Pelé: Chapter 4

by Eddy Simon, Vincent Brascaglia
This biography, told in graphic form, explores the life of the famed Brazilian soccer player.

Here are links to our lists for the book: Chapters 1–3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Halftime–Chapter 7, Chapter 8–Extra time
15 words 11 learners

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. whirlwind
    a confused movement or rush
    Pelé's life has turned into a whirlwind he can no longer control.
  2. solicitation
    an entreaty addressed to someone of superior status
    He tries to respond to all the solicitations, to be available to make his fans happy.
  3. inauguration
    the act of starting a new operation or practice
    The inauguration of Brasília, the new capital, was to promote a better division of economic activity that was then concentrated on the coasts.
  4. titanic
    of great force or power
    Except, to finance this titanic construction, the government printed a lot of money.
  5. inflation
    the act of filling something with air
    Economic growth and inflation pushed many families into the favelas overlooking Rio de Janeiro.
  6. favela
    a shack, slum, or shantytown in Brazil
    Economic growth and inflation pushed many families into the favelas overlooking Rio de Janeiro.
  7. tarmac
    a paved road or surface, especially at an airport
    The tarmac is overrun! It's impossible to deplane!
  8. sector
    a group that forms part of society or the economy
    1961, writers call Pelé soccer's first living legend, a popularity that awakens the interest of the economic sector.
  9. spectator
    a close observer; someone who looks at something
    World Cup 1962 in Chile. May 30, at 3 p.m. Brazil joins the competition at Sausalito Stadium in Viña del Mar against Mexico, before 100,000 spectators.
  10. unprecedented
    novel; having no earlier occurrence
    The reï's teammates, disturbed by this unprecedented situation of playing with only ten, claw their way to a 0–0 draw.
  11. relegate
    assign to a lower position
    Relegated to the substitutes' bench, Pelé is nonetheless present for every match to encourage his teammates.
  12. elusive
    skillful at evading capture
    He's a born dribbler, completely elusive, and a genius of improvisation.
  13. improvisation
    something done without prior preparation or planning
    He's a born dribbler, completely elusive, and a genius of improvisation.
  14. polemic
    a verbal or written attack, especially of a belief or dogma
    In no way does this "friendly" polemic cloud the friendship of the two teammates, who feel a true respect for one another.
  15. decree
    issue an authoritative order
    To prevent his departure, the Brazilian Congress has decreed that he is a—nonexportable national treasure?
Created on Tue Jun 17 12:04:53 EDT 2025 (updated Tue Jun 17 15:34:33 EDT 2025)

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