1.
Dormant
Correct Answer
A. Sleeping
Explanation
The word "dormant" means inactive or in a state of rest. This is similar to the concept of sleeping, where a person or animal is temporarily inactive and resting. Therefore, "sleeping" is the correct answer as it is the closest synonym to "dormant" among the given options.
2.
Caustic
Correct Answer
B. Biting; harsh
Explanation
The word "caustic" is often used to describe someone's remarks or wit that is sharp and critical, causing discomfort or offense. It implies a biting and harsh nature, suggesting that the person's words are acidic and can cause damage or pain. Therefore, the answer "biting; harsh" accurately captures the meaning of the word "caustic" in this context.
3.
Exacerbate
Correct Answer
A. Complicate; make worse
Explanation
Not to be confused with "exasperate" meaning to frustrate or annoy.
4.
Dubious
Correct Answer
C. Doubtful
Explanation
The word "dubious" means uncertain or doubtful. It is the only option that matches the meaning of "doubtful" in the given list. "Insane" means mentally ill, "unintelligent" means lacking intelligence, and "none of the above" indicates that none of the options are correct.
5.
Avarice
Correct Answer
B. Greed
Explanation
If you're avaricious, you're greedy.
6.
Counterfeit
Correct Answer
B. Fake
Explanation
The word "counterfeit" means something that is fake or not genuine. Therefore, the correct answer for this question is "fake".
7.
Ambiguous
Correct Answer
C. Having more than one meaning
Explanation
Remember the "bi" in the word means "two."
8.
Capacious
Correct Answer
A. Spacious; roomy
Explanation
Same root as "capacity."
9.
Elucidate
Correct Answer
A. Explain; shed light on
Explanation
Literally means "to make more lucid," and lucid means "clear." Is that clear?
10.
Eradicate
Correct Answer
C. Destroy
Explanation
The word "eradicate" means to completely eliminate or destroy something. Therefore, the correct answer is "destroy" as it is the closest synonym to "eradicate" among the given options. "Hook up" and "win" do not convey the same meaning as "eradicate," and "None of the above" is not a suitable answer as "destroy" accurately represents the meaning of "eradicate."
11.
Boorish
Correct Answer
A. Rude; coarse
Explanation
The word "boorish" is defined as being rude and coarse. This means that someone who is boorish lacks manners and acts in a crude or impolite manner. Therefore, the correct answer is "rude; coarse."
12.
Dissent
Correct Answer
B. Disagreement; unrest
Explanation
A dissenting opinion is one that goes against what the others are saying.
13.
Fallacious
Correct Answer
C. False; illogical
Explanation
The word "fallacious" means false or misleading. The word "upside-down" refers to something being inverted or turned the opposite way. The word "downhill" means descending or getting worse. Therefore, the correct answer "false; illogical" accurately captures the meaning of the word "fallacious" as being both false and illogical.
14.
Halcyon
Correct Answer
C. Happy; peaceful; ideal
Explanation
"...the halcyon days of summer..."
15.
Impromptu
Correct Answer
C. Without planning; made up on the spot
Explanation
The word "impromptu" means without planning; made up on the spot. This is the correct answer because it accurately captures the meaning of the word. The other options, such as irregular; unusually shaped and duck-billed, do not relate to the definition of "impromptu."
16.
Heinous
Correct Answer
A. Really bad; evil
Explanation
The word "heinous" means something that is extremely bad or evil. It implies an act or behavior that is morally reprehensible and deserving of strong condemnation. It is not related to being dry, tasteless, or hairy. Therefore, the correct answer is "really bad; evil".
17.
Hirsute
Correct Answer
B. Hairy
Explanation
"Hirsute" kinda sounds like "hair suit."
18.
Incongruous
Correct Answer
B. Unexpected; out of place
Explanation
The word "incongruous" means something that is unexpected or out of place. It refers to something that does not fit in with its surroundings or is not in harmony with its surroundings. This can be used to describe something that is out of the ordinary or doesn't match the expected norms or standards. Therefore, the correct answer for this question is "unexpected; out of place".
19.
Insouciant
Correct Answer
C. Not worried; calm; cool
Explanation
The correct answer for this question is "not worried; calm; cool". The word "insouciant" refers to someone who is carefree and unconcerned, showing a lack of worry or anxiety. This person is calm and cool in their demeanor, displaying a sense of ease and nonchalance.
20.
Inept
Correct Answer
A. Incompetent; not skilled
Explanation
The word "inept" means lacking skill or competence. It is used to describe someone who is not skilled or capable in a particular area. Therefore, the correct answer is "incompetent; not skilled".
21.
Invidious
Correct Answer
A. Unpleasant or unfair
Explanation
Not to be confused with "insidious" meaning sneaky.
22.
Harbinger
Correct Answer
B. Sign of things to come
Explanation
Robins are said to be harbingers of spring.
23.
Gesticulate
Correct Answer
C. Gesture; signal; motion
Explanation
Note the "gest-" prefix.
24.
Imperious
Correct Answer
B. Commanding; bossy
Explanation
Notice the "imper-" prefix. Remember that an "imperative" sentence is one that makes a command!
25.
Lachrymose
Correct Answer
B. Tearful
Explanation
The correct answer is "tearful." Lachrymose is an adjective that describes someone who is prone to crying or easily moved to tears. It is derived from the Latin word "lacrima," meaning tear. Therefore, "tearful" is the best fit among the given options as it directly relates to the meaning of lachrymose.
26.
Lackadaisical
Correct Answer
B. Slow and lazy
Explanation
The word "lackadaisical" is commonly used to describe someone who is slow and lazy. It implies a lack of motivation or enthusiasm, often leading to a lack of effort or productivity. This is why the correct answer is "slow and lazy." The other options, "full of holes" and "covered in feathers," do not accurately reflect the meaning of the word.
27.
Lustrous
Correct Answer
A. Shiny
Explanation
The word "lustrous" means having a shine or brightness. Therefore, the correct answer is "shiny," as it is a synonym of "lustrous."
28.
Lugubrious
Correct Answer
B. Sad; gloomy; serious
Explanation
"Lugubrious" sounds as sad and dismal as its meaning!
29.
Mesmerize
Correct Answer
A. Hypnotize
Explanation
This word comes from a guy named Mesmer who used to hypnotize chickens or something like that.
30.
Mendacious
Correct Answer
B. Lying; dishonest
Explanation
The correct answer is "lying; dishonest". The word "mendacious" is an adjective that describes someone who is prone to lying or being dishonest. This word is often used to describe individuals who cannot be trusted to tell the truth. Therefore, "lying; dishonest" accurately captures the meaning of "mendacious".