic (ahr· kay·ik) adj.belonging to former or ancient times; characteristic of the past.Samanthalaughed at her grandfather s archaic views of dating and relationships.archetype ( ahr·ki·t an original model from which others are copied; original pattern or proto-¯p) n.type.Elvis Presley served as the archetype for rock and roll performers in the 1950s.ardor ( ahr·dOr) n.fiery intensity of feeling; passionate enthusiasm, zeal.The ardor Larry brought to thecampaign made him a natural campaign spokesperson.arduous ( ahr·joo·ms) adj.1.very difficult, laborious; requiring great effort 2.difficult to traverse orsurmount.Commander Shackleton s arduous journey through the Arctic has become the subject of many booksand movies.ascetic (· set·ik) adj.practicing self-denial, not allowing oneself pleasures or luxuries; austere.Somereligions require their leaders to lead an ascetic lifestyle as an example to their followers.askew (· skyoo) adj.& adv.crooked, not straight or level; to one side.Even the pictures on the wall stoodaskew after my five-year-old son s birthday party.asperity (· sper·i·tee) n.harshness, severity; roughness of manner, ill temper, irritability.The asper-ity that Marvin, the grumpy accountant, brought to the meetings usually resulted in an early adjournment.assay (· say) v.1.to try, put to a test 2.to examine 3.to judge critically, evaluate after an analysis.Thechief engineer wanted a laboratory to assay the steel before using it in the construction project
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