SKIP TO CONTENT

TPO 1-2 The Origins of Theater

199 words 16 learners

Learn words with Flashcards and other activities

Full list of words from this list:

  1. origin
    the place where something begins
    The Origins of Theater
  2. theater
    a building where performances can be presented
    In seeking to describe the origins of theater, one must rely primarily on speculation, since there is little concrete evidence on which to draw.
  3. describe
    give a statement representing something
    In seeking to describe the origins of theater, one must rely primarily on speculation, since there is little concrete evidence on which to draw.
  4. rely
    have confidence or faith in
    In seeking to describe the origins of theater, one must rely primarily on speculation, since there is little concrete evidence on which to draw.
  5. primarily
    for the most part
    In seeking to describe the origins of theater, one must rely primarily on speculation, since there is little concrete evidence on which to draw.
  6. concrete
    capable of being perceived by the senses
    In seeking to describe the origins of theater, one must rely primarily on speculation, since there is little concrete evidence on which to draw.
  7. evidence
    knowledge on which to base belief
    In seeking to describe the origins of theater, one must rely primarily on speculation, since there is little concrete evidence on which to draw.
  8. theory
    a belief that can guide behavior
    The most widely accepted theory, championed by anthropologists in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, envisions theater as emerging out of myth and ritual.
  9. champion
    someone who has won first place in a competition
    The most widely accepted theory, championed by anthropologists in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, envisions theater as emerging out of myth and ritual.
  10. anthropologist
    a social scientist specializing in the study of humanity
    The most widely accepted theory, championed by anthropologists in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, envisions theater as emerging out of myth and ritual.
  11. century
    a period of 100 years
    The most widely accepted theory, championed by anthropologists in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, envisions theater as emerging out of myth and ritual.
  12. envision
    imagine, conceive of, or see in one's mind
    The most widely accepted theory, championed by anthropologists in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, envisions theater as emerging out of myth and ritual.
  13. emerging
    coming into existence
    The most widely accepted theory, championed by anthropologists in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, envisions theater as emerging out of myth and ritual.
  14. myth
    a traditional story serving to explain a world view
    The most widely accepted theory, championed by anthropologists in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, envisions theater as emerging out of myth and ritual.
  15. ritual
    the prescribed procedure for conducting religious ceremonies
    Perceiving an apparent connection between certain actions performed by the group and the result it desires, the group repeats, refines and formalizes those actions into fixed ceremonies, or rituals.
  16. process
    a particular course of action intended to achieve a result
    The process perceived by these anthropologists may be summarized briefly.
  17. perceived
    detected by instinct or inference
    The process perceived by these anthropologists may be summarized briefly.
  18. summarize
    briefly present the main points of something
    The process perceived by these anthropologists may be summarized briefly.
  19. development
    a process in which something passes to a different stage
    During the early stages of its development, a society becomes aware of forces that appear to influence or control its food supply and well-being.
  20. society
    an extended group having a distinctive cultural organization
    During the early stages of its development, a society becomes aware of forces that appear to influence or control its food supply and well-being.
  21. aware
    having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization
    During the early stages of its development, a society becomes aware of forces that appear to influence or control its food supply and well-being.
  22. influence
    a power to affect persons or events
    During the early stages of its development, a society becomes aware of forces that appear to influence or control its food supply and well-being.
  23. control
    power to direct or determine
    During the early stages of its development, a society becomes aware of forces that appear to influence or control its food supply and well-being.
  24. supply
    circulate or distribute or equip with
    During the early stages of its development, a society becomes aware of forces that appear to influence or control its food supply and well-being.
  25. understanding
    the condition of someone who knows and comprehends
    Having little understanding of natural causes, it attributes both desirable and undesirable occurrences to supernatural or magical forces, and it searches for means to win the favor of these forces.
  26. attribute
    a quality belonging to or characteristic of an entity
    Having little understanding of natural causes, it attributes both desirable and undesirable occurrences to supernatural or magical forces, and it searches for means to win the favor of these forces.
  27. desirable
    worth having or seeking or achieving
    Having little understanding of natural causes, it attributes both desirable and undesirable occurrences to supernatural or magical forces, and it searches for means to win the favor of these forces.
  28. occurrence
    an instance of something happening
    Having little understanding of natural causes, it attributes both desirable and undesirable occurrences to supernatural or magical forces, and it searches for means to win the favor of these forces.
  29. supernatural
    not able to be explained by physical laws
    Having little understanding of natural causes, it attributes both desirable and undesirable occurrences to supernatural or magical forces, and it searches for means to win the favor of these forces.
  30. search
    look or seek
    Having little understanding of natural causes, it attributes both desirable and undesirable occurrences to supernatural or magical forces, and it searches for means to win the favor of these forces.
  31. favor
    an act of gracious kindness
    Having little understanding of natural causes, it attributes both desirable and undesirable occurrences to supernatural or magical forces, and it searches for means to win the favor of these forces.
  32. perceive
    become aware of through the senses
    Perceiving an apparent connection between certain actions performed by the group and the result it desires, the group repeats, refines and formalizes those actions into fixed ceremonies, or rituals.
  33. apparent
    clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
    Perceiving an apparent connection between certain actions performed by the group and the result it desires, the group repeats, refines and formalizes those actions into fixed ceremonies, or rituals.
  34. perform
    get done
    Perceiving an apparent connection between certain actions performed by the group and the result it desires, the group repeats, refines and formalizes those actions into fixed ceremonies, or rituals.
  35. desire
    the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
    Perceiving an apparent connection between certain actions performed by the group and the result it desires, the group repeats, refines and formalizes those actions into fixed ceremonies, or rituals.
  36. repeat
    say or state again
    Perceiving an apparent connection between certain actions performed by the group and the result it desires, the group repeats, refines and formalizes those actions into fixed ceremonies, or rituals.
  37. refine
    reduce to a pure state
    Perceiving an apparent connection between certain actions performed by the group and the result it desires, the group repeats, refines and formalizes those actions into fixed ceremonies, or rituals.
  38. ceremony
    a formal event performed on a special occasion
    Perceiving an apparent connection between certain actions performed by the group and the result it desires, the group repeats, refines and formalizes those actions into fixed ceremonies, or rituals.
  39. include
    have as a part; be made up out of
    Frequently the myths include representatives of those supernatural forces that the rites celebrate or hope to influence.
  40. representative
    serving to typify
    Frequently the myths include representatives of those supernatural forces that the rites celebrate or hope to influence.
  41. rite
    any customary observance or practice
    Frequently the myths include representatives of those supernatural forces that the rites celebrate or hope to influence.
  42. celebrate
    have a festivity
    Frequently the myths include representatives of those supernatural forces that the rites celebrate or hope to influence.
  43. costume
    attire characteristic of a country, time, or social class
    Performers may wear costumes and masks to represent the mythical characters or supernatural forces in the rituals or in accompanying celebrations.
  44. represent
    be a delegate or spokesperson for
    Performers may wear costumes and masks to represent the mythical characters or supernatural forces in the rituals or in accompanying celebrations.
  45. mythical
    based on or told of in traditional stories
    Performers may wear costumes and masks to represent the mythical characters or supernatural forces in the rituals or in accompanying celebrations.
  46. character
    a property that defines the individual nature of something
    Performers may wear costumes and masks to represent the mythical characters or supernatural forces in the rituals or in accompanying celebrations.
  47. accompanying
    occurring at the same time, along with, or as a consequence
    Performers may wear costumes and masks to represent the mythical characters or supernatural forces in the rituals or in accompanying celebrations.
  48. celebration
    a joyful occasion for festivities to mark some happy event
    Performers may wear costumes and masks to represent the mythical characters or supernatural forces in the rituals or in accompanying celebrations.
  49. sophisticated
    having worldly knowledge and refinement
    As a person becomes more sophisticated, its conceptions of supernatural forces and causal relationships may change.
  50. conception
    the creation of something in the mind
    As a person becomes more sophisticated, its conceptions of supernatural forces and causal relationships may change.
  51. causal
    involving an entity that produces an effect
    As a person becomes more sophisticated, its conceptions of supernatural forces and causal relationships may change.
  52. relationship
    a mutual connection between people
    As a person becomes more sophisticated, its conceptions of supernatural forces and causal relationships may change.
  53. abandon
    forsake; leave behind
    As a result, it may abandon or modify some rites.
  54. modify
    cause to change; make different
    As a result, it may abandon or modify some rites.
  55. tradition
    a specific practice of long standing
    But the myths that have grown up around the rites may continue as part of the group’s oral tradition and may even come to be acted out under conditions divorced from these rites.
  56. condition
    a mode of being or form of existence of a person or thing
    But the myths that have grown up around the rites may continue as part of the group’s oral tradition and may even come to be acted out under conditions divorced from these rites.
  57. divorce
    the legal dissolution of a marriage
    But the myths that have grown up around the rites may continue as part of the group’s oral tradition and may even come to be acted out under conditions divorced from these rites.
  58. occur
    come to pass
    When this occurs, the first step has been taken toward theater as an autonomous activity, and thereafter entertainment and aesthetic values may gradually replace the former mystical and socially efficacious concerns.
  59. autonomous
    existing as an independent entity
    When this occurs, the first step has been taken toward theater as an autonomous activity, and thereafter entertainment and aesthetic values may gradually replace the former mystical and socially efficacious concerns.
  60. entertainment
    an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention
    When this occurs, the first step has been taken toward theater as an autonomous activity, and thereafter entertainment and aesthetic values may gradually replace the former mystical and socially efficacious concerns.
  61. aesthetic
    characterized by an appreciation of beauty or good taste
    When this occurs, the first step has been taken toward theater as an autonomous activity, and thereafter entertainment and aesthetic values may gradually replace the former mystical and socially efficacious concerns.
  62. value
    the quality that renders something desirable
    When this occurs, the first step has been taken toward theater as an autonomous activity, and thereafter entertainment and aesthetic values may gradually replace the former mystical and socially efficacious concerns.
  63. replace
    put something back where it belongs
    When this occurs, the first step has been taken toward theater as an autonomous activity, and thereafter entertainment and aesthetic values may gradually replace the former mystical and socially efficacious concerns.
  64. mystical
    beyond ordinary understanding
    When this occurs, the first step has been taken toward theater as an autonomous activity, and thereafter entertainment and aesthetic values may gradually replace the former mystical and socially efficacious concerns.
  65. efficacious
    giving the power to produce an intended result
    When this occurs, the first step has been taken toward theater as an autonomous activity, and thereafter entertainment and aesthetic values may gradually replace the former mystical and socially efficacious concerns.
  66. concern
    something that interests you because it is important
    When this occurs, the first step has been taken toward theater as an autonomous activity, and thereafter entertainment and aesthetic values may gradually replace the former mystical and socially efficacious concerns.
  67. propose
    present for consideration, examination, or criticism
    Storytelling has been proposed as one alternative.
  68. alternative
    one of a number of things from which only one can be chosen
    Storytelling has been proposed as one alternative.
  69. relate
    give an account of
    A closely related theory sees theater as evolving out of dances that are primarily pantomimic, rhythmical or gymnastic, or from imitations of animal noises and sounds.
  70. fundamental
    serving as an essential component
    Under this theory, relating and listening to stories are seen as fundamental human pleasures.
  71. recall
    bring to mind
    Thus, the recalling of an event (a hunt, battle, or other feat) is elaborated through the narrator’s pantomime and impersonation and eventually through each role being assumed by a different person.
  72. event
    something that happens at a given place and time
    Thus, the recalling of an event (a hunt, battle, or other feat) is elaborated through the narrator’s pantomime and impersonation and eventually through each role being assumed by a different person.
  73. battle
    a hostile meeting of opposing military forces
    Thus, the recalling of an event (a hunt, battle, or other feat) is elaborated through the narrator’s pantomime and impersonation and eventually through each role being assumed by a different person.
  74. feat
    a notable achievement
    Thus, the recalling of an event (a hunt, battle, or other feat) is elaborated through the narrator’s pantomime and impersonation and eventually through each role being assumed by a different person.
  75. elaborate
    marked by complexity and richness of detail
    Thus, the recalling of an event (a hunt, battle, or other feat) is elaborated through the narrator’s pantomime and impersonation and eventually through each role being assumed by a different person.
  76. narrator
    someone who tells a story
    Thus, the recalling of an event (a hunt, battle, or other feat) is elaborated through the narrator’s pantomime and impersonation and eventually through each role being assumed by a different person.
  77. pantomime
    a performance using gestures and movements without words
    Thus, the recalling of an event (a hunt, battle, or other feat) is elaborated through the narrator’s pantomime and impersonation and eventually through each role being assumed by a different person.
  78. eventually
    after an unspecified period of time or a long delay
    Thus, the recalling of an event (a hunt, battle, or other feat) is elaborated through the narrator’s pantomime and impersonation and eventually through each role being assumed by a different person.
  79. role
    the actions and activities assigned to a person or group
    Thus, the recalling of an event (a hunt, battle, or other feat) is elaborated through the narrator’s pantomime and impersonation and eventually through each role being assumed by a different person.
  80. assume
    take to be the case or to be true
    Thus, the recalling of an event (a hunt, battle, or other feat) is elaborated through the narrator’s pantomime and impersonation and eventually through each role being assumed by a different person.
  81. evolve
    undergo development
    A closely related theory sees theater as evolving out of dances that are primarily pantomimic, rhythmical or gymnastic, or from imitations of animal noises and sounds.
  82. imitation
    copying the actions of someone else
    A closely related theory sees theater as evolving out of dances that are primarily pantomimic, rhythmical or gymnastic, or from imitations of animal noises and sounds.
  83. admiration
    a feeling of delighted approval and liking
    Admiration for the performer’s skill, virtuosity, and grace are seen as motivation for elaborating the activities into fully realized theatrical performances.
  84. skill
    an ability that has been acquired by training
    Admiration for the performer’s skill, virtuosity, and grace are seen as motivation for elaborating the activities into fully realized theatrical performances.
  85. grace
    elegance and beauty of movement or expression
    Admiration for the performer’s skill, virtuosity, and grace are seen as motivation for elaborating the activities into fully realized theatrical performances.
  86. motivation
    psychological feature arousing action toward a desired goal
    Admiration for the performer’s skill, virtuosity, and grace are seen as motivation for elaborating the activities into fully realized theatrical performances.
  87. realize
    be fully aware or cognizant of
    Admiration for the performer’s skill, virtuosity, and grace are seen as motivation for elaborating the activities into fully realized theatrical performances.
  88. performance
    the act of doing something successfully
    Admiration for the performer’s skill, virtuosity, and grace are seen as motivation for elaborating the activities into fully realized theatrical performances.
  89. explore
    travel to or penetrate into
    In addition to exploring the possible antecedents of theater, scholars have also theorized about the motives that led people to develop theater.
  90. possible
    capable of happening or existing
    In addition to exploring the possible antecedents of theater, scholars have also theorized about the motives that led people to develop theater.
  91. antecedent
    a preceding occurrence or cause or event
    In addition to exploring the possible antecedents of theater, scholars have also theorized about the motives that led people to develop theater.
  92. scholar
    a learned person
    In addition to exploring the possible antecedents of theater, scholars have also theorized about the motives that led people to develop theater.
  93. motive
    the reason that arouses action toward a desired goal
    In addition to exploring the possible antecedents of theater, scholars have also theorized about the motives that led people to develop theater.
  94. develop
    progress or evolve through a process of natural growth
    In addition to exploring the possible antecedents of theater, scholars have also theorized about the motives that led people to develop theater.
  95. cease
    put an end to a state or an activity
    Why did theater develop, and why was it valued after it ceased to fulfill the function of ritual?
  96. fulfill
    meet a want or need
    Why did theater develop, and why was it valued after it ceased to fulfill the function of ritual?
  97. function
    what something is used for
    Why did theater develop, and why was it valued after it ceased to fulfill the function of ritual?
  98. imitate
    reproduce someone's behavior or looks
    One, set forth by Aristotle in the fourth century B.C., sees humans as naturally imitative—as taking pleasure in imitating persons, things, and actions and in seeing such imitations.
  99. advance
    move forward
    Another, advanced in the twentieth century, suggests that humans have a gift for fantasy, through which they seek to reshape reality into more satisfying forms than those encountered in daily life.
  100. suggest
    make a proposal; declare a plan for something
    Another, advanced in the twentieth century, suggests that humans have a gift for fantasy, through which they seek to reshape reality into more satisfying forms than those encountered in daily life.
  101. fantasy
    imagination unrestricted by reality
    Another, advanced in the twentieth century, suggests that humans have a gift for fantasy, through which they seek to reshape reality into more satisfying forms than those encountered in daily life.
  102. reality
    the state of being actual
    Another, advanced in the twentieth century, suggests that humans have a gift for fantasy, through which they seek to reshape reality into more satisfying forms than those encountered in daily life.
  103. satisfy
    meet the requirements or expectations of
    Another, advanced in the twentieth century, suggests that humans have a gift for fantasy, through which they seek to reshape reality into more satisfying forms than those encountered in daily life.
  104. encounter
    come together
    Another, advanced in the twentieth century, suggests that humans have a gift for fantasy, through which they seek to reshape reality into more satisfying forms than those encountered in daily life.
  105. fiction
    a literary work based on the imagination
    Thus, fantasy or fiction (of which drama is one form) permits people to objectify their anxieties and fears, confront them, and fulfill their hopes in fiction if not fact.
  106. drama
    a work intended for performance by actors on a stage
    Thus, fantasy or fiction (of which drama is one form) permits people to objectify their anxieties and fears, confront them, and fulfill their hopes in fiction if not fact.
  107. permit
    allow the presence of or allow without opposing
    Thus, fantasy or fiction (of which drama is one form) permits people to objectify their anxieties and fears, confront them, and fulfill their hopes in fiction if not fact.
  108. anxiety
    a vague unpleasant emotion in anticipation of a misfortune
    Thus, fantasy or fiction (of which drama is one form) permits people to objectify their anxieties and fears, confront them, and fulfill their hopes in fiction if not fact.
  109. confront
    oppose, as in hostility or a competition
    Thus, fantasy or fiction (of which drama is one form) permits people to objectify their anxieties and fears, confront them, and fulfill their hopes in fiction if not fact.
  110. define
    show the form or outline of
    The theater, then, is one tool whereby people define and understand their world or escape from unpleasant realities.
  111. escape
    run away from confinement
    The theater, then, is one tool whereby people define and understand their world or escape from unpleasant realities.
  112. instinct
    inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to stimuli
    But neither the human imitative instinct nor a penchant for fantasy by itself leads to an autonomous theater.
  113. penchant
    a strong liking or preference
    But neither the human imitative instinct nor a penchant for fantasy by itself leads to an autonomous theater.
  114. additional
    further or extra
    Therefore, additional explanations are needed.
  115. explanation
    making something understandable
    Therefore, additional explanations are needed.
  116. detached
    no longer connected or joined
    One necessary condition seems to be a somewhat detached view of human problems.
  117. problem
    a question raised for consideration or solution
    One necessary condition seems to be a somewhat detached view of human problems.
  118. example
    an item of information that is typical of a class or group
    For example, one sign of this condition is the appearance of the comic vision, since comedy requires sufficient detachment to view some deviations from social norms as ridiculous rather than as serious threats to the welfare of the entire group.
  119. appearance
    outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
    For example, one sign of this condition is the appearance of the comic vision, since comedy requires sufficient detachment to view some deviations from social norms as ridiculous rather than as serious threats to the welfare of the entire group.
  120. vision
    the ability to see
    For example, one sign of this condition is the appearance of the comic vision, since comedy requires sufficient detachment to view some deviations from social norms as ridiculous rather than as serious threats to the welfare of the entire group.
  121. comedy
    a humorous incident or series of incidents
    For example, one sign of this condition is the appearance of the comic vision, since comedy requires sufficient detachment to view some deviations from social norms as ridiculous rather than as serious threats to the welfare of the entire group.
  122. require
    have need of
    For example, one sign of this condition is the appearance of the comic vision, since comedy requires sufficient detachment to view some deviations from social norms as ridiculous rather than as serious threats to the welfare of the entire group.
  123. sufficient
    of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement
    For example, one sign of this condition is the appearance of the comic vision, since comedy requires sufficient detachment to view some deviations from social norms as ridiculous rather than as serious threats to the welfare of the entire group.
  124. deviation
    a variation from the standard or norm
    For example, one sign of this condition is the appearance of the comic vision, since comedy requires sufficient detachment to view some deviations from social norms as ridiculous rather than as serious threats to the welfare of the entire group.
  125. social
    living together or enjoying life in communities
    For example, one sign of this condition is the appearance of the comic vision, since comedy requires sufficient detachment to view some deviations from social norms as ridiculous rather than as serious threats to the welfare of the entire group.
  126. norm
    a standard or model or pattern regarded as typical
    For example, one sign of this condition is the appearance of the comic vision, since comedy requires sufficient detachment to view some deviations from social norms as ridiculous rather than as serious threats to the welfare of the entire group.
  127. ridiculous
    incongruous or absurd
    For example, one sign of this condition is the appearance of the comic vision, since comedy requires sufficient detachment to view some deviations from social norms as ridiculous rather than as serious threats to the welfare of the entire group.
  128. serious
    of great consequence
    For example, one sign of this condition is the appearance of the comic vision, since comedy requires sufficient detachment to view some deviations from social norms as ridiculous rather than as serious threats to the welfare of the entire group.
  129. threat
    declaration of an intention to inflict harm on another
    For example, one sign of this condition is the appearance of the comic vision, since comedy requires sufficient detachment to view some deviations from social norms as ridiculous rather than as serious threats to the welfare of the entire group.
  130. welfare
    something that aids or promotes well-being
    For example, one sign of this condition is the appearance of the comic vision, since comedy requires sufficient detachment to view some deviations from social norms as ridiculous rather than as serious threats to the welfare of the entire group.
  131. entire
    constituting the full quantity or extent; complete
    For example, one sign of this condition is the appearance of the comic vision, since comedy requires sufficient detachment to view some deviations from social norms as ridiculous rather than as serious threats to the welfare of the entire group.
  132. contribute
    give, provide, or supply something
    Another condition that contributes to the development of autonomous theater is the emergence of the aesthetic sense.
  133. emergence
    the act of coming out into view
    Another condition that contributes to the development of autonomous theater is the emergence of the aesthetic sense.
  134. consider
    think about carefully; weigh
    For example, some early societies ceased to consider certain rites essential to their well-being and abandoned them, nevertheless, they retained as parts of their oral tradition the myths that had grown up around the rites and admired them for their artistic qualities rather than for their religious usefulness.
  135. essential
    basic and fundamental
    For example, some early societies ceased to consider certain rites essential to their well-being and abandoned them, nevertheless, they retained as parts of their oral tradition the myths that had grown up around the rites and admired them for their artistic qualities rather than for their religious usefulness.
  136. abandoned
    forsaken by owner or inhabitants
    For example, some early societies ceased to consider certain rites essential to their well-being and abandoned them, nevertheless, they retained as parts of their oral tradition the myths that had grown up around the rites and admired them for their artistic qualities rather than for their religious usefulness.
  137. nevertheless
    despite anything to the contrary
    For example, some early societies ceased to consider certain rites essential to their well-being and abandoned them, nevertheless, they retained as parts of their oral tradition the myths that had grown up around the rites and admired them for their artistic qualities rather than for their religious usefulness.
  138. retain
    secure and keep for possible future use or application
    For example, some early societies ceased to consider certain rites essential to their well-being and abandoned them, nevertheless, they retained as parts of their oral tradition the myths that had grown up around the rites and admired them for their artistic qualities rather than for their religious usefulness.
  139. admire
    feel high regard for
    For example, some early societies ceased to consider certain rites essential to their well-being and abandoned them, nevertheless, they retained as parts of their oral tradition the myths that had grown up around the rites and admired them for their artistic qualities rather than for their religious usefulness.
  140. artistic
    relating to the products of human creativity
    For example, some early societies ceased to consider certain rites essential to their well-being and abandoned them, nevertheless, they retained as parts of their oral tradition the myths that had grown up around the rites and admired them for their artistic qualities rather than for their religious usefulness.
  141. quality
    an essential and distinguishing attribute of something
    For example, some early societies ceased to consider certain rites essential to their well-being and abandoned them, nevertheless, they retained as parts of their oral tradition the myths that had grown up around the rites and admired them for their artistic qualities rather than for their religious usefulness.
  142. religious
    having or showing belief in and reverence for a deity
    For example, some early societies ceased to consider certain rites essential to their well-being and abandoned them, nevertheless, they retained as parts of their oral tradition the myths that had grown up around the rites and admired them for their artistic qualities rather than for their religious usefulness.
  143. debate
    a discussion with reasons for and against some proposal
    The word “championed” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○changed ○debated ○created ○supported 2.
  144. create
    bring into existence
  145. ascribe
    attribute or credit to
    The word “attributes” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○ascribes ○leaves ○limits ○contrasts 3.
  146. limit
    as far as something can go
    The word “attributes” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○ascribes ○leaves ○limits ○contrasts 3.
  147. contrast
    the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared
    The word “attributes” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○ascribes ○leaves ○limits ○contrasts 3.
  148. accord
    concurrence of opinion
    According to paragraph 1, theories of the origins of theater ○are mainly hypothetical ○are well supported by factual evidence ○have rarely been agreed upon by anthropologists ○were expressed in the early stages of theater’s development 4.
  149. hypothetical
    a conjectural possibility or circumstance
    According to paragraph 1, theories of the origins of theater ○are mainly hypothetical ○are well supported by factual evidence ○have rarely been agreed upon by anthropologists ○were expressed in the early stages of theater’s development 4.
  150. factual
    existing in fact
    According to paragraph 1, theories of the origins of theater ○are mainly hypothetical ○are well supported by factual evidence ○have rarely been agreed upon by anthropologists ○were expressed in the early stages of theater’s development 4.
  151. establish
    set up or found
    ○To establish a positive connection between the members of the society
  152. positive
    characterized by or displaying affirmation or acceptance
    ○To establish a positive connection between the members of the society
  153. distinguish
    mark as different
    ○To distinguish their beliefs from those of other societies
  154. increase
    a process of becoming larger or longer or more numerous
    ○To increase the society’s prosperity
  155. prosperity
    the condition of having good fortune
    ○To increase the society’s prosperity
  156. independent
    free from external control and constraint
    The word “autonomous” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○artistic ○important ○independent ○established 7.
  157. established
    brought about or set up or accepted
    The word “autonomous” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○artistic ○important ○independent ○established 7.
  158. emphasize
    stress or single out as important
    Emphasizing theater as entertainment
  159. mention
    make reference to
    All of following are mentioned in paragraph 5 as possible reasons that led societies to develop theater EXCEPT:
  160. allow
    make it possible for something to happen
    ○Theater allows people to face that they are afraid of.
  161. opportunity
    a possibility from a favorable combination of circumstances
    ○Theater gives an opportunity to imagine a better reality.
  162. imagine
    expect, believe, or suppose
    ○Theater gives an opportunity to imagine a better reality.
  163. enjoy
    derive or receive pleasure from
    ○Theater is a way to enjoy imitating other people.
  164. provide
    give something useful or necessary to
    ○Theater provides people the opportunity to better understand the human mind.
  165. author
    a person who writes professionally
    ○The author presents two theories for a historical phenomenon.
  166. phenomenon
    any state or process known through the senses
    ○The author presents two theories for a historical phenomenon.
  167. compromise
    an accommodation in which both sides make concessions
    The word “penchant” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○compromise ○inclination ○tradition ○respect 11.
  168. inclination
    the act of bending forward
    The word “penchant” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○compromise ○inclination ○tradition ○respect 11.
  169. respect
    regard highly; think much of
    The word “penchant” in the passage is closest in meaning to ○compromise ○inclination ○tradition ○respect 11.
  170. explain
    make plain and comprehensible
    ○To explain how theater helps a society respond to threats to its welfare
  171. respond
    show a reaction to something
    ○To explain how theater helps a society respond to threats to its welfare
  172. sentence
    a string of words satisfying grammatical rules of a language
    Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the highlighted sentence in the passage?
  173. highlight
    an area of brightness in a picture
    Which of the sentences below best expresses the essential information in the highlighted sentence in the passage?
  174. likely
    having a good chance of being the case or of coming about
    ○A society’s rites were more likely to be retained in the oral tradition if its myths were admired for artistic qualities.
  175. practice
    a customary way of operation or behavior
    ○Some early societies stopped using myths in their religious practices when rites ceased to be seen as useful for social well-being.
  176. survive
    continue in existence after
    ○Myths sometimes survived in a society’s tradition because of their artistic qualities even after they were no longer deemed religiously beneficial.
  177. deem
    judge or regard in a particular way
    ○Myths sometimes survived in a society’s tradition because of their artistic qualities even after they were no longer deemed religiously beneficial.
  178. beneficial
    promoting or enhancing well-being
    ○Myths sometimes survived in a society’s tradition because of their artistic qualities even after they were no longer deemed religiously beneficial.
  179. indicate
    designate a place, direction, person, or thing
    Look at the four squares [█] that indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.
  180. enhance
    increase
    To enhance their listeners’ enjoyment, storytellers continually make their stories more engaging and memorable.
  181. engaging
    attracting or delighting
    To enhance their listeners’ enjoyment, storytellers continually make their stories more engaging and memorable.
  182. memorable
    worth remembering
    To enhance their listeners’ enjoyment, storytellers continually make their stories more engaging and memorable.
  183. direction
    a line leading to a place or point
    Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below.
  184. brief
    of short duration or distance
    Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below.
  185. summary
    a brief statement that presents the main points
    Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below.
  186. complete
    having all necessary qualities
    Complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that express the most important ideas in the passage.
  187. select
    pick out or choose from a number of alternatives
    Complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that express the most important ideas in the passage.
  188. minor
    inferior in number or size or amount
    Some sentences do not belong in the summary because they express ideas that are not presented in the passage or are minor ideas in the passage.
  189. originate
    come into existence; take on form or shape
    Anthropologists have developed many theories to help understand why and how theater originated.
  190. presence
    current existence
    ○The presence of theater in almost all societies is thought to have occurred because early storytellers traveled to different groups to tell their stories.
  191. theorist
    someone who constructs hypotheses
    ○Many theorists believe that theater arises when societies act out myths to preserve social well-being.
  192. arise
    move upward
    ○Many theorists believe that theater arises when societies act out myths to preserve social well-being.
  193. preserve
    keep in safety and protect from harm, loss, or destruction
    ○Many theorists believe that theater arises when societies act out myths to preserve social well-being.
  194. focus
    the concentration of attention or energy on something
    ○Some theories of theater development focus on how theater was used by group leaders to group leaders govern other members of society.
  195. leader
    a person who rules or guides or inspires others
    ○Some theories of theater development focus on how theater was used by group leaders to group leaders govern other members of society.
  196. govern
    exercise authority over, as of nations
    ○Some theories of theater development focus on how theater was used by group leaders to group leaders govern other members of society.
  197. receive
    get something; come into possession of
    ○Theater may have come from pleasure humans receive from storytelling and moving rhythmically.
  198. capacity
    capability to perform or produce
    ○The human capacities for imitation and fantasy are considered possible reasons why societies develop theater.
  199. considered
    carefully weighed
    ○The human capacities for imitation and fantasy are considered possible reasons why societies develop theater.
Created on Fri May 25 19:52:51 EDT 2012 (updated Sat May 26 06:08:06 EDT 2012)

Sign up now (it’s free!)

Whether you’re a teacher or a learner, Vocabulary.com can put you or your class on the path to systematic vocabulary improvement.