20 B

Question 1

consternation

Answer 1

a feeling of anxiety or dismay
“The unexpected news caused widespread consternation.”

Question 2

decadence

Answer 2

excessive indulgence in pleasure or luxury / moral or cultural decline
“The palace was a symbol of decadence and luxury.”

Question 3

euphemism

Answer 3

a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh

Question 3

penchant

Answer 3

a strong or habitual liking for something
“He had a penchant for dogs.”

Question 4

ameliorate

Answer 4

make (something bad or unsatisfactory) better
“Taking medicine can ameliorate your headache.”

Question 5

importune

Answer 5

harass (someone) persistently for or to do something.
“She importuned her friend for a favor.”

Question 6

rebuke

Answer 6

express sharp disapproval or criticism of (someone)
“The teacher gave him a stern rebuke for talking in class.”

Question 7

abstemious

Answer 7

indulging only very moderately in
something
“He maintained an abstemious lifestyle, avoiding excess.”

Question 8

belligerent

Answer 8

hostile and aggressive.
“The belligerent soldier swung his sword with foolish intent.”

Question 9

complacent

Answer 9

showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself
“She grew complacent after her initial success.”

Question 10

derogatory

Answer 10

showing a critical or disrespectful attitude
“Using derogatory language is not acceptable.”

Question 11

evanescent

Answer 11

soon passing out of sight, memory, or existence; quickly fading or disappearing
“The beauty of the sunset was evanescent.”

Question 12

fortuitous

Answer 12

happening by chance rather than intention
(lucky / fortunate)
“Running into my old friend at the store was fortuitous.”

Question 13

garrulous

Answer 13

excessively talkative, especially on trivial
matters.
“She was garrulous after a glass of wine, and would not stop talking.”

Question 14

inexorable

Answer 14

impossible to stop or prevent
“The inexorable march of time cannot be stopped.”

Question 15

lethargic

Answer 15

laziness or lack of energy
“Lethargic: He felt lethargic after staying up all night.”

Question 16

lurid

Answer 16

unpleasantly bright in colour, especially so as to create a harsh or unnatural effect
“The tabloid featured lurid stories about celebrities.”

Question 17

overt

Answer 17

done or shown openly; plainly apparent.
“His overt hostility made everyone uncomfortable.”

Question 18

perfunctory

Answer 18

carried out without real interest, feeling, or effort / routine way
“He gave a perfunctory apology without meaning it.”

Question 19

scurrilous

Answer 19

making or spreading scandalous claims about someone with the intention of damaging their reputation
“The article contained scurrilous accusations against the politician.”