Level 3

Question 1

1. DEFRAY (di-FRAY)

Answer 1

To pay, provide money for, cover the cost or expenses of.

Question 2

2. TACITURN (TAS-i-turn)

Answer 2

Silent, not talkative, holding one’s tongue, habitually silent and withdrawn. Synonyms: reserved, uncommunicative, reticent. Antonyms: garrulous (Level 4, Word 8), loquacious, effusive, voluble (Level 5, Word 1). Related word: tacit (Level 2, Word 9), unspoken, done or made in silence.

Question 3

3. TERSE (rhymes with curse)

Answer 3

Brief and to the point, free of superfluous words, expressed in a pointed and polished way. Synonyms: concise, pithy, succinct, laconic (Level 3, Word 18). Antonyms: long-winded, redundant, verbose (Level 2, Word 30), prolix (Level 9, Word 1). Beastly mispronunciation: suh-SINGKT for succinct. Take care to pronounce the double C like KS: suhk-SINGKT.

Question 4

4. BOON (rhymes with moon)

Answer 4

A blessing, timely and welcome benefit, something beneficial bestowed upon one, something to be thankful for. Additional useful words: yore, time long past; supplicant, a person who begs for something; supplication, the act of begging for something humbly and earnestly; archaic, old-fashioned, of a former time.

Question 5

5. PROLETARIAT (PROH-Iuh-TAIR-ee-it)

Answer 5

The working class, especially the industrial wageearning class, which earns its living by manual labor, the lowest and poorest class of people in society. Corresponding adjective: proletarian, of or relating to the working class.

Question 6

6. HETEROGENEOUS (HET-uh-roh-JEE-nee-us)

Answer 6

Varied, composed of parts of different kinds, made up of unrelated or diverse elements, mixed, dissimilar, miscellaneous. Antonym: homogeneous (HOH-moh-JEE-nee-us). Useful information: The prefix homo- means same, similar, like; the prefix heteromeans other, different, unlike.

Question 7

7. PITTANCE (PIT’ns, rhymes with admittance)

Answer 7

A small amount, portion, or share, especially a small or meager amount of money. Memory aid: Think of the pit of a fruit, which is . small and hard, and you’ll easily remember that a pittance is a small amount of money that is hard to live on.

Question 8

8. GLIB (rhymes with rib)

Answer 8

Smooth-spoken, speaking in a ready, fluent manner, with natural or offhand ease, talkative in a nonchalant way. Synonyms: suave, facile, bland, voluble (Level 5, Word 1), flippant, unctuous. Useful information: The synonym unctuous means having a slimy, slippery, or smarmy manner; self-serving and insincere. Additional useful word: unguent, a medicinal ointment, salve.

Question 9

9. PENCHANT (PEN-chint)

Answer 9

A liking, leaning, strong inclination, decided taste. Synonyms: propensity, proclivity.

Question 10

10. SOLICITOUS (suh-LIS-i-tus)

Answer 10

Concerned, showing care and attention, especially in a worried, anxious, or fearful way. Usage tip: In the above sense, solicitous may be followed by the prepositions of, for, or about. When used to mean eager, full of desire, willing, solicitous is followed by the preposition to. A Dictum on Diction: Useful words: dictum: a formal pronouncement, official opinion or decree (plural, dicta). diction: choice of words, manner of expression (also, vocal expression, enunciation). apposite (AP-uh-zit): both relevant and appropriate.

Question 11

Usage tips 1:

Answer 11

1) Irregardless is not a legitimate word. Use regardless or irrespective. 2) Use peruse to mean to read carefully and critically, examine closely, read through to the end (not skim, browse, dip into or glance through). 3) Don’t use reticent to mean reluctant. A reluctant person is hesitant, disinclined, unwilling to do something. A reticent person is reluctant to speak 4) Loathe and loath: When you are loath to do or say something, you are reluctant almost to the point of aversion or disgust. The verb to loathe means to hate, despise. Loath rhymes with both; the TH in loathe is pronounced like the TH in other 5) Emulate and imitate: To imitate is to follow the example of, take as a model. To emulate means to strive to equal or excel.

Question 12

11. CIRCUMSCRIBE (SUR-kum-SKRYB)

Answer 12

To limit, restrict, confine, hem in, fix the boundaries of (literally, to draw a line around). Related words: circum- means around. You can see this combining form in the words circumstance; circumcision; circumvent, to go around, bypass, especially in a clever or resourceful way; circumlocutory, expressed in a roundabout way; and circumnavigate, to navigate or sail around.

Question 13

12. DEARTH (rhymes with earth)

Answer 13

A lack, scarcity, insufficiency, inadequate supply of something needed. Synonym: paucity (Level 10, Word 2). Antonyms: abundance, surplus, excess, superfluity, plethora, surfeit.

Question 14

13. INGRATIATING (in-GRAY-shee-ay-ting)

Answer 14

Flattering, attempting to win approval or curry favor, trying to gain acceptance, done to charm or please another. Synonym: unctuous. Usage tip: Dictionaries and thesauruses often give charming, pleasing, and agreeable as synonyms of ingratiating, but today the word invariably has the negative suggestion of insincerely charming, pleasing or agreeable so as to gain approval or get into the good graces of another.

Question 15

14. MERCENARY (MUR-suh-ner-ee)

Answer 15

Greedy, done for payment only, motivated by a selfish desire for money or other reward. Synonyms: covetous, avaricious (both discussed in Level 2, Word 40). Additional related word: venal, corruptible, capable of being bribed or bought off. Corresponding noun: mercenary, a hired soldier, one who fights not for a cause or for love of country but for money.

Question 16

15. EXTEMPORIZE (eks-TEM-puh-ryz)

Answer 16

To improvise, to speak or compose with little or no preparation or practice, perform something in an offhand or unpremeditated way. Corresponding adjective: extemporaneous (eks-TEM-puh-RAY-nee-us), spoken or composed with little or no preparation or practice.

Question 17

16. ERUDITE (preferably, ER-uu-dyt or AIR-uu-dyt; commonly, AIR-yoo-dyt)

Answer 17

Learned, scholarly, possessing extensive knowledge acquired chiefly from books. Corresponding noun: erudition (preferably ER- or AIR-uu-DISH-un; commonly, AIRyoo-DISH-un), extensive knowledge acquired from reading books. Usage tip: erudite may be used either of people or things.

Question 18

17. AUSTERE (aw-STEER)

Answer 18

Severe, serious, characterized by strict selfdiscipline or severe self-denial, stern in appearance, manner, or practice. Synonyms: somber, grim, grave, forbidding, dour (rhymes with poor).

Question 19

18. LACONIC (luh-KAHN-ik)

Answer 19

Using few words, briefly and often bluntly expressed. Synonyms: succinct, concise, pithy, succinct, terse (Level 3, Word 3).

Question 20

19. AMELIORATE (uh-MEEL-yuh-rayt)

Answer 20

To make or become better or more tolerable, raise the condition or state of. Synonyms: improve, amend, correct, reform, rectify. Usage tip: Ameliorate is used chiefly of improving something that needs help because it is inferior, oppressive, or intolerable.

Question 21

20. EXPUNGE (ek-SPUNJ)

Answer 21

To erase, delete, cancel; punch, strike, or wipe out something completely so it appears as though it had never existed. Synonyms: eradicate, obliterate.

Question 22

21. CIRCUMSPECT (SUR-kum-spekt)

Answer 22

Careful, cautious, wary, watchful, carefully considering all circumstances before acting or making a judgment. Synonyms: discreet, vigilant, prudent (Level 1, Word 47).

Question 23

22. QUIESCENT (kwy-ES-int)

Answer 23

Still, quiet, tranquil, inactive, at rest or repose. Antonyms: vigorous, animated, sprightly, vivacious, ebullient. Related words: latent, which applies to something that has not yet been revealed; dormant, which applies to something inactive or that seems asleep. Connotation: Quiescent suggests a temporary cessation of activity, a period of rest or repose.

Question 24

23. FOIBLE (FOY-buul)

Answer 24

A weak point, slight fault or flaw,,-minor failing, especially a (usually forgivable) weakness in a person’s character. Etymology: By derivation foible means the weak part of a sword, and it is related to the word feeble, weak, frail.

Question 25

24. FERVENT (FUR-vint)

Answer 25

Passionate, having or showing great warmth or intensity of feeling, fiery, earnest, impassioned. Synonyms: vehement, ardent, fervid, zealous. Antonyms: lukewarm, listless, apathetic, indifferent, impassive, phlegmatic (fleg-MATik). Fervent suggests great warmth and earnestness. Fervid is stronger and suggests intense, even violent emotion.

Question 26

25. PROTRACT (proh-TRAKT)

Answer 26

To draw out, drag out, extend in time, lengthen, prolong, especially to excess. Antonyms: abbreviate, condense, curtail, truncate (Level 7, Word 5). It suggests drawing or dragging something out needlessly, often to the point of irritation or boredom

Question 27

26. OSTENTATIOUS (AH-sten-TAY-shus)

Answer 27

Showy, extremely conspicuous, extravagant, flamboyant; specifically, displayed or done in a flashy, vain manner. Antonyms: simple, plain, modest, unassuming. N.B. This discussion distinguishes the words pretentious, pompous, and ostentatious, all of which refer to persons or things that are showy, extravagant, and self-important.

Question 28

27. QUANDARY (KWAHN-duh-ree)

Answer 28

A state of uncertainty, perplexity, or doubt. Synonyms: predicament, dilemma.

Question 29

28. CENSURE (SEN-shur)

Answer 29

To blame, condemn, find fault with, criticize harshly, express stern disapproval of. Synonyms: denounce, reprimand, reprehend. Antonyms: commend, extol, laud. Connotation: Censure usually implies condemnation of irresponsible behavior rather than condemnation of character. Usage tip: Be careful not to confuse the words censure, to blame, condemn, find fault with, and censor (SEN-sur), to suppress or delete something objectionable.

Question 30

29. CAVIL (KAV’l)

Answer 30

To criticize or complain unnecessarily, point out petty flaws, raise trivial or frivolous objections. Synonyms: nitpick, niggle, carp, quibble. (All these words suggest making unnecessary criticisms or complaining about trivial things.)

Question 31

30. ASSIMILATE (uh-SIM-i-layt)

Answer 31

To absorb, take in; also, to adapt to or become absorbed by a system or culture. Synonyms: comprehend, incorporate, appropriate. Fewer and Less. Less modifies quantities, abstractions, things that are considered single or whole (less food, less time, less money). Fewer modifies things that can be itemized, enumerated, broken down into separate elements or parts (fewer thoughts, fewer words, fewer mistakes).

Question 32

31. RESCIND (ri-SIND)

Answer 32

To cancel, take back, take away, remove; also, to render void, annul, repeal.

Question 33

32. DISCERNIBLE (di-SURN-i-buul)

Answer 33

Recognizable, detectable, perceptible, capable of being recognized by the senses or by the mind. Synonyms: apparent, evident, distinguishable, manifest. Antonyms: obscure, invisible, indistinct, imperceptible. Challenging synonyms of discernment include astuteness, acumen (uh-KYOO-min), and perspicacity (PUR-spi-KAS-i-tee).

Question 34

33. CATACLYSM (KAT-uh-kliz’m)

Answer 34

A disaster, great mishap, catastrophe, violent upheaval. N.B. This discussion distinguishes the synonyms disaster, catastrophe, calamity, debacle (di-BAHK’l), and cataclysm, all of which refer to accidents, misfortunes, and sudden or violent changes. Additional useful words: deluge (DEL-yooj), a great flood or downpour; inundate (INun- dayt), to overflow or overwhelm.

Question 35

34. NARCISSISM (NAR-si-SIZ’m)

Answer 35

Self-love, excessive admiration of oneself. Synonyms: vanity, conceit, egotism, amour-propre (ah-MOOR PROH-pruh). Antonyms: humbleness, modesty, humility. Related words: narcissist, a person afflicted with narcissism, self-love; narcissistic (adjective) means full of admiration for one’s own appearance, abilities, or achievements.

Question 36

35. INCRIMINATE (in-KRIM-i-nayt)

Answer 36

To charge with a crime, accuse of wrongdoing, implicate, present evidence or proof of involvement in a wrongful act.

Question 37

36. STIGMA (STIG-muh)

Answer 37

A mark of shame or disgrace, a moral blemish, a stain on one’s character or reputation. Later it came to be used of anything that branded a person as unwholesome or disgraceful, a mark of shame, stain on one’s character or reputation. Corresponding verb: stigmatize, to brand as shameful, set a mark of disgrace upon. N.B. The plural of stigma is either stigmas or stigmata (preferably STIG-muh-tuh, often stigMAH-tuh). Additional useful word: anglicize, to make English, conform to English modes of spelling, pronunciation, and usage.

Question 38

37. BREVITY (BREV-i-tee)

Answer 38

(1) Shortness, briefness. (2) Brief expression, shortness of speech. Synonyms: (sense 2) conciseness, succinctness, terseness, pithiness.

Question 39

38. PERQUISITE (PUR-kwi-zit)

Answer 39

A benefit, incidental gain or reward; specifically, an expected or promised benefit, privilege, or advantage received in addition to one’s normal salary or wages.

Question 40

39. INDIGENT (IN-di-jint)

Answer 40

Poor, needy, penniless, impoverished, down-and-out. Synonyms: destitute, impecunious (IM-pi-KYOO-nee-us).

Question 41

40. CLAIRVOYANT (klair-VOY-int)

Answer 41

Having exceptional powers of perception, unusually clear-sighted or discerning; specifically, able to see objects or events that others cannot, having extra-sensory perception or the power of divination. Related words: clairvoyance (noun), exceptional insight or perception; clairvoyant (noun), a person who supposedly possesses the power to see into the future, a medium, soothsayer.

Question 42

41. ADROIT (uh-DROYT)

Answer 42

Skillful, clever, dexterous; specifically, showing skill in using one’s hands or in using one’s brains. Synonyms: deft, resourceful, ingenious, artful, adept (Level 1, Word 7). Antonyms: awkward, clumsy, inept, maladroit (mal-uh-DROYT). People who are ambidextrous are equally skillful or dexterous with both hands. The unusual word ambisinister means literally having two left hands, equally awkward with both hands. In French gauche means left, but also crooked, awkward, clumsy; in English gauche refers to a person who is awkward, crude, or blundering, or to behavior that lacks culture or social grace. Usage tip: Adroit may refer either to physical dexterity or mental ingenuity.

Question 43

42. PLATITUDE (PLAT-i-t(y)ood)

Answer 43

A flat, dull, ordinary, remark, a trite statement or hackneyed saying, especially one uttered as if it were original or profound. Synonyms: cliche, truism, bromide (BROH-myd). Related words: platitudinous (adjective) refers to speech or expression that is dull, ordinary, commonplace, insipid, banal. Platitudinize (verb) means to utter platitudes. A platitudinarian (noun) is a person who habitually utters platitudes-flat, dull, ordinary remarks.

Question 44

43. FASTIDIOUS (fa-STID-ee-us)

Answer 44

(1) Extremely delicate, sensitive, or particular, especially in matters of taste or behavior. Synonyms: dainty, fussy, finicky, overnice. (2) Hard to please, extremely picky or demanding, exacting, critical to a fault. Etymology and usage: Fastidious descends from Latin words meaning squeamish, disgusted, disdainful, and conceited. The fastidious person is so excessively concerned with details that he may become squeamish or disgusted if things are not just right. The fastidious person may also be so hard to please, so critical and demanding, that she appears contemptuous of others. N.B. This discussion distinguishes the words scrupulous, meticulous, punctilious, and fastidious, all of which suggest demanding standards and careful attention to detail.

Question 45

44. VENDETTA (ven-DET-uh)

Answer 45

A bitter, protracted feud or rivalry. Related word: vindictive, vengeful, seeking a revenge.

Question 46

45. LUCID (LOO-sid)

Answer 46

(1) Clear, easy to see or understand, plainly expressed. (2) Clear of mind, mentally sound, rational, sane. Synonyms: (sense 1) intelligible, comprehensible, limpid, perspicuous (pur-SPIK-yoous). Antonyms: murky, obscure, befuddled, nebulous (Level 2, Word 5), ambiguous (Level 2, Word 25), abstruse. Related word: pellucid (pe-LOO-sid), exceptionally clear, extremely easy to see or understand.

Question 47

46. SALIENT (SAY-lee-int)

Answer 47

Conspicuous, noticeable, prominent; sticking or jutting out. Synonyms: protruding, manifest, obtrusive, protuberant. Antonyms: inconspicuous, unassuming, unobtrusive, indiscernible, unostentatious. Salient may apply to things that are conspicuously attractive or unattractive.

Question 48

47. CATEGORICAL (KAT-uh-GOR-i-kuul)

Answer 48

Absolute, unqualified, explicit; without exceptions, conditions, or qualifications. Antonyms: ambiguous (Level 2, Word 25), doubtful, dubious, indefinite, enigmatic, equivocal. Usage: Categorical refers to statements or assertions that are absolute, unqualified, direct and explicit. The word often suggests a statement or state of mind that is rigid, narrow, arrogant, or arbitrary.

Question 49

48. INSCRUTABLE (in-SKROO-tuh-buul)

Answer 49

Incomprehensible, unfathomable, extremely difficult to understand, not open to investigation or analysis. Synonyms: mysterious, impenetrable, esoteric, arcane (ar-KAYN). Antonyms: lucid (Level 4, Word 45), perspicuous. Related words: scrutinize, to investigate, examine closely; scrutiny, a close examination.

Question 50

49. CONSTRUE (kun-STROO)

Answer 50

To interpret, explain the meaning or intention of. Related words: construct, construction.

Question 51

50. ALLUDE (uh-LOOD)

Answer 51

To refer to something indirectly, make a casual reference. Synonyms: suggest, hint, insinuate, intimate (IN-ti-mayt). Antonyms: indicate, specify, detail, enumerate. Corresponding noun: allusion, an indirect, casual, or passing reference.