1.
He grew tired of making secretive glances at the pretty girl from across the room, so he decided to make a bold move and approach her.
Explanation
The word "furtive" means attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble. In the given sentence, the protagonist is described as growing tired of making secretive glances at the pretty girl. This implies that he was trying to be discreet or sneaky in looking at her. However, he decides to make a bold move and approach her, indicating that he no longer wants to be furtive or secretive in his actions.
2.
My roommate Sally was known for her showiness; even the simplest task had to be completed with a dramatic flair.
Explanation
Sally's reputation for being showy and adding dramatic flair to even the simplest tasks suggests that she is prone to ostentation. Ostentation refers to the act of displaying wealth, knowledge, or skills in a showy or excessive manner to attract attention or impress others. This aligns with Sally's behavior, implying that she enjoys drawing attention to herself and making a spectacle out of everyday activities.
3.
The prisoner tried to undo the bindings wrapped tightly around his wrists.
Explanation
The word "fetters" refers to restraints or bindings, typically used to secure someone's wrists or ankles. In the given sentence, the prisoner is attempting to undo the tightly wrapped bindings around his wrists. Therefore, "fetters" is the correct answer as it accurately describes the restraints being referred to in the sentence.
4.
Kevin was really looking forward to attending the upcoming party and accepted the invitation with eagerness.
Explanation
The word "alacrity" means a brisk and cheerful readiness or willingness to do something. In this context, Kevin's acceptance of the invitation with eagerness shows his enthusiasm and excitement to attend the party. Therefore, "alacrity" perfectly captures the idea of Kevin's eagerness and anticipation for the upcoming event.
5.
The stray dog ate so greedily that the girls guessed that he hadn’t eaten anything for an entire week!
Explanation
The girls guessed that the stray dog hadn't eaten anything for an entire week based on its greedy eating behavior. This suggests that the dog was extremely hungry and desperate for food, which could be a result of not having any food for a long period of time. The dog's behavior of eating greedily indicates its starvation and the girls inferred that it had been deprived of food for a week.
6.
It is believed that the bank robbers buried their treasure somewhere in the desert, but no one really knows for sure.
Explanation
The word "conjectured" means to make an educated guess or speculate about something. In the given sentence, it is mentioned that the bank robbers buried their treasure in the desert, but there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. Therefore, it can be inferred that the location of the treasure is only speculated or guessed by people, indicating that it is "conjectured".
7.
When Jeremy found out that Mike got in trouble for something he encouraged him to do, he felt very remorseful and wished he could undo it.
Explanation
The word "repentant" means feeling or expressing sincere regret or remorse for one's wrongdoing. In this scenario, Jeremy feels remorseful and wishes he could undo the action that led to Mike getting in trouble. This demonstrates that Jeremy is repentant for his role in the situation.
8.
When students are giving their oral presentations, they should use effective body language to communicate their point more clearly.
Explanation
When students are giving their oral presentations, they should use effective body language to communicate their point more clearly. Gesticulation refers to using hand and arm movements to emphasize or illustrate points while speaking. By incorporating gesticulation into their presentations, students can enhance their communication by making their message more engaging and memorable. Gesticulations can help convey emotions, emphasize key ideas, and maintain the audience's attention. Overall, using gesticulation can contribute to a more effective and impactful oral presentation.
9.
The speaker gave such an articulate speech that he had the audience’s full attention.
Explanation
The speaker's ability to deliver a well-spoken and persuasive speech captivated the audience, resulting in their complete focus and attention. The word "eloquent" accurately describes this skillful and articulate manner of speaking, which effectively engaged the listeners.
10.
Many students were excited about entering the haunted house, but some were a little fearful about what they might encounter once inside.
Explanation
The word "apprehensive" means feeling anxious or fearful about something that is going to happen. In the given sentence, it is mentioned that some students were "a little fearful" about what they might encounter inside the haunted house. This aligns with the meaning of apprehensive, as it indicates a sense of anxiety or fear about the unknown. Therefore, "apprehensive" is the correct answer.
11.
There was widespread alarm among the crew when they found out that they had been sailing right into the heart of the enemy.
Explanation
The word "consternation" means a feeling of anxiety, shock, or dismay. In this context, the crew's reaction of widespread alarm indicates that they were experiencing consternation. They were alarmed because they discovered that they had been sailing directly into the heart of the enemy, which would naturally cause anxiety and shock among the crew members.
12.
Some of the streams would be imposing obstacles without the bridges provided to span them.
Explanation
The word "formidable" means something that is difficult to overcome or deal with. In this context, it suggests that the streams mentioned in the statement are presenting challenges or difficulties. The use of the word "imposing" further emphasizes the idea that these streams are causing obstacles. The mention of "bridges" implies that without these structures, it would be even more challenging to navigate or overcome the obstacles posed by the streams. Overall, the sentence conveys the idea that the streams are presenting significant challenges or obstacles that would be difficult to overcome without the presence of bridges.
13.
In his youth, David was said to have had an enormous appetite, being able to consume five hamburgers for lunch.
Explanation
The word "immense" means extremely large or great in size or amount. In the given context, it is used to describe David's appetite, suggesting that it was very large or huge. This is supported by the information that he was able to consume five hamburgers for lunch, indicating that his appetite was beyond normal or average. Therefore, "immense" accurately captures the idea of David having an enormous appetite.
14.
The two hikers crossed an extremely narrow path for the last quarter mile before finally reaching the summit.
Explanation
The word "traversed" means to cross or travel across. In this context, it suggests that the two hikers successfully crossed the narrow path in order to reach the summit. The word choice implies that the path was challenging or difficult to navigate, but the hikers were able to overcome it and reach their destination.
15.
The dangerous situation proved too much for the adventurous boys; they spent a full month recuperating after their accident.
Explanation
The word "perilous" means extremely dangerous or risky. In the given sentence, it is stated that the situation was dangerous for the adventurous boys. This suggests that the situation was filled with risks and potential harm. The fact that the boys had to spend a full month recuperating after their accident further emphasizes the severity of the danger they faced. Therefore, "perilous" accurately describes the situation they were in.
16.
After the performance, the audience showed their appreciation by giving the actors many praises.
Explanation
The word "laudations" is a noun that means expressions of praise or admiration. In the given sentence, it is mentioned that the audience showed their appreciation by giving the actors many praises. Therefore, "laudations" is an appropriate word to describe the praises given by the audience to the actors.
17.
The student’s failure in school was not a result of his lack of ability, but it was instead a result of his laziness.
Explanation
The student's failure in school can be attributed to his apathy and lethargy. Apathy refers to a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern, which may have caused the student to be indifferent or unmotivated towards his studies. Lethargy, on the other hand, refers to a state of extreme tiredness or lack of energy, which may have hindered the student's ability to focus and perform well academically. Both apathy and lethargy can contribute to a student's lack of effort and ultimately lead to failure in school.
18.
Julia was overflowing with praise of her daughter, constantly telling people how beautiful, smart and talented she was.
Explanation
Julia's constant praise of her daughter, describing her as beautiful, smart, and talented, demonstrates her effusive nature. Effusive means to express feelings or emotions in an unrestrained or excessive manner. Julia's overflowing praise shows that she is expressing her admiration and adoration for her daughter with great enthusiasm and without holding back.
19.
My comments may seem tongue-in-cheek (silly), but I am actually being quite serious.
Explanation
The word "facetious" means to be joking or humorous, often in an inappropriate or sarcastic way. In this context, the person is stating that their comments may appear silly or lighthearted, but they are actually being sincere and serious. The word "facetious" accurately describes this situation where someone's remarks may be perceived as jesting, but they are actually meant to be taken seriously.
20.
A feeling of sadness fell upon the children when they learned that their vacation plans had been canceled.
Explanation
The word "melancholy" accurately describes the feeling of sadness that the children experienced when they found out their vacation plans were canceled. Melancholy is a deep and long-lasting sadness, often accompanied by a sense of loss or disappointment. In this context, the children were likely looking forward to their vacation and were disappointed and saddened by the news of its cancellation.