7 Canonical - Circumlocution

Question 1

canonical

Answer 1

authorized or accepted

Pluto is no longer a canonical planet; due to its small mass, it was reclassified as a “dwarf planet” in 2006.

Question 2

cantankerous

Answer 2

ill-tempered and unwilling to cooperate

The cantankerous old man took the little boy’s sucker and refused to give it back.

Question 3

capricious

Answer 3

apt to change suddenly
Cane’s capricious personality made him a fun friend but a terrible boss; social spontaneity was exciting but
workplace unpredictability was frustrating.

Question 4

cartographer

Answer 4

a person who makes maps

Amerigo Vespucci was one of the first cartographers to create a map of North America.

Question 5

castigate

Answer 5

to criticize or punish severely

Cassie was castigated by her parents and the school principal for her role in the cheating scam.

Question 6

cataclysm

Answer 6

a violent upheaval

The political uprising against the dictator is a cataclysm that will hopefully result in a more democratic regime.

Question 7

cathartic

Answer 7

inducing a release of tense emotions

Painting was a cathartic exercise for Cathy; through her paintings she was able to release anger and fear.

Question 8

catholic

Answer 8

universal; liberal

Cathy had very catholic tastes, enjoying a wide array of food and drink.

Question 9

caustic

Answer 9

burning or stinging

Cosette’s caustic remark stung Kent; he could handle criticism about his job, but her bitter words were personal.

Question 10

cavalier

Answer 10

a man who is chivalrous and gallant

The young cavalier was rewarded for his gallant behavior when he was chosen to escort the princess to the ball.

Question 11

censure

Answer 11

strong disapproval

High school teachers voiced their censure of the new novel due to mature themes and profanity.

Question 12

charlatan

Answer 12

a person who falsely claims to possess skills or knowledge; an imposter
The charlatan tricked the unsuspecting customers out of money by pretending to be able to predict the future.

Question 13

chary

Answer 13

cautious; timid; choosy

Charlie was chary of sitting on the wobbly chair; he was afraid it would break under his weight.

Question 14

chicanery

Answer 14

the use of tricks to deceive someone
The con artist relied on chicanery to get his victims to reveal their Social Security numbers; he promised them a tropical vacation for simply listing their personal information.

Question 15

churlish

Answer 15

rude and vulgar

Cheryl did not think the man’s churlish jokes were appropriate, and asked that he apologize for his vulgarity.

Question 16

circumlocution

Answer 16

an indirect way of expressing something
Sergio hoped that his circumlocution would stall the reporters long enough to think of a better answer to their
question.