#1-25

Question 1

piquant

Answer 1

sharp in tast; stimulating interesting

Although this restaurant has toned down the spiciness to cater to American tastes, its food remains piquant and enjoyable.

Question 2

fathom

Answer 2

to understand

I am sure you have an excellent reason for acting like this, but I certainly can not fathom why you do.

Question 3

lassitude

Answer 3

feeling of weakness

Question 4

deranged

Answer 4

mentally disturbed

..being stranded at night on a lonely road would derange anyone

Question 5

resilient

Answer 5

able to recover quickly

..if he were more emotionally resilient he could take it in stride and get back to work faster

Question 6

crux

Answer 6

pivotal point; climax

The crux of the trial came when the glove the murderer wore didn’t fit on the defendant’s hand.

Question 7

apprehension

Answer 7

worry or unease

The approach of the history final filled Mary with apprehension, as she realized she had forgotten most of the course material.

Question 8

tender

Answer 8

to offer formally

After his remarks cause a storm of controversy in the press, the cabinet member tendered his resignation to the president.

Question 9

canard

Answer 9

a false report

Rumors of the cheap oil prices turned out to be a canard; it’s as expensive as ever.

Question 10

commodity

Answer 10

items of trade or commerce

Question 11

august

Answer 11

inspiring awe or admiration because of high rank

Question 12

manifest

Answer 12

obvious; very clear

Their sadness was manifest in their faces.

Question 13

referendum

Answer 13

direct popular vote on law

Question 14

egress

Answer 14

exit

The property deed calls for a break in the fence to grant egress to the neighbors.

Question 15

uncanny

Answer 15

strangely unsettling, as if supernatural

My parrot has an uncanny ability to repeat anything a girl says, but he ignores boys completely.