1.
Aegis; syn: backing
Correct Answer
D. Shield or protection
Explanation
The word "Aegis" is synonymous with "backing" which implies support or protection. Therefore, the correct answer is "shield or protection".
2.
Besiege; no synonym
Correct Answer
E. To overwhelm, surround and attack
Explanation
The correct answer is "to overwhelm, surround and attack". The word "besiege" means to lay siege to, or to surround and attack a place with the intent to capture it. In this context, it implies a military action where an enemy force is surrounding and attacking a target, typically a fortified city or stronghold. The other options, such as "shapeless, formless, vague" or "to weaken" do not convey the same meaning as "besiege".
3.
Rectify; syn: remedy, resolve
Correct Answer
A. To correct, make right
Explanation
The correct answer is "to correct, make right". The synonyms "remedy" and "resolve" both imply taking action to fix or improve a situation, which aligns with the definition "to correct, make right". The other options do not match the given definition.
4.
Fervent; syn: burning, passionate; ant: apathetic
Correct Answer
B. Eager, earnest
Explanation
The word "fervent" means having or showing great intensity or passion. The synonyms "burning" and "passionate" are closely related to this meaning. The antonym "apathetic" means lacking interest or enthusiasm. The word "eager" means showing keen interest or enthusiasm, which is similar to the meaning of "fervent". Similarly, "earnest" means showing sincere and intense conviction. Therefore, "eager, earnest" is the correct answer as it accurately represents the meaning of "fervent".
5.
Factious; syn: belligerent, contentious; ant: cooperative, united
Correct Answer
E. Causing disagreement
Explanation
The word "factious" is defined as causing disagreement. This means that it refers to something or someone that creates division or conflict among people. The synonyms "belligerent" and "contentious" also suggest a combative or argumentative nature, further supporting the idea of causing disagreement. On the other hand, the antonyms "cooperative" and "united" imply the opposite, indicating a willingness to work together and find common ground. Therefore, the correct answer for this question is "causing disagreement."
6.
Carrion; no synonym
Correct Answer
B. Decaying flesh
Explanation
The word "carrion" refers to decaying flesh, specifically the flesh of dead animals. None of the other options provided as synonyms - rich, luxurious, wealthy, keenness of judgment, dishonorable, shameful, eager, earnest - have the same meaning as "decaying flesh." Therefore, the correct answer is "decaying flesh."
7.
Altrusim; syn: unselfishness, magnanimity; ant: selfishness, egoism
Correct Answer
D. A concern for others, generosity
Explanation
The correct answer is "a concern for others, generosity." This is because the synonyms of altruism are "unselfishness" and "magnanimity," which both imply a concern for others and being generous towards them. On the other hand, the antonyms of altruism are "selfishness" and "egoism," which contradict the idea of concern for others and generosity. Therefore, the correct answer is a concern for others, generosity.
8.
Opulent; no synonym
Correct Answer
A. Rich, luxurious, wealthy
Explanation
The word "opulent" means having great wealth or luxury. The synonyms provided, "rich, luxurious, wealthy," all convey the same meaning of abundance and prosperity. Therefore, the correct answer is "rich, luxurious, wealthy."
9.
Erotic; no synonym
Correct Answer
E. Pertaining to sexual love
Explanation
The correct answer is "pertaining to sexual love" because the word "erotic" specifically refers to things related to or arousing sexual desire or pleasure. It is a term used to describe content, art, or literature that focuses on sexual themes or experiences. There is no exact synonym for "erotic" as it is a unique term that captures the specific meaning of sexual love or desire.
10.
Boor; syn: buffoon, clown; ant: sophisticate
Correct Answer
B. A rude or impolite person
Explanation
The given synonyms "buffoon" and "clown" both refer to someone who is known for their silly or foolish behavior. This aligns with the definition of a "boor" as a rude or impolite person. The antonym "sophisticate" further reinforces this interpretation, as a sophisticate is someone who is cultured and refined, the opposite of a boor. Therefore, the correct answer is a rude or impolite person.
11.
Ignoble; syn: despicable, base; ant: noble, glorious
Correct Answer
C. Dishonorable, shameful
Explanation
The word "ignoble" is synonymous with "dishonorable" and "shameful." It refers to actions or behavior that lacks honor or dignity. The antonyms "noble" and "glorious" further emphasize the negative connotations of the word. Therefore, the correct answer is "dishonorable, shameful."
12.
Enervate; syn: devitalize, exhaust; ant: energize, strengthen
Correct Answer
E. To weaken
Explanation
The word "enervate" is defined as to weaken. This is supported by the synonyms "devitalize" and "exhaust", which also convey a sense of reduced strength or energy. The antonyms "energize" and "strengthen" further reinforce the idea that enervate means the opposite of these actions. Therefore, the correct answer is "to weaken".
13.
Amorphous; no synonym
Correct Answer
E. Shapeless, formless, vague
Explanation
The word "amorphous" means lacking a definite form or shape, and being vague or formless. The given options for synonyms do not accurately convey the meaning of "amorphous," as none of them specifically refer to shapelessness or vagueness. Therefore, the correct answer is "shapeless, formless, vague."
14.
Perspicacity; syn: perceptiveness; ant: stupidity, ignorance
Correct Answer
B. Keenness of judgment
Explanation
The word "perspicacity" is synonymous with "perceptiveness," meaning having a keenness of judgment. The antonyms "stupidity" and "ignorance" suggest the opposite of being perceptive. The other options, such as "to weaken," "a shield, protection," "decaying flesh," and "pertaining to sexual love," do not relate to the meaning of "perspicacity" and are therefore incorrect.