Vocabulary Test 60

The word “obverse” means “the opposite or counterpart of a fact or truth.” For example: "true solitude is the obverse of true society"

Option C: “Opposite” means “completely different; of a contrary kind.” For example: "a word that is opposite in meaning to another" This is closest to the meaning of "obverse". Hence, this is the correct option.

Option A: “Bitter” means “having a sharp, pungent taste or smell; not sweet.” For example: "raw berries have an intensely bitter flavor" This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option B: “Reverse” means “move backwards.” For example: "the lorry reversed into the back of a bus" This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option D: “Adverse” means “preventing success or development; harmful; unfavorable.” For example: "taxes are having an adverse effect on production" This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

The word “ostentatious” means “characterized by pretentious or showy display; designed to impress.” For example: "a simple design that is glamorous without being ostentatious"

Options C: “Showy” means “having a striking appearance or style, typically by being excessively bright, colorful, or ostentatious.” For example: "showy flowers" This is closest to the meaning of "ostentatious". Hence, this is the correct option.

Option A: “Pretty” means “(of a person, especially a woman or child) attractive in a delicate way without being truly beautiful.” For example: "a pretty little girl with an engaging grin" This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option B: “Modest” means “unassuming in the estimation of one's abilities or achievements.” For example: "he was a very modest man, refusing to take any credit for the enterprise" This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option D: “Flagrant” means “(of an action considered wrong or immoral) conspicuously or obviously offensive.” For example: "a flagrant violation of the law" This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

The word “prolific” means “(of a plant, animal, or person) producing much fruit or foliage or many offspring.” For example: "in captivity tigers are prolific breeders"

Option C: “Fertile” means “(of soil or land) producing or capable of producing abundant vegetation or crops.” For example: "the fertile coastal plain" This is closest to the meaning of "prolific". Hence, this is the correct option.

Option A: “Plenty” means “a large or sufficient amount or quantity; more than enough.” For example: "I would have plenty of time to get home before my parents arrived" This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option B: “Competent” means “having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully.” For example: "a highly competent surgeon" This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option D: “Predominant” means “present as the strongest or main element.” For example: "the predominant colour was white" This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

The word “debilitate” means “make (someone) very weak and infirm.” For example: "he was severely debilitated by a stomach upset"

Option A: “Weaken” means “make or become weaker in power, resolve, or physical strength.” For example: "fault lines had weakened and shattered the rocks" This is closest to the meaning of "debilitate". Hence, this is the correct option.

Option B: “Attack” means “make aggressive military action against (a place or enemy forces) with weapons or armed force.” For example: "in February the Germans attacked Verdun" This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option C: “Surmount” means “overcome (a difficulty or obstacle).” For example: "all manner of cultural differences were surmounted" This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option D: “Destroy” means “end the existence of (something) by damaging or attacking it.” For example: "the room had been destroyed by fire" This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

The word “dawdle” means “move slowly and idly in a particular direction.” For example: "Ruth dawdled back through the wood"

Option D: “Loiter” means “walk slowly and with no apparent purpose; dawdle.” For example: "the weather had tempted them to loiter along the banks of the Cherwell" This is closest to the meaning of "dawdle". Hence, this is the correct option.

Option A: “Assess” means “evaluate or estimate the nature, ability, or quality of.” For example: “the committee must assess the relative importance of the issues" This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option B: “Evaluate” means “form an idea of the amount, number, or value of; assess.” For example: "the study will assist in evaluating the impact of recent changes" This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option C: “Fickle” means “changing frequently, especially as regards one's loyalties or affections.” For example: "celebs trying to appeal to an increasingly fickle public" This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

The word “mirth” means “amusement, especially as expressed in laughter.” For example: "his six-foot frame shook with mirth"

Option D: “Merriment” means “gaiety and fun.” For example: "her eyes sparkled with merriment" This is closest to the meaning of "mirth". Hence, this is the correct option.

Option A: “Sorrow” means “a feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune suffered by oneself or others.” For example: "a bereaved person needs time to work through their sorrow" This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option B: “Enthusiasm” means “intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval.” For example: "her energy and enthusiasm for life" This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option C: “Adventure” means “an unusual and exciting or daring experience.” For example: "her recent adventures in Italy" This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

The word “admonish” means “reprimand firmly.” For example: "she admonished me for appearing at breakfast unshaven"

Option A: “Threaten” means “state one's intention to take hostile action against (someone) in retribution for something done or not done." This is closest to the meaning of "admonish". Hence, this is the correct option.

Option B: “Praise” means “express warm approval or admiration of.” This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option C: “Appeal” means “make a serious, urgent, or heartfelt request.” This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option C: “Support” means “bear all or part of the weight of; hold up.” This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

The word “supervene” means “occur as an interruption or change to an existing situation.” For example: "he had appendicitis and as complications supervened, refrained from work for months"

Option B: “Interfere” means “intervene in a situation without invitation or necessity.” This is closest to the meaning of "supervene". Hence, this is the correct option.

Option A: “Ensue” means “happen or occur afterwards or as a result.” This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option C: “Displace” means “move (something) from its proper or usual position.” This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option D: “Precede” means “come before (something) in time, order or position” This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

The word “abrade” means “scrape or wear away by friction or erosion.” For example: "it was a landscape slowly abraded by a fine, stinging dust"

Option C: “Wear-off” means “lose effectiveness or intensity; fade away” This is closest to the meaning of "abrade". Hence, this is the correct option.

Option A: “Scold” means “remonstrate with or rebuke (someone) angrily.” This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option B: “Attach” means “join or fasten (something) to something else.” This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option D: “Twist” means “form into a bent, curling, or distorted shape.” This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

The word “anathema” means “a strong curse.” For example: "the sergeant clutched the ruined communicator, muttering anathemas"

Option D: “Curse” means “an offensive word or phrase used to express anger or annoyance.” For example: "at every blow there was a curse" This is closest to the meaning of "anathema". Hence, this is the correct option.

Option A: “Religious chant” means “a chant in accordance with religious scriptures.” For example: “They continued with their religious chants.” This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option B: “Pun” means “a joke exploiting the different possible meanings of a word or the fact that there are words which sound alike but have different meanings.” For example: "the Railway Society reception was an informal party of people of all stations (excuse the pun) in life" This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.

Option C: “Musical Subject” means “the material, usually a recognizable melody, upon which part or all of a composition is based” For example: “The musical subjects were placed on the boards.” This is a completely different meaning. Hence, this option is incorrect.