Vocabulary focus:
- Tragedy
- Pedestrian
- Glance
- Budget
- Nimble
- Manipulate
- Reckless
- Horrid
- Rave
- Economical
- Lubricate
- Ingenious
You got it! Here are explanations and examples for those words, focusing on their meanings and nuances:
Tragedy
A tragedy is a very sad event, especially one involving death, suffering, or destruction. It can also refer to a dramatic work of art that depicts a serious or somber subject.
- The earthquake was a terrible tragedy, causing widespread devastation.
- Shakespeare’s Hamlet is a classic tragedy about betrayal, revenge, and the loss of innocence.
- Tragedies often involve loss, suffering, and a sense of the fragility of life.
Pedestrian
A pedestrian is a person who is walking, especially in a city or town. It can also refer to something that is ordinary, commonplace, or lacking in excitement or originality.
- The pedestrian was struck by a car.
- The movie was a pedestrian affair, lacking any originality or depth.
- Something that is pedestrian is often unremarkable and uninspiring.
Glance
To glance means to look at something quickly, to take a brief look.
- She glanced at her watch, realizing she was late.
- He glanced at the newspaper headline, catching a glimpse of the news.
- A glance can be a quick look, a casual observation, or a fleeting moment of awareness.
Budget
A budget is a plan for spending money, a financial plan that outlines income and expenses.
- He created a budget to help him save money.
- The government approved a budget for the new school.
- Budgeting is an important part of financial management.
Nimble
Nimble means quick and agile, able to move easily and quickly. It can also refer to someone who is clever or resourceful.
- The dancer had nimble feet, moving gracefully across the stage.
- She was a nimble thinker, able to come up with creative solutions.
- Nimble skills can be useful in various areas, from sports to problem-solving.
Manipulate
To manipulate means to control or influence someone or something, often in a clever or dishonest way.
- He tried to manipulate her into doing what he wanted.
- The magician manipulated the cards with skill and dexterity.
- Manipulation can be a form of power play, used to gain control or advantage.
Reckless
Reckless means careless or irresponsible, not thinking about the consequences of one’s actions.
- He was a reckless driver, often speeding and ignoring traffic laws.
- Her reckless spending habits put her in financial trouble.
- Recklessness can lead to accidents, harm, or negative consequences.
Horrid
Horrid means extremely unpleasant or horrifying, causing disgust or fear.
- The food tasted horrid, making him gag.
- She had a horrid dream that left her feeling anxious.
- Horrid things are often repulsive, shocking, or disturbing.
Rave
To rave means to talk excitedly and enthusiastically, to express great praise or admiration.
- She raved about the new restaurant.
- He raved about the music at the concert.
- Raving can be a way of expressing strong feelings of excitement, approval, or joy.
Economical
Economical means using resources wisely and avoiding waste. It can also refer to something that is efficient, thrifty, or cost-effective.
- He lived an economical lifestyle, avoiding unnecessary expenses.
- The new car was very economical, getting great gas mileage.
- Being economical is important for managing finances and resources.
Lubricate
To lubricate means to make something smooth or slippery, to apply oil or grease to reduce friction.
- He lubricated the squeaky door hinges.
- The mechanic lubricated the engine parts to prevent wear.
- Lubrication is essential for maintaining machinery and reducing wear and tear.
Ingenious
Ingenious means clever, inventive, or original. It suggests a creative and resourceful mind.
- He had an ingenious solution to the problem.
- The inventor was known for his ingenious designs.
- Ingenious ideas often lead to breakthroughs and innovations.
***
The Challenge of the Small Car
The automakers in Detroit barely survived the tragedy of 1956. That was the year the consumer became aware of Volkswagen, and the auto market was forever altered. Once Americans got a glance at this low-priced, nimble, small car that one could manipulate so easily, they frequently refused those horrid Detroit monsters with eight cylinders and ten miles to each gallon of gasoline. Many pedestrians, previously uninterested in owning a car, began to purchase small foreign cars.
Conservative as well as reckless drivers found the price within their budget and became customers. Volkswagen owners rave about their economical cars, telling everyone how little gas they used and how infrequently they needed to be lubricated. Volkswagen, once one of the most popular small cars sold in America, has now fallen behind the autos of the ingenious Japanese manufacturers.
- Tragedy: Tragedi, bencana, malapetaka
- Pedestrian: Pejalan kaki, pengguna jalan kaki, biasa-biasa saja
- Glance: Pandangan sekilas, melirik, memandang cepat
- Budget: Anggaran, rencana keuangan, biaya
- Nimble: Cepat tanggap, lincah, gesit
- Manipulate: Memanipulasi, mengendalikan, mempengaruhi
- Reckless: Ceroboh, sembrono, gegabah
- Horrid: Mengerikan, mengerikan, mengerikan
- Rave: Memuji, memujikan, memuji dengan antusias
- Economical: Hemat, ekonomis, efisien
- Lubricate: Melumasi, mengolesi, meminyaki
- Ingenious: Cerdas, pintar, jenius.
Reckless Glance.
It was a tragedy that could have been avoided. He was just a pedestrian, crossing the street on his way to work. She was a reckless driver, speeding and texting on her phone. They only shared a brief glance before the impact, but it was enough to change their lives forever.
He suffered a severe brain injury and lost his memory. She escaped with minor scratches but was haunted by guilt and remorse. He had to relearn everything, from his name to his hobbies. She had to face the consequences of her actions, from the legal charges to the social stigma.
He was lucky to have a supportive family and friends, who helped him with his recovery. She was unlucky to have a horrid boss and a cheating boyfriend, who made her life miserable. He learned to be more nimble and creative, finding new ways to cope with his challenges. She learned to be more economical and responsible, cutting down on her expenses and debts.
He met a kind woman who loved him for who he was, not who he used to be. She met a cunning man who manipulated her for what she had, not what she needed. He found happiness in the simple things, like reading a book or playing with his dog. She found misery in the complex things, like lying to her friends or hiding from her creditors.
He never knew what he had lost, but he gained something new. She never appreciated what she had, but she lost everything. He was an ingenious survivor, who turned a curse into a blessing. She was a foolish sinner, who turned a mistake into a disaster.
He lived a life of joy and gratitude. She lived a life of sorrow and regret.
