N A ME
C LASS
DAT E
Vocabulary Development
The Pit and the Pendulum
Edgar Allan Poe
Synonyms and Antonyms
Below are ten word pairs. The first word in each pair is a Vocabulary word. For each numbered
pair, write S in the blank if the second word in the pair is a synonym of the Vocabulary word, or
if the word is an antonym. You may want to use a dictionary or a thesaurus for this activity.
1. imperceptible : obvious
6. prostrate : upright
2. ponders : meditates
7. potent : concentrated
3. lucid : confused
8. lethargy : listlessness
4. tumultuous : calm
9. proximity : distance
5. insuperable : insurmountable
A
10. averted : prevented
Prefixes
Some of the Vocabulary words for “The Pit and the Pendulum” have prefixes. These small word
parts have meaning and can change the root’s definition. Use a dictionary to find the meanings of
the prefixes as they are used in the Vocabulary words above. Write the meaning of the prefix in the
space provided. The first one has been done for you.
Pr e f i x
Me a n i n g
per–
through
1. im–
2. in–
3. pro–
Each of the prefixes above can be added to a root to create the word whose definition is provided
below. Write the correct word on the line provided. The prefix is given to help you.
EXAMPLE:
pre–
to foretell, to make known beforehand
im–
5. not capable of being done or happening
in–
6. not able to speak understandably
pro–
7. to institute legal proceedings against
a–
8. a hobby or pastime pursued for pleasure
18
Vocabulary Development
predict
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.
4. a–(ab–)