Study the following
definitions and examples.
1. available adj., ready for
use; willing to serve
a. In order to
understand all the words to the opera, Sue Lin kept an Italian dictionary
available at all times.
b. I checked the
list of available compact discs before ordering.
2. broaden v., to make wider
a. Dominique wants
to broaden her knowledge of opera history.
b. You will
appreciate music more if you broaden your tastes and listen to several types of
music.
3. category n., a division in a
system of classification; a general class of ideas
a. Jazz is one of many categories of music.
b. The works of Mozart are in a category by
themselves.
4. disparate adj., fundamentally
distinct or different
a. In the song, the disparate voices hauntingly
join a blended chorus.
b. Religious songs cut across disparate
categories of music.
5. divide v., to separate into
parts
a. The music class was evenly divided between
those who liked country and western music and those who do not.
b. The broad topic of music can be divided into
manageable parts, such as themes, styles, or centuries.
6. favor v., to be partial to
a. Sam enjoys the works of several composers but
he tends to favor Mozart.
b. I'd favor an evening at a jazz concert over
an evening at the opera any time.
7. instinct n., an inborn
pattern that is a powerful motivation
a. The student's ability to play the cello was
so natural, it seemed an instinct.
b. The music lover followed his instincts and
collected only music that he enjoyed.
8. prefer v., to like someone or
something more than another or others
a. He preferred contemporary music to any other
type.
b. Ms. Lanet prefers to get a seat near the
aisle when she attends a concert.
9. reason n., the basis or
motive for an action; an underlying fact or cause
a. We'll never understand the reason why some
music is popular and some is not.
b. There is every reason to believe that
Beethoven will still be popular in the next century.
10. relaxation n., the act of relaxing or the state of being
relaxed; refreshment of body or mind
a.
Listening to soothing music before bedtime provides good relaxation.
b. He played the piano for relaxation and
pleasure.
11. taste n., the ability to discern what is excellent or
appropriate
a. Ella had the taste required to select a
musical program for the visiting dignitaries.
b. This music does not appeal to my tastes; but
I'm old-fashioned.
12. urge v., to advocate earnestly
a. His mother urged him to study the piano; the
rest is musical history.
b.
Despite my reluctance, my friends urged me to attend an opera.