201-250

Question 1

vicarious

Answer 1

felt as if one were taking part in the experiences of anotherAlthough Vera knows she will never be wealthy herself, she gets a vicarious thrill out of reading about the lives of the rich and famous.

Question 2

pique

Answer 2

to arouse (interest, curiosity, etc.); to irritateMark always begins his speeches with a joke in an attempt to pique the interest of his audience.

Question 3

abate

Answer 3

to lessen in amount, intensity or strengthThe brutal August heat lasted for eight days before it finally abated, though it was still quite warm for another week.

Question 4

maternal

Answer 4

characteristic of a motherMrs. Tuck’s maternal instincts were so strong that she practically smothered her children with affection.

Question 5

decorum

Answer 5

polite behaviorJim’s lack of decorum at the funeral was especially evident when he belched loudly during the eulogy and then laughed at the shocked looks on others’ faces.

Question 6

pretentious

Answer 6

claiming dignity or importance, esp. when undeservedWe found Linda’s insistence on using the term “gummibär” instead of “gummi bear” to be pretentious.

Question 7

unwieldy

Answer 7

hard to handle or manage, esp. because of size or weightThe parcel that the man carried was so unwieldy that he could not open the door to his apartment building.

Question 8

homely

Answer 8

unattractive, plain lookingFrom a somewhat homely child, Chris grew into a stunningly attractive adult.

Question 9

impromptu

Answer 9

without preparationJason stood up anyway and humiliated himself with a sloppy impromptu presentation.

Question 10

visceral

Answer 10

instinctive; relating to the internal organsMy reaction to the plan was more visceral than thoughtful.

Question 11

staccato

Answer 11

composed of abrupt, disconnected parts or soundsMauricio had grown accustomed to hearing the staccato sound of his mother’s high heels.

Question 12

rue

Answer 12

to regretKelvin rued his failure to study the night before.

Question 13

meritocracy

Answer 13

a system in which promotion is based on individual ability or achievementThe founders envisioned a meritocracy where talent was rewarded.

Question 14

inveigle

Answer 14

to obtain by flatteryPolly flattered her teacher to inveigle an A.

Question 15

behoove

Answer 15

to be necessary or proper forIt behooves parents to honor their children as individuals.

Question 16

austere

Answer 16

stern or severe in appearance; without luxuryDespite wealth, Henry still lived an austere lifestyle.

Question 17

inert

Answer 17

unable to move or respond; sluggishThe government’s bureaucracy remained inert to change.

Question 18

mnemonic

Answer 18

pertaining to or assisting the memoryStudents use mnemonic devices to remember concepts.

Question 19

censor

Answer 19

to prevent from becoming known or circulatedThe U.S. army regularly censors mail during wartime.

Question 20

imposing

Answer 20

impressive by virtue of size, power, or mannerThe football player is an imposing figure but very kind.

Question 21

hectic

Answer 21

characterized by intense activityThe end of the semester is usually hectic.

Question 22

sully

Answer 22

to dirty or tarnish, esp. by disgracingMark accused rivals of trying to sully his reputation.

Question 23

insipid

Answer 23

uninteresting; having no flavorBill found the movie insipid and repetitive.

Question 24

anachronism

Answer 24

something not belonging to a certain time periodThe wristwatch in the Roman film was an anachronism.

Question 25

malady

Answer 25

a disease; illness; sicknessA mysterious malady swept through the factory.

Question 26

antithesis

Answer 26

direct contrast; oppositionHope is the antithesis of despair.

Question 27

camaraderie

Answer 27

loyalty; a warm, friendly feeling among group membersEd missed the camaraderie of his police buddies.

Question 28

undermine

Answer 28

to weakenFighting has undermined claims that the ceasefire is working.

Question 29

figurative

Answer 29

based on a figure of speech; not literal"Take a hike" is a figurative expression.

Question 30

exact

Answer 30

to demand and obtain by force or authorityThe king exacted tribute from the conquered people.

Question 31

terminate

Answer 31

to endCongress terminated the weapons project due to wasted funds.

Question 32

apex

Answer 32

the highest pointThe apex of her career was winning the Academy Award.

Question 33

inclement

Answer 33

harsh; severe (usually of weather)The mud house won't hold in inclement weather.

Question 34

vehement

Answer 34

forceful; furiousHe loudly and vehemently claimed innocence.

Question 35

rotund

Answer 35

rounded in figure; plumpNero Wolfe is rotund and prefers eating over exercise.

Question 36

attest

Answer 36

to give evidence that something is true or genuineLong ticket lines attest to the band’s popularity.

Question 37

eddy

Answer 37

a circular current of water or airAn eddy caught her canoe and smashed it into a rock.

Question 38

hamper

Answer 38

to keep from moving or acting freelyThe iron shackles are meant to hamper escape.

Question 39

momentous

Answer 39

of extreme importanceShe needed more time to consider such a momentous decision.

Question 40

ramification

Answer 40

a consequence resulting from a course of actionConsider all ramifications before making your suggestion.

Question 41

antediluvian

Answer 41

very old; outdatedLandlines and CDs may seem antediluvian but are still used.

Question 42

precarious

Answer 42

dangerously insecure or unstableThe books on his desk are in a precarious stack.

Question 43

jar

Answer 43

to make a harsh sound; to shake by impactA D on her exam jarred Cerise into reality.

Question 44

subjugate

Answer 44

to bring under control; to conquerIt took years to fully subjugate the countryside.

Question 45

diligent

Answer 45

painstaking and steadyDiligence often leads to success.

Question 46

coalesce

Answer 46

to merge into a single bodyOpinions haven’t yet coalesced into one policy.

Question 47

draconian

Answer 47

extremely harsh and severeThe sorority enforced draconian curfews and restrictions.

Question 48

burnish

Answer 48

to polishThe soldier burnished his ceremonial sword.

Question 49

vernacular

Answer 49

informal speech; native languageSchool may not prepare you for regional vernacular.

Question 50

redundant

Answer 50

repeating unnecessarilyHis redundant presentation showed how nervous he was.