1.
Which word MOST NEARLY matches the definition:
(n.) Supernatural forces, events, and beings collectively; (adj.) Dealing with supernatural phenomena, involving the supernatural
Correct Answer
E. Occult
Explanation
The word "occult" is the best match for the given definition. It refers to supernatural forces, events, and beings collectively, and it can also be used as an adjective to describe things that involve the supernatural.
2.
Which word MOST NEARLY matches the definition:
(v.) To win confidence or good graces for oneself
Correct Answer
A. Ingratiate
Explanation
The word "ingratiate" means to win confidence or good graces for oneself. This word closely matches the given definition. The other options, such as "millennium," "callow," "stringent," and "surmise," do not have the same meaning as "ingratiate" and therefore do not match the definition provided.
3.
Which word MOST NEARLY matches the definition:
(adj.) Inherent, relating to the essential nature of a thing
Correct Answer
D. Intrinsic
Explanation
The word "intrinsic" best matches the definition of being inherent or relating to the essential nature of a thing. It implies that something is an essential or inherent part of something else, rather than being external or superficial.
4.
Which word MOST NEARLY matches the definition:
(v.) To attack with harsh criticism
Correct Answer
B. Inveigh
Explanation
The word "inveigh" is the best match for the definition "to attack with harsh criticism." This word implies a strong and forceful criticism, often directed towards a person or their actions. It conveys the idea of vehemently expressing disapproval or reproach towards someone or something. The other options do not accurately capture the meaning of the given definition.
5.
Which word MOST NEARLY matches the definition:
(n.) An idea or opinion that lacks proof, a conjecture
Correct Answer
C. Surmise
Explanation
The word "surmise" best matches the definition given. A surmise is an idea or opinion that lacks proof, often based on speculation or guesswork. It suggests a conjecture or a hypothesis that has not been proven. The other words listed do not fit this definition. "Aplomb" means self-confidence or composure, "epitome" means a perfect example or representation, "bombastic" means using language in a pompous or exaggerated manner, and "callow" means immature or inexperienced.
6.
Which word MOST NEARLY matches the synonyms:
exhaustion; lethargy; weariness; laziness
Correct Answer
B. Lassitude
Explanation
Lassitude is the word that most closely matches the given synonyms. Lassitude refers to a state of physical or mental weariness, exhaustion, or lethargy. It is synonymous with the words exhaustion, weariness, and lethargy, which are also mentioned in the question. Drivel, surmise, ameliorate, and aplomb do not have similar meanings to the given synonyms.
7.
Which word MOST NEARLY matches the synonyms:
inflexible; strict; stern; severe
Correct Answer
A. Stringent
Explanation
The word "stringent" is the best match for the given synonyms because it means strict or inflexible. It aligns with the meaning of the other words such as stern and severe, indicating a high level of strictness or rigidity. The other options, surmise, aplomb, interloper, and infringe, do not share the same meaning or connotation as the given synonyms.
8.
Which word MOST NEARLY matches the synonyms:
trespasser; meddler; intruder
Correct Answer
B. Interloper
Explanation
The word "interloper" is the best match for the given synonyms because it means someone who intrudes or interferes in the affairs of others without permission. It aligns with the meanings of "trespasser" and "meddler" as someone who invades or interferes in a situation where they are not welcome or authorized. The other options do not have the same connotation or meaning as the given synonyms.
9.
Which word MOST NEARLY matches the synonyms:
vigor; advancement; growth
Correct Answer
C. Millennium
Explanation
The word "millennium" closely matches the synonyms "vigor," "advancement," and "growth" because it refers to a period of a thousand years, which implies a long duration of progress, development, and flourishing.
10.
Which word MOST NEARLY matches the synonyms:
remonstrate; denounce; scold; blame
Correct Answer
C. Inveigh
Explanation
The word "inveigh" is the best match for the given synonyms. "Inveigh" means to express strong disapproval or to protest vehemently, which aligns with the meanings of "remonstrate," "denounce," "scold," and "blame." The other words listed do not have the same connotations or meanings as the given synonyms.
11.
Which word MOST NEARLY matches the antonyms:
vilify; excoriate; condemn; criticize
Correct Answer
C. Ingratiate
Explanation
The word "ingratiate" is the best match for the antonyms given. "Ingratiate" means to gain favor or approval by doing or saying things that please others. This is opposite in meaning to the words "vilify," "excoriate," "condemn," and "criticize," which all involve expressing disapproval or harshly judging someone or something. Therefore, "ingratiate" is the closest antonym to the given words.
12.
Which word MOST NEARLY matches the antonyms:
degenerate; exacerbate; worsen; lower
Correct Answer
B. Ameliorate
Explanation
The word "ameliorate" is the best match for the given antonyms because it means to improve or make something better, which is the opposite of worsening or lowering. "Ameliorate" is the only word among the options that conveys a positive change or improvement, making it the most suitable answer.
13.
Which word MOST NEARLY matches the antonyms:
insecurity; reluctance; uneasiness; doubt
Correct Answer
B. Aplomb
Explanation
The word "aplomb" is the best match for the given antonyms because it means self-confidence or composure, which is the opposite of insecurity, reluctance, uneasiness, and doubt. It implies a sense of assurance and poise, suggesting a state of being secure and certain.
14.
Which word MOST NEARLY matches the antonyms:
discourse; compelling talks
Correct Answer
A. Drivel
Explanation
The word "drivel" is the best match for the antonyms of "discourse" and "compelling talks" because it means meaningless or nonsensical talk. It is the opposite of engaging and persuasive communication. The other options do not have the same meaning or connotation as "drivel."
15.
Which word MOST NEARLY matches the antonyms:
excitement; liveliness; energy; enthusiasm
Correct Answer
D. Lassitude
Explanation
Lassitude is the best match for the given antonyms because it means a state of physical or mental weariness and lack of energy. It is the opposite of excitement, liveliness, energy, and enthusiasm. Callow means inexperienced or immature, intrinsic means inherent or essential, occult means mysterious or hidden, and permeate means to spread throughout. None of these words have the opposite meaning of the given antonyms.
16.
After the public got wind of the P.O.W. camp's squalid conditions, efforts were made to _____ the prison camp.
Which word BEST COMPLETES this sentence?
Correct Answer
C. Ameliorate
Explanation
After the public got wind of the P.O.W. camp's squalid conditions, efforts were made to ameliorate the prison camp. This means that actions were taken to improve or make the conditions of the camp better.
17.
It was pretty obvious to _____ that the online dating service would match me with a 900-pound gorilla, because I said I liked strong hairy men, bananas, and eating lice.
Which word BEST COMPLETES this sentence?
Correct Answer
C. Surmise
Explanation
The word "surmise" best completes the sentence because it means to infer or guess based on evidence or intuition. In this context, the speaker is indicating that it was easy for them to guess or infer that the online dating service would match them with a 900-pound gorilla based on their preferences and interests.
18.
Many people who were against going to war made it a point to _____ against the president when he sent our troops into space to fight the martians.
Which word BEST COMPLETES this sentence?
Correct Answer
E. Inveigh
Explanation
The word "inveigh" means to strongly protest or criticize. In this context, it suggests that the people who were against going to war expressed their strong opposition and criticism against the president when he sent troops into space to fight the martians.
19.
Mary only told the teacher she does charity work to _____ herself further than her normal brown-nosing.
Which word BEST COMPLETES this sentence?
Correct Answer
D. Ingratiate
Explanation
The word "ingratiate" is the best completion for the sentence because it means to try to gain favor or approval from someone through flattery or pleasing actions. In the context of the sentence, Mary is telling the teacher about her charity work in order to further ingratiate herself, or gain even more favor, beyond her usual brown-nosing behavior.
20.
The president of the KISS fan club was the _____ of middle age losers, able to sum up every 40-year-old dork's habits quite well.
Which word BEST COMPLETES this sentence?
Correct Answer
C. Epitome
Explanation
The word "epitome" best completes the sentence. It means a perfect example or embodiment of something. In this context, it suggests that the president of the KISS fan club perfectly represents or embodies middle age losers and their habits.