Word Power ANSWERS

1. odyssey (b)

long journey. My five-minute errand turned into a day-long odyssey.

2. nemesis (c)

archenemy. “Ah, my old nemesis—we meet again!” the supervillain cackled.

3. delphic (a) ambiguous.

Danny was unimpressed by the fortune-teller’s delphic predictions.

4. vestal (c) chaste.

The ancient ritual required vestal maidens to dance in a circle around the fire.

5. narcissistic (c)

self-obsessed. Does posting five selfies a day make me narcissistic?

6. mercurial (a)

changeable. “New England weather certainly is mercurial,” Meg said, peeling off her heavy coat.

7. aurora (a) dawn.

The hikers paused to admire the beautiful pink aurora before continuing on the mountain trail.

8. cornucopia (a)

abundance. “What can I get you? We have a cornucopia of craft beers on tap,” the bartender said.

9. calliope (c) steamwhistle

organ. What’s a circus without a calliope?

10. ambrosial (a)

delicious. An espresso milkshake would taste ambrosial about now!

11. paean (b)

song of praise. Mom composed a paean for us to perform for Dad’s birthday.

12. venerate (c) worship.

Juliana goes to every single Packers game— she practically venerates the team.

13. myrmidon (b)

loyal follower. The emperor’s myrmidons cater to his every whim, no matter how outlandish.

14. lycanthrope (b)

werewolf. My boyfriend always disappears when there’s a full moon; do you think he’s a lycanthrope?

15. plutocracy (a)

government by the rich. “Only the wealthy can afford to run for mayor—this town has become a plutocracy!” Jim complained.

Vocabulary Ratings

9 & below: mortal 10–12: demigod 13–15: Olympian