(adj) as if asleep; quiet, still; suspended faculties, inert

"Tulip bulbs lie _________ over the winter months."

(v) to strive to equal or excel; imitate

"In trying to ________ her sister's success, Jane studied the piano diligently."

(n) an earnest request; supplication, prayer

"He was unable to resist such an earnest _______ and yielded against his better judgment."

(v) to avoid committing oneself in what one says; to mislead; to hedge

"During an election year, politicians often ___________ on major issues in hope of alienating no one."

(adj) shamefully wicked; vile and scandalous; heinous

"In __________ disregard of decency, the Mafia ensconced themselves in City Hall."

(adj) disgusting or offensive, esp. because excessive or insincere

"Movie magazines are noted for the __________ praise the writers heap on untalented stars."

(adj) the same in structure, quality; uniform, similar

"English classes are grouped _________according to ability."

(adj) having no money; habitually poor or penniless

"Her buying habits are _________; she runs up charge accounts every month."

(adj) not attentive or observant; negligent; unintentional

"She ___________ly left my name off the graduation list."

(adj) impoverished, poor, needy

"The ___________ population in large citites must live on welfare and charity."

(adj) wicked, unjust, flagitious

"Hindley's treatment of Heathcliff was ___________."

(adj) without vigor or vitality; drooping, weak, sluggish

"Hot days make students feel listless and __________."

(n) scheming action with evil intent, trick

"The politician used every possible _________ to ensure passage of the bill."

(v) to soothe the temper of; pacify, appease, placate.

"He's very angry; see if apologizing doesn't _________ him."

(n) new convert; prosolyte, beginner, novice, tyro

"The _________ made the mistake of giving advice to the old-timer."