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About This Quiz
Having a rich, well-developed vocabulary is not just the act of memorization. The knowledge and understanding of language is a crucial part of this ability. So much so, that vocabulary in and of itself, can be a measure of intellect and is tested on the SATs. Although this quiz is for entertainment purposes only, you may learn some interesting language tips along the way. It can help keep your vocabulary in tip-top shape. All it takes is a click below to refresh your vocabulary knowledge.Â
Do you know your Greek or Latin roots? How about prefixes and suffixes? Are you someone who likes knowing where a word comes from? Vocabulary is built on all of these things. In fact, learning a new language is easier if you understand the basic breakdown of a word. And with a strong vocabulary, most people find it easier to think more precisely and have the ability to grasp ideas faster. Whether it's defining a word, a synonym or describing a situation, you're sure to excel (a word that comes from the Latin word "excellere," "ex" meaning out, beyond and" celsus" meaning lofty) at this quiz. Start it now and see if you can claim the Vocabulary Crown.Â
If someone calls you "dauntless," what are they calling you?
gifted
fearless
"Dauntless" is, of course, related to the verb "daunt" and the adjective "undaunted." Nowadays, "fearless" would be the more common term.
kind
joyful
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If you are somebody's pawn, you are their _______.
distant relative
employer
puppet or servant
This is taken, of course, from chess. Pawns are the most common pieces - there are eight to each side -- and are frequently sacrificed for the good of more valuable pieces.
friend
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If you are myopic, you should call ...
a hairdresser
an optometrist
"Myopic" means "nearsighted." It can be used metaphorically, as in "myopic government policies."
a podiatrist
a cardiologist
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What is the best definition of nuptial?
relating to insects
relating to earth and the soil
relating to weddings
"Nuptial" usually refers to weddings and the state of being newly married. "Marital" is the term used when describing an ongoing marriage. (It's like the difference between "bride" and "wife.")
relating to cooking
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To augment something is to ________ it.
increase or support
"Augment" can be used as a noun, meaning a thing that increases. Nowadays, however, you most commonly see it as a verb.
adore
doubt the existence of
condense
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If you are somebody's nemesis, you are their _______.
in-law
mentor
worst enemy
If "nemesis" sounds like a Greek term, that's because it is. Nemesis was the Greek goddess of revenge -- or justice, depending on how you look at it.
associate
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You would most likely suppress a ______.
kitten
tree
yawn
Urges are commonly suppressed: to yawn, to make a snide remark, to go back to bed. But in a larger sense, movements and rebellions can also be suppressed.
watermelon
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A reprimand is best defined as what?
a correction to behavior
Reprimands can be personal, like a parent with a child. But they are often formal. Employers issue written reprimands to employees who break rules.
a military ranking
a kitchen utensil
a fashion trend
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What is the best definition of candor?
anger
frankness
We use the adjective "candid" more often than the noun "candor." Both have to do with honesty, and can sting a bit.
greed
joy
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If you're in a predicament, what are you in?
a steep valley
a funeral procession
a difficult situation
A predicament is a sticky situation. An example would be coming to the SATs with no pencil, and finding no one has one to spare.
a breakthrough
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What is the best definition of "amity?"
good looks
harmony
The book and movie "Divergent" imply that "amity" means kindness, but that's not exactly right. "Amity" refers to a state of friendship or good relations. (By the way, good eye if you noticed we sneaked all five "Divergent" factions into this quiz! Who knew that young-adult fiction could serve as vocabulary practice?)
nearsightedness
hostility
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What is the best definition of noxious?
light-filled
harmful, poisonous
"Noxious" is derived from the Latin word, nocere, "to harm." People often refer to irritant gases as "noxious."
of or like a bear
crazy
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When it doesn't refer to the study of the stars, what does astronomical mean?
clever
huge
"Astronomical" means great in size. Expenses that seriously overrun a budget are called "astronomical."
beautiful
arrogant
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What is most likely to be repealed?
a bell
a law
When laws are overturned, they are referred to as having been repealed. In the US, constitutional amendments are also repealed -- like the 18th Amendment on the prohibition of alcohol.
a reptile
a banana
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Somebody who is laconic is _________.
biologically male
well-fed
a person of few words
A "laconic" person doesn't use a lot of words to get a point across. They can also be dryly funny, but that isn't always the case.
lazy
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If you are enamored of something, you are ______ it.
in love with
We don't use "enamored" a lot in English. In Spanish, though, "enamorado/a" is a common term for "in love."
resistant to
ignorant of
jealous of
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What is the best definition of schism?
a confused state
a mathematical proof
a rift
A schism is a division between two previously united things. For example, the split between the Eastern and Western Churches in 1054 is known as the Great Schism.
harmony
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What is the best definition of pernicious?
careless
poisonous or damaging
"Pernicious" is often used metaphorically. For example, reputation-damaging gossip is called "pernicious."
gorgeous
responsible
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The best definition of juggernaut is:
clown
morality play
unstoppable force
This comes from a Hindu term, jagannath, for a massive stone idol pulled along on wheels. Worshipers reportedly threw themselves under the wheels to be crushed.
psycho
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The best definition of "numinous" is ...
dirty
relating to coins and coin collecting
spiritual or holy
Don't be fooled! "Numinous" isn't about numbers, nor is it about coin collecting. (The word for "relating to coin-collecting" is "numismatic.")
abstract
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An opus is best defined as ______.
a hole or gap
a great work
The Romans defined "work" in two different ways. In Latin, work with meaning and accomplishment was "opus." Work like ditch-digging was mere "labor." These meanings carry through in English, though we use "labor" more often than "opus."
an accessory
a ruin
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If your relationship with your mother-in-law is acrimonious, it is ______.
happy
distant
marked by frequent arguments
Acrimony is the state of having frequent disagreements. We suspect that in-law relationships aren't always as acrimonious as they're portrayed in the movies, though!
non-existent
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If someone calls you "erudite," how are they describing you?
brainy
If someone calls you "erudite," it's a compliment. It also means you're likely to ace your SATs!
fearless
honest
vain
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Something that is arduous is _______.
beautiful
fiery
very difficult
"Arduous" comes from the Latin word "arduus," meaning "steep." Don't confuse it with "ardent" or "ardor" -- they come from the Latin "ardere," meaning "to burn."
pointless
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What would you be most likely to foment?
a car engine
a novel
a workers' strike
To "foment" means to "stir up or agitate," -- usually some kind of rebellion. Nobody "foments" a new book club.
the laundry
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If you are febrile, you should call ...
a doctor
"Febrile" is related to the word "fever." The medical term, though, would be "pyrexic."
a hairdresser
a weight-loss expert
the dentist
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If you are impecunious, you should call ...
a nutritionist
an employment agency
"Impecunious" means low on money. A job would help ... though we can't rule out that high taxes are the problem!
a dating service
your hairdresser
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If you have a hard time finding something, it is ________.
allusive
elusive
"Elude" and "elusive" have to do with being hard to find. "Allusive" describes something that is a reference or a metaphor. "Illusive" means it doesn't exist -- it's an illusion.
none of these
Illusive
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If you are comely, you should call ...
a financial adviser
a modeling agency
"Comely" is an old-fashioned word meaning "beautiful" or "pleasing in appearance." Nowadays, people simply say "You look hot!"
a barber
a law firm
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If you are nubile, you should call ...
an auto mechanic
a dating service
"Nubile" is another old-fashioned term, meaning "of marriageable age," or "desirous of marriage." It gradually took on sexist connotations and dropped out of popular use.
a personal trainer
your salon
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What is the best definition of diurnal?
active in the daytime
You'll hear this adjective in zoology classes. A diurnal animal is one who is awake and active in daylight hours.
well-decorated
hungry
angry
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What is the best definition of crepuscular?
fine and thin
heavily wrinkled
relating to twilight
This isn't just the best definition; it's the only definition. "Crepuscular," in addition to being really hard to spell and pronounce, has no alternate meanings. You might never have to use this one!
ecstatic
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If you use a word pejoratively, you are using it ______.
admiringly
as a criticism
This word comes in handy on occasions when words that are normally a compliment, aren't. For example, figure skating is that rare sport in which it's a pejorative for a skater to be called "athletic."
too often
as praise
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The best definition of alimentary is ...
relating to cars
relating to food
You don't hear this much in casual speech. It's more common in medical settings, for example, the "alimentary canal."
relating to physics
relating to space
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What is the best definition of abnegation?
denial or renunciation
Though people often attach the prefix "self-" to this word, it's not necessary. You can't "abnegate" on behalf of somebody else.
debate
being single
aggression
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You Got:
/35
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