vocab 2025

Question 1

caprice
She bought the expensive necklace on a caprice, without thinking about the cost.

Answer 1

A sudden and unplanned change of mood or behavior; an impulsive or unpredictable action.

Question 2

lucrative
He left his job to start a lucrative online business.

Answer 2

producing a lot of money; profitable.

Question 3

impertinent
The student’s impertinent question shocked the teacher.

Answer 3

rude or disrespectful, especially by being too bold or forward in a way that’s not appropriate.

Question 4

Sullied
The scandal sullied the politician’s reputation.

Answer 4

to damage, stain, or ruin someone’s reputation, honor, or something pure or clean.

Question 5

prevaricate
When asked if he broke the vase, the boy began to prevaricate instead of giving a clear answer.

Answer 5

to avoid telling the truth by being unclear or misleading; to lie or dodge the question.

Question 6

obstinate
The obstinate child refused to eat his vegetables no matter what his parents said.

Answer 6

stubborn; refusing to change your mind or behavior, even when others try to persuade you or when it would make sense to do so.

Question 7

insinuate
to suggest something in an indirect or sly way, often something negative or unpleasant.

Answer 7

He tried to insinuate that she wasn’t telling the truth without actually saying it.

Question 8

infantilize
to treat someone as if they are a child, even though they are an adult, especially by denying them responsibility or independence.

Answer 8

The manager tended to infantilize her employees by micromanaging every small task.

Question 9

austere
strict, plain, or without luxury or decoration.

Answer 9

The monk lived an austere life, with no comfort or excess

Question 10

paternalistic

The manager’s paternalistic approach to employees made them feel like they couldn’t make their own decisions.

Answer 10

a way of treating others in a fatherly manner, but in a controlling or condescending way, where decisions are made for others because it’s believed to be in their best interest, even if they may not want it.

Question 11

Zeal
She worked with zeal on her environmental project, determined to make a difference.

Answer 11

great energy, enthusiasm, or passion for a cause, goal, or activity.

Question 12

innocuous
His comment seemed innocuous, but she still took offense.

Answer 12

harmless; not likely to offend or cause injury.