1.
Askew means
Correct Answer
B. Crooked; awry
Explanation
Askew means crooked; awry. This term refers to something that is not straight or aligned properly. It can be used to describe physical objects that are tilted or slanted, as well as situations or plans that have gone off track or deviated from the intended course. The word "askew" implies a sense of imbalance or irregularity, suggesting that something is not in its correct or expected position.
2.
Aspire means
Correct Answer
B. To seek, attain, or achieve a goal
Explanation
The word "aspire" means to have a strong desire or ambition to seek, attain, or achieve a goal. It implies a sense of determination and motivation towards reaching a specific objective. The other option, "severely simple and plain," does not accurately capture the meaning of the word "aspire." Therefore, the correct answer is to seek, attain, or achieve a goal.
3.
Assuage means
Correct Answer
A. To soothe; to make less severe
Explanation
Assuage means to soothe or make less severe. It implies the act of calming or alleviating something, such as pain, fear, or anger. When you assuage something, you are making it feel better or reducing its intensity. This word is often used in contexts where a person's emotions or discomfort need to be eased or pacified.
4.
Astute means
Correct Answer
B. Shrewd, clever, keen
Explanation
Astute is an adjective that describes someone who is shrewd, clever, and keen in their observations and understanding. They possess sharp intellect and are able to quickly analyze situations and make astute judgments. This word implies a high level of intelligence and perceptiveness, suggesting that the person is able to see through deception or understand complex concepts easily.
5.
Asunder means
Correct Answer
B. In separate parts
Explanation
The word "asunder" means to separate or divide something into parts. It implies a breaking or tearing apart, indicating a physical or metaphorical separation. Therefore, the given answer "in separate parts" accurately defines the meaning of "asunder".
6.
Atrophy means
Correct Answer
B. To wither away
Explanation
Atrophy refers to the process of degeneration or shrinking of body tissue or an organ, resulting in a decrease in size, function, and strength. This can occur due to various factors such as lack of use, injury, or disease. The term "to wither away" accurately captures the essence of atrophy, as it signifies the gradual decline and deterioration of the affected tissue or organ.
7.
Atypical means
Correct Answer
B. Not typical; abnormal
Explanation
Atypical means not typical or abnormal. It refers to something that deviates from the norm or is not usual or expected. It suggests that the object or situation being described is uncommon or out of the ordinary.
8.
Austere means
Correct Answer
B. Severely simple and plain
Explanation
Austere is an adjective that describes something as being severely simple and plain. It implies a lack of luxury or ornamentation, suggesting a strict and disciplined approach. It can also convey a sense of seriousness and solemnity. This word is often used to describe a person's lifestyle, a design or style, or a set of rules or principles that are strict and uncompromising.
9.
Badger means
Correct Answer
A. To tease, annoy, harass
Explanation
The word "badger" is commonly used to describe the act of teasing, annoying, or harassing someone. It implies a persistent and bothersome behavior towards someone, similar to how a badger, a small mammal known for its tenacity, might bother or annoy others. Therefore, the correct answer is "to tease, annoy, harass."
10.
Ballistics means
Correct Answer
A. The study of the flight of projectiles
Explanation
Ballistics refers to the scientific study of the flight characteristics and behavior of projectiles such as bullets, missiles, and bombs. It involves analyzing factors such as velocity, trajectory, and impact in order to understand and predict their movement. This field of study is crucial in forensic investigations, military operations, and the development of weapons and ammunition.
11.
Tim _______ to be the valedictorian of his class at graduation and studied hard to reach that goal.
Correct Answer
A. Aspired
Explanation
Tim aspired to be the valedictorian of his class at graduation and studied hard to reach that goal.
12.
Mike's __________ dorm room only had one chair and a mattress.
Correct Answer
A. Austere
Explanation
The word "austere" means plain or simple, without any unnecessary or luxurious items. In the given sentence, it is mentioned that Mike's dorm room only had one chair and a mattress. This indicates that the room is lacking in comfort and amenities, suggesting that it is plain and simple, fitting the definition of "austere".
13.
The curtains had been drawn __________.
Correct Answer
B. Asunder
Explanation
The word "asunder" means apart or into separate pieces. In the context of the sentence, if the curtains had been drawn asunder, it means that they were pulled apart or separated. This suggests that the curtains were not closed or pulled together, but rather opened or spread out.
14.
A banana without a curve in its length is ___________ of the species.
Correct Answer
A. Atypical
Explanation
A banana without a curve in its length is considered atypical of the species because most bananas naturally have a curved shape. This characteristic is commonly associated with bananas, so a straight banana would be considered unusual or not typical.
15.
Many athletes drink sport drinks to ____________ their thirst.
Correct Answer
B. Assuage
Explanation
Many athletes drink sport drinks to assuage their thirst. The word "assuage" means to relieve or ease, in this case, the athletes are consuming the sport drinks to alleviate their thirst. The word "austere" means strict or simple, which does not fit the context of the sentence. Therefore, "assuage" is the correct answer.
16.
I hate to be ___________ by phone solicitors.
Correct Answer
B. Badgered
Explanation
The correct answer is "badgered." This word means to be bothered or annoyed persistently, especially by someone who is trying to sell something. In the given sentence, the speaker expresses their dislike for being bothered by phone solicitors, implying that they feel annoyed or harassed by their calls.
17.
The tire wouldn't fit on the car because in the accident the axle had been bent _____________.
Correct Answer
A. Askew
Explanation
The tire wouldn't fit on the car because in the accident the axle had been bent askew. This means that the axle was not straight or aligned properly, causing the tire to be misaligned as well.
18.
Mary was known to be very _____________. She was always the first to finish her assignments.
Correct Answer
B. Astute
Explanation
Mary was known to be very astute. This means that she was clever, perceptive, and had a keen understanding of things. She was always the first to finish her assignments because she was able to quickly grasp the concepts and complete them efficiently.
19.
Detective Culleton specializes in ____________ and is always called to the crime scene whenever a firearm is involved.
Correct Answer
A. Ballistics
Explanation
Detective Culleton is specialized in ballistics, which is the study and analysis of firearms, ammunition, and their effects. Due to this expertise, he is always summoned to crime scenes involving firearms.
20.
The ___________ bodies of the starving children were an appalling sight.
Correct Answer
A. AtropHied
Explanation
The word "atrophied" means to waste away or become emaciated due to lack of nourishment or use. In the given sentence, the adjective "atrophied" accurately describes the bodies of the starving children, emphasizing their extreme state of malnutrition and frailty. The use of "atrophied" helps to convey the shocking and distressing condition of the children's bodies, creating a vivid and powerful image for the reader.