Words Of The Week 1-32

Question 1

What does the word abscond(verb) mean

Answer 1

To leave in a sudden secret manner;typically to avoid capture or arrest
Sentence: We were shocked to hear that our coworker Greg had absconded with $50,000 from the companies bank account

Question 2

What does the word archaic(adjective)mean

Answer 2

Very old or old-fashioned; not commonly used in the present day
Sentence: He has a habit of using archaic words like,”hither”, “thither”, and “thenceforth” in casual conversations.

Question 3

What do the words Baader Meinhof(noun) phenomenon mean

Answer 3

The experience of using a new piece of information, often a word, and then noticing it used repeatedly. Sometimes also called the frequency illusion.
Sentence: You know when you learn and a new phrase or word and it seems to pop up everywhere? There’s a word for that the Baader Meinhof phenomenon.

Question 4

What does the word cacophony(noun)mean

Answer 4

A harsh mixture of sounds

Sentence: The cacophony of the construction work was giving Jim a headache.

Question 5

What do the words carte blanche(noun) mean

Answer 5

Complete freedom to act as one wishes or thinks best

Sentence:Jill gave her secretary carte blanche in planning Susan’s retirement party

Question 6

What does the word debunk(verb) mean?

Answer 6

To expose the falseness of an idea or belief; to disprove

Sentence: The miasma theory of disease was debunked in the 1800’s.

Question 7

What does the word docile(noun) mean?

Answer 7

Easily trained or taught compliant or obedient
Sentence: The substitute teacher was nervous about her first day in a kindergarten classroom but the children were docile and pleasant.

Question 8

What does the word eclectic(adj) mean?

Answer 8

Made up of styles and ideas from many different sources Sentence: The menu was very eclectic and had food from many different cultures.

Question 9

What does the word egregious(adj) mean?

Answer 9

Extremely bad; shocking

Sentence:Peter’s friend could not believe he had committed such an egregious crime.

Question 10

What does the word en route(adv) mean?

Answer 10

On the way; in the course of a journey

Sentence:My uncle called and told us he was en route and would probably arrive at our house by noon.

Question 11

What does the word euphemism(n) mean?

Answer 11

A mild word or phrase that is substituted for something considered too blunt or harsh to say
Sentence: Saying we had to let him go is a euphemism for we fired him. Saying passed away is another common euphemism.

Question 12

What do the words faux pas(n) mean?

Answer 12

A tactless or embarrassing action (or remark) in a social situation .
Sentence: A second too late, I realized that I had committed a terrible faux pas.

Question 13

What does the word gregarious(adj) mean?

Answer 13

Fond of company; sociable

Sentence: As an introvert, Kevin found it hard to be paired with such a gregarious roommate.

Question 14

What does the word infinitesimal(adj) mean?

Answer 14

Extremely small

Sentence: He stood completely still, knowing that even an infinitesimal movement would give away his presence.

Question 15

What does the word magnanimous(adj) mean?

Answer 15

Very generous or forgiving,especially toward someone less powerful than ones self
Sentence: Leo magnanimously allowed his brother to defeat him in a game of chess.

Question 16

What does the word mellifluous(Adj) mean

Answer 16

Smoothly or sweetly flowing; pleasant to hear

Sentence:Her voice was mellifluous; it was enchanting to hear.

Question 17

What does the word mundane(adj) mean?

Answer 17

Lacking interest or excitement; dull

Sentence: Before he could leave for vacation, he had a list of mundane tasks to complete.

Question 18

What does the word non sequitur(n) mean?

Answer 18

A statement or conclusion that does not logically follow the previous statement
Sentence: Sam baffled everyone at the dinner party with his odd non sequiturs.

Question 19

What does the word obsequious(adj) mean?

Answer 19

Obedient or attentive to an excessive degree; servile

Sentence:Fred’s obsequious behavior towards the boss made everyone else in the office dislike him.

Question 20

What does the word pariah(n) mean?

Answer 20

An outcast; a person who is generally despised or avoided

Sentence: When everyone discovered the online bully was Elizabeth, she became an overnight pariah.

Question 21

What does the word pejorative(adj) mean?

Answer 21

Expressing disapproval or contempt

Sentence: Tree hugger is a pejorative word for environmentalist.

Question 22

What does the word penultimate(adj) mean?

Answer 22

The second to last in a series of items

Sentence: The penultimate book in a series is the second to last book of the series.

Question 23

What does the word pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcaniconiosis (n) mean?
This is not a mandatory word but it may be a bonus

Answer 23

A lung disease caused by the inhalation of very fine silica or quartz dust.

Question 24

What does the word quagmire(n) mean?

Answer 24

A complex or hazardous situation; a situation that is very difficult to get ones self out of
Sentence: She has always thought that her parent were financially secure but, it turned out they were in a quagmire of debt.

Question 25

What does the word quintessential (adj) mean?

Answer 25

Representing the most perfect example of a certain quality. | Sentence: Biff from back to the future is the quintessential bully.

Question 26

What does the word schadenfreude (n) mean?

Answer 26

A feeling of pleasure derived from another persons misfortune Sentence: When Martin Shkreli the man who increased the price of a life saving aids drug was arreested, many people felt schadenfreude.

Question 27

What does the word sesquipedalian (adj) mean?

Answer 27

Tending to use long words; polysyllabic( "It comes from a Latin word meaning a foot and a half long") Sentence: His sequapedalian speaking tendencies may serve him well in the college classrom, but they only confused his audience of preschoolers.

Question 28

What does the word spoonerism (n) mean?

Answer 28

A verbal error in which the speaker- either accidentally or as a play on words- transposes the initial sounds of two words, often to humorous effect Sentence: Is the bean dizzy? Is the dean busy?

Question 29

What does the word tacit (adj) mean?

Answer 29

Understood or implied without being spoken | Sentence: By remianing silent about the bullying you witnessed, you gave your tacit approval.

Question 30

What does the word ubiquitous (adj) mean?

Answer 30

Appearing or found everywhere | Sentence: Steve job wildly exceeded his own expectations, now apple products are unbiquitous across the U.S.

Question 31

What does the word vacillate (v) mean?

Answer 31

To alternate or waiver between different opinions; to be indecisive Sentence: I spent most of my day vacillating between going to the party and staying home.

Question 32

What does the word virtuoso (n) mean?

Answer 32

A person highly skilled in music or another form of art | Sentence: The orchestra teacher was ecstatic when one of his new students turned out to be a cello virtuoso.