My buddy Verne, a precocious automotive wizard, and I were inspired to do some inventing in our town. We thought it might be feasible to park a car parallel to a space on the street. Then, by pressing a button, we could raise the four tires off the ground slightly while dropping two unique wheels perpendicular to the curb. It would then be a child’s play to roll into the narrowest parking spaces. We took the idea to Ed Greene, who runs the Ford agency, to elicit his reaction. After a perfunctory glance at our plans, to our chagrin, Ed snorted that our idea was inane, but we decided that he was just jealous of our brilliance. Tomorrow we are going to start on a computer that will enable us to measure the intelligence of perverse automobile dealers who like to deride the efforts of junior geniuses.
- precocious – dewasa sebelum waktunya
- wizard – ahli
- feasible – layak, dapat dilaksanakan
- elicit – memperoleh
- perpendicular – tegak lurus
- curb – trotoar, pinggir jalan
- perfunctory – acuh tak acuh, asal saja
- chagrin – perasaan terhina/kecewa
- snorted – mendengus
- inane – bodoh
- perverse – jahat, busuk, suka melawan
- deride – mengejek
Precocious
The word “precocious” describes someone who is unusually advanced or mature for their age. A precocious child might exhibit advanced cognitive, social, or emotional skills at an early age, while a precocious adult might be unusually accomplished or successful for their age.
The word “precocious” is often used to describe children who are particularly intelligent or advanced for their age and who show a high level of curiosity or ability in a particular area. For example, a precocious child might be able to read at an advanced level or have a deep understanding of complex concepts.
The word “precocious” can also be used to describe adults who are unusually accomplished or successful for their age or who show a high level of skill or expertise in a particular area. In these cases, the word “precocious” suggests a level of achievement or ability that is above average or typical for someone of the same age.
In general, the word “precocious” suggests an extraordinary level of intelligence, maturity, or accomplishment for someone’s age. It is often used to describe people who show a high level of ability or promise at an early age.
Wizard
The word “wizard” refers to a person who is skilled or knowledgeable in a particular area or who is able to do something magically or mysteriously. The word “wizard” is often used to describe someone with a high level of expertise or skill in a particular area and who can do things that seem magical or mysterious to others.
In fantasy literature and media, a wizard is often depicted as a person who possesses magical powers or abilities and who can use these powers to perform feats that seem miraculous or supernatural to others. Wizards are often depicted as wise and knowledgeable and associated with studying magic and the occult.
In a more general sense, the word “wizard” can also be used to describe someone who is exceptionally skilled or knowledgeable in a particular area and who is able to do things in a way that seems magical or mysterious to others. For example, a computer programmer might be described as a “coding wizard,” while a mechanic might be described as a “repair wizard.”
The word “wizard” generally suggests a high skill level or expertise in a particular area. It is often used to describe people who can do things that seem magical or mysterious to others.
Feasible
The word “feasible” means possible or likely to be successful or accomplishable. Given the available resources and circumstances, something feasible can be done or achieved.
For example, a plan or solution might be feasible if it is realistic and can be implemented with the available resources and time. A project might be feasible if it is likely to be successful or profitable, given the current market conditions.
In general, the word “feasible” suggests that something is practical and likely to be successful, given the current circumstances. It is often used in contrast to something impractical or unlikely to be successful.
For example, a person might say that a particular plan is “feasible” if they believe it is realistic and likely to work. In contrast, they might say that another plan is “not feasible” if they believe it is impractical or unlikely to succeed.
Off the ground
The phrase “off the ground” can have a few different meanings, depending on the context in which it is used. Some common ways in which the phrase “off the ground” might be used include:
To describe something that has started or is in progress: If something is “off the ground,” it has begun and is moving forward. For example, a person might say that a new project is “off the ground” to indicate that it has started and is underway.
To describe something that has become airborne: If something is “off the ground,” it is no longer in contact with the ground and is flying or hovering in the air. For example, an airplane is “off the ground” when it takes off and begins to fly.
To describe something lifted or removed: If something is “off the ground,” it has been lifted or removed from its original position or location. For example, a person might say that a heavy object is “off the ground” after lifting it off the ground and placing it on a table or in a truck.
In general, the phrase “off the ground” suggests movement or change from a stationary or grounded position and is often used to describe the beginning or progress of something or the movement of something into the air.
Perpendicular
The word “perpendicular” refers to a line or plane that is at a right angle to another line or plane. In geometry, a line or plane is perpendicular to another line or plane if it is at a right angle, meaning that the two lines or planes form a 90-degree angle.
The word “perpendicular” can also be used to describe objects or surfaces that are at a right angle to each other. For example, a wall might be said to be perpendicular to the floor, or a ladder might be said to be perpendicular to the ground.
The word “perpendicular” is often used in contrast to words like “parallel,” which refers to lines or planes that are at the same distance from each other and do not intersect, or “oblique,” which refers to lines or planes that are not at right angles to each other.
The word “perpendicular” generally suggests a right or 90-degree angle and is often used to describe lines, planes, or objects at a right angle.
Curb
The word “curb” can refer to many different things, depending on the context in which it is used. Some common uses of the word “curb” include:
A curb is a raised edge along the side of a road or sidewalk that separates the roadway from the shoulder or grassy area. Curbs often help control traffic flow and prevent vehicles from driving onto the shoulder or grassy areas.
To “curb” something means to control or restrain it. For example, a person might try to curb their spending habits, or a government might try to curb pollution.
A curb is a type of horse-drawn carriage with a single seat.
In general, the word “curb” suggests a boundary or edge and is often used to describe something that helps to control or restrain something else.
Elicit
To elicit something means to bring it out or draw it out, often through questioning or prompting. The word “elicit” can describe extracting information or a response from someone or something, often through careful questioning or observation.
For example, a detective might try to elicit information from a witness by asking them questions about what they saw or heard. In contrast, a teacher might try to elicit a response from a student by asking them a question about a topic they are studying.
The word “elicit” can also describe evoking or causing something to happen or be produced. For example, a particular sound or smell might elicit a particular emotion or response in someone, or a particular action might elicit a particular reaction from someone.
In general, the word “elicit” suggests a process of bringing out or drawing out something through questioning or other means of promoting and is often used to describe the process of extracting information or a response from someone or something.
Perfunctory
The word “perfunctory” describes something done routinely or mechanically without much thought or enthusiasm. A perfunctory action is done to fulfill a requirement or obligation rather than because the person wants to do it.
For example, a perfunctory greeting might be a brief and unexpressive “hello” given simply as a matter of politeness rather than as a genuine expression of interest or friendliness. A cursory review might be done quickly and without much attention to detail simply because it is required.
In general, “perfunctory” suggests a lack of thought or enthusiasm and is often used to describe actions or tasks done mechanically or without much effort. It is often used in contrast to words like “enthusiastic,” which suggests a high level of interest or excitement, or “thoughtful,” which suggests careful consideration or contemplation.
Glance
To glance means to look quickly or briefly at something. A glance is a brief or passing look, often lasting only a moment or two.
For example, someone might glance at their watch to check the time, or they might glance at a passing car to see what make or model it is. A person might also glance at a book or document to get a quick overview or impression of its content without reading it in detail.
The word “glance” is often used to describe a quick or cursory look rather than a sustained or focused gaze. It suggests a brief or passing examination or observation of something rather than a detailed or thorough examination.
The word “glance” generally suggests a quick or brief look at something, often done in passing or without much thought or attention.
Chagrin
“chagrin” refers to embarrassment, disappointment, or frustration, often caused by failure or a sense of inadequacy. Chagrin is a negative emotion that is often accompanied by feelings of shame or self-reproach.
For example, a person might feel chagrin if they make a mistake or fail at something, especially if they had hoped to succeed or had high expectations for themselves. A person might also feel chagrin if they are unable to do something they feel they should be able to do or if they are unable to live up to the expectations of others.
The word “chagrin” is often used to describe a feeling of disappointment or frustration accompanied by a sense of shame or self-reproach. It suggests a negative emotion caused by one’s failure or sense of inadequacy.
In general, “chagrin” refers to embarrassment, disappointment, or frustration, often caused by one’s failure or sense of inadequacy.
Snorted
To snort is to make a loud, harsh sound through the nose, often as a response to something. People might snort to show disgust, derision, or disbelief or clear their nasal passages.
For example, people might snort in disgust if they see or hear something that they find distasteful or offensive. They might also snort in disbelief if they hear something that they find hard to believe or think is ridiculous. People might also snort to clear their nasal passages if they are congested or have something stuck in their noses.
The word “snort” is often used to describe a person’s sound when they snort and is often used to convey a sense of disapproval or disbelief. It suggests a loud and harsh sound made through the nose, often as a response to something.
The word “snort” generally refers to a loud, harsh sound made through the nose, often as a response to something.
Inane
The word “inane” means stupid, foolish, or lacking in substance or intelligence. Something inane lacks meaning or significance and is often characterized by a lack of thought or effort.
For example, a person might describe a joke as inane if they find it stupid or not funny. A conversation might be described as inane if a lack of substance or intelligence characterizes it or if it is superficial or pointless.
The word “inane” is often used to describe something superficial, meaningless, or lacking intelligence or substance. It suggests a lack of thought or effort. It is often used in contrast to words like “thoughtful,” which suggests careful consideration or contemplation, or “meaningful,” which suggests depth or significance.
In general, the word “inane” means stupid, foolish, or lacking in substance or intelligence and is often used to describe something superficial, meaningless, or lacking in thought or effort.
Perverse
The word “perverse” describes something that is stubbornly resistant to reason or guidance or that is characterized by a desire to do the opposite of what is expected or desired. A person or action described as “perverse” is often seen as willful, obstinate, and resistant to change or correction.
For example, a person might be described as “perverse” if they persist in doing something harmful or self-destructive, even when warned about the consequences. People might also be described as “perverse” if they enjoy causing trouble, causing others to suffer, or having a strong desire to do the opposite of what is expected or desired.
The word “perverse” is often used to describe actions or behaviors that are seen as stubbornly resistant to reason or guidance and that are characterized by a desire to do the opposite of what is expected or desired. It suggests a strong will or obstinacy and is often used in contrast to words like “reasonable” or “cooperative,” which indicate a willingness to listen to others or follow accepted norms.
The word “perverse” generally describes something stubbornly resistant to reason or guidance or characterized by a desire to do the opposite of what is expected or desired.
Deride
To deride something means to speak or write about it mockingly or contemptuously. Deriding something suggests a lack of respect or a desire to belittle or ridicule it.
For example, a person might deride a political leader’s ideas or policies by mocking them or expressing contempt for them. A person might also deride someone else’s beliefs or values by speaking about them dismissively or contemptuously.
The word “deride” is often used to describe a lack of respect or a desire to belittle or ridicule something or someone. It suggests a mocking or contemptuous attitude and is often used in contrast to words like “praise” or “respect,” which indicate a positive or supportive attitude.
In general, the word “deride” means to speak or write about something mockingly or contemptuously, suggesting a lack of respect or a desire to belittle or ridicule it.