chapter 1 and 2

Question 1

expound

Answer 1

add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and discourse in a learned way, usually in writing

Question 2

recondite

Answer 2

difficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge

Question 3

paradox

Answer 3

(logic) a statement that contradicts itself

Question 4

fecundity

Answer 4

the intellectual productivity of a creative imagination

Question 5

nil

Answer 5

a quantity of no importance

Question 6

pensive

Answer 6

deeply or seriously thoughtful

Question 7

infirmity

Answer 7

the state of being weak in health or body (especially from old age)
can also relate to any weakness or failing

Question 8

intermittently

Answer 8

in an intermittent manner; starting and stopping at irregular intervals

Question 9

spasmodic

Answer 9

occurring in spells, often abruptly

Question 10

accession

Answer 10

a process of increasing by addition (as to a collection or group)

Question 11

introspective

Answer 11

characterized by or given to the examination or observation of one’s own mental and emotional processes..

Question 12

transitory

Answer 12

lasting a very short time

Question 13

inkling

Answer 13

a slight suggestion or vague understanding

Question 14

anachronism

Answer 14

something located at a time when it could not have existed or occurred

Question 15

extravagant

Answer 15

exceeding the bounds of reason, as actions, demands, opinions, or passions.

Question 16

sleight-of-hand

Answer 16

skill in feats requiring quick and clever movements of the hands, esp. for entertainment or deception, as jugglery, card or coin magic, etc.

Question 17

explicit

Answer 17

precisely and clearly expressed or readily observable; leaving nothing to implication

Question 18

adroit

Answer 18

expert or nimble in the use of the hands or body

Question 19

askew

Answer 19

turned or twisted to one side

Question 20

retort

Answer 20

a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one)

Question 21

interminable

Answer 21

tiresomely long; seemingly without end

Question 22

earnest

Answer 22

full seriousness, as of intention or purpose

Question 23

threshold

Answer 23

the point at which a stimulus is of sufficient intensity to begin to produce an effect

Question 24

plausible

Answer 24

having an appearance of truth or reason; seemingly worthy of approval or acceptance; credible; believable

Question 25

incredulous

Answer 25

not disposed or willing to believe; unbelieving

Question 26

lucid

Answer 26

(of language) transparently clear; easily understandable

Question 27

frankness

Answer 27

honesty; plainness of speech; candor; openness

Question 28

deportment

Answer 28

the way a person behaves toward other people

Question 29

utter

Answer 29

complete; total; absolute

Question 30

speculation

Answer 30

the contemplation or consideration of something; conjectural consideration of a matter; guessing

Question 31

exposition

Answer 31

writing or speech primarily intended to convey information or to explain; a detailed statement or explanation

Question 32

plight

Answer 32

a condition, state, or situation, esp. an unfavorable or unfortunate one

Question 33

haggard

Answer 33

showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering

Question 34

falter

Answer 34

to speak hesitatingly

Question 35

articulation

Answer 35

the aspect of pronunciation that shapes the sounds of speech

Question 36

mutton

Answer 36

meat from a mature domestic sheep

Question 37

eminent

Answer 37

standing above others in quality or position

Question 38

wont

Answer 38

an established custom

Question 39

cadge

Answer 39

to beg or obtain by begging

Question 40

follow suit

Answer 40

to follow the example of another

Question 41

fervent

Answer 41

characterized by intense emotion

Question 42

incredulous

Answer 42

not disposed or willing to believe; unbelieving

Question 43

irreverent

Answer 43

showing lack of due respect or veneration

Question 44

verbatim

Answer 44

using exactly the same words

Question 45

anecdote

Answer 45

a short account of a particular incident or event of an interesting or amusing nature, often biographical

Question 46

animated

Answer 46

full of life, action, or spirit; lively; vigorous