Webster Essential Vocabulary

preamble(PREE AM bl orpre AM bl) n. an introduction, especially to a consti-
tution, law, etc. stating what its purpose is

• The preambleto the U.S. Constitution sets down its reason for being.


• Wilson’s 14 points were his preambleto laying out his vision of what the
  peace treaty ending World War I should look like.
  [Syn. introduction]
  precarious(pri KAYR ee is) adj.1. uncertain; insecure; dependent on circum-
  stances; 2. depending on the will or favor of others; 3. depending on chance; risky;
  uncertain


• Sitting on a flagpole is a precariousposition to be in.


• One who relies on the goodwill of others has at best a precariouschance of
  success.


• Relying on a lottery to raise the money for your college tuition makes the
  likelihood of your getting a diploma precariousat best.
  [-ly* adv.]

Quick Review #66.

Match the word from column 2 with the word from column 1 that means most
nearly the same thing.

P – Q: SAT Words 187

1. ponderous


2. poorly


3. possessions


4. postscript


5. potentate


6. poultry


7. powwow


8. practical


9. pragmatic


10. praise


11. preamble


12. precarious

a. afterthought

b. sensible

c. confer

d. opinionated

e. heavy

f. commend

g. geese

h. insecure

i. introduction

j. wealth

k. disparagingly

l. emperor

precedence(PRE si DENS) n. 1. priority because of superiority in rank, age, sen-
iority, etc.; 2. a ranking of dignitaries in order of importance

• In the succession to the presidency, following the Speaker of the House and
  the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the precedenceis to go through
  the cabinet secretaries in the order in which their posts were created.


• When seating dignitaries at an event, a prince always takes precedenceover
  an earl.


• In poker, a royal flush takes precedenceover every other hand.
  [precedency n.]