8bit Philosophy

Question 1

Incomprehensible

Answer 1

in·com·pre·hen·si·ble \ɪnˌkɑ:mprɪˈhɛnsəbəl\
adjective
[more incomprehensible; most incomprehensible] : impossible to understand : not comprehensible
I found his behavior utterly incomprehensible.
It’s incomprehensible to me that he could have acted that way.
an incomprehensible theory/decision
in·com·pre·hen·si·bil·i·ty \ɪnˌkɑ:mprɪˌhɛnsəˈbɪləti\ noun [noncount]
in·com·pre·hen·si·bly \ɪnˌkɑ:mprɪˈhɛnsəbli\ adverb
Synonyms: impenetrable, unfathomable, unintelligible
Antonyms: fathomable, intelligible, understandable

Question 2

Rigor

Answer 2

rig·or (US)
noun
Variants: or Brit rig·our \ˈrɪgɚ\
1 rigors [plural] : the difficult and unpleasant conditions or experiences that are associated with something
They underwent the rigors of military training.
the rigors of life in the wilderness
2 [noncount] : the quality or state of being very exact, careful, or strict
They conducted the experiments with scientific rigor.
a scholar known for her intellectual rigor
Other forms: plural rig·ors
Synonyms: adversity, asperity, hardness, hardship, difficulty

Question 3

Penny pinching

Answer 3

pen·ny–pinch·ing \ˈpɛniˌpɪntʃɪŋ\
adjective
: not wanting to spend a lot of money : very careful or too careful about spending money
a penny-pinching shopper
pen·ny–pinch·er \ˈpɛniˌpɪntʃɚ\ noun plural pen·ny–pinch·ers [count]
Her roommate was a real penny-pincher.

Question 4

Volition

Answer 4

vo·li·tion \voʊˈlɪʃən\
noun
[noncount] formal : the power to make your own choices or decisions
He left the company of his own volition. [=voluntarily, willingly; he left because he wanted to, not because he was forced to]
vo·li·tion·al \voʊˈlɪʃənl̟\ adjective
volitional acts
Synonyms: accord, choice, option, self-determination, free will, will

Question 5

Assorted

Answer 5

as·sort·ed \əˈsoɚtəd\
adjective
\: including several kinds
a box of assorted cheeses
assorted colors/flavors/sizes/styles
She hangs around with rock stars, drug addicts, and assorted [=various] other oddballs.
Synonyms: miscellaneous, eclectic, heterogeneous, mixed, motley, patchwork, promiscuous, varied
Antonyms: homogeneous

Question 6

Allure

Answer 6

al·lure \əˈluɚ\
noun
[noncount] : power to attract : a quality that attracts people
These rare books hold special allure for collectors.
— often + of
the allure of fame
Synonyms: charm, appeal, attractiveness, captivation, charisma, enchantment, fascination, glamour (also glamor), magic, magnetism, seductiveness, witchery
Antonyms: repulsion, repulsiveness

Question 7

Reign

Answer 7

reign \ˈreɪn\
noun
[count]
1 : the period of time during which a king, queen, emperor, etc., is ruler of a country
She was a popular ruler throughout her reign.
the reign of Queen Elizabeth
2 : the period of time during which someone is in charge of a group or organization
his reign as department chairperson
her reign as team president
3 : the period of time during which someone or something is the best or the most important, powerful, etc.
his reign as heavyweight boxing champion
the reign of digital technology
Other forms: plural reigns
2
reign
verb
[no obj]
1 : to rule as a king, queen, emperor, etc.
The king reigned in a time of peace and prosperity.
— often + over
She reigned over her kingdom for many decades.
2 : to be the best or the most powerful or important person or thing
The lion reigns as king of the jungle.
As a director, he still reigns supreme. [=he is still the best]
3 — used to say that a quality exists to such a degree in a place or situation that it affects everything about that place or situation
Silence reigns in the old library’s dusty aisles.
Chaos reigned in the city [=chaos was everywhere in the city] after the military coup.
Other forms: reigns; reigned; reign·ing
reigning adjective
the reigning king/queen
She remains the reigning diva of pop music.
the reigning champion

Question 8

Flaunt

Answer 8

flaunt \ˈflɑ:nt\
verb
[+ obj]
1 : to show (something) in a very open way so that other people will notice
She liked to flaunt her wealth by wearing furs and jewelry.
Their motto seems to be, “If you’ve got it, flaunt it!” [=you should not be afraid to show your good features and talents]
2 : to show a lack of respect for (something, such as a rule) : flout
They openly flaunted the rules.
Usage: The use of flaunt to mean “flout” is common, but it is considered by many people to be incorrect.
Other forms: flaunts; flaunt·ed; flaunt·ing
Synonyms: display, disport, exhibit, expose, flash, show, parade, show off, sport, strut, unveil

Question 9

Heartthrob

Answer 9

heart·throb \ˈhɑɚtˌθrɑ:b\
noun
[count] : an attractive and usually famous man
the latest teen heartthrob
Other forms: plural heart·throbs

Question 10

Hoax

Answer 10

hoax \ˈhoʊks\
noun
[count] : an act that is meant to trick or deceive people
The bomb threat is probably a hoax, but we should still evacuate the building.
She was the victim of a cruel hoax.
Other forms: plural hoax·es
Synonyms: counterfeit, forgery, fake, humbug, phony (also phoney), sham
2
hoax
verb
[+ obj] : to trick or deceive (someone) — usually used as (be) hoaxed
People were hoaxed by the Web site.
Other forms: hoaxes; hoaxed; hoax·ing
hoax·er noun plural hoax·ers [count]
Synonyms: beguile, bluff, cozen, delude, dupe, fool, gull, have, deceive, hoodwink, humbug, misguide, misinform, mislead, snow, string along, take in, trick, pull one’s leg
Antonyms: undeceive

Question 11

Conception

Answer 11

con·cep·tion \kənˈsɛpʃən\
noun
1 [noncount] : the act or process of conceiving something: such as a : the process of forming an idea
He directed the project from conception to production.
the conception of a new device
b : the process that occurs within a woman’s body when she becomes pregnant
the moment of conception
2 : an idea of what something is or should be : concept
[count]
They have a clear conception of how the process works.
a child’s conception of responsibility
They have very different conceptions of the proper role of government.
[noncount]
He has no conception of the problems we have to face. [=he does not understand or realize the problems we have to face]
Other forms: plural con·cep·tions
Synonyms: concept, idea, image, impression, notion, picture, thought

Question 12

Serene

Answer 12

se·rene \səˈri:n\
adjective
[more se*rene; most se*rene] : calm and peaceful
a serene face
serene music/skies
se·rene·ly adverb
She smiled serenely.
The sunset was serenely beautiful.
se·ren·i·ty  \səˈrɛnəti\ noun [noncount]
a feeling of peace and serenity
Synonyms: calm, hushed, peaceful, restful, quiet, still, stilly, tranquil
Antonyms: boisterous, clamorous, clattery, deafening, loud, noisy, raucous, rip-roaring, roistering, romping, rowdy, tumultuous, uproarious, woolly (also wooly)

Question 13

Self reliant

Answer 13

self–re·li·ant \ˌsɛlfrɪˈlajənt\
adjective
[more self–reliant; most self–reliant] : confident in your own abilities and able to do things for yourself : not needing help from other people
She worked very hard to be self-reliant.
a self-reliant adult
self–re·li·ance \ˌsɛlfrɪˈlajəns\ noun [noncount]

Question 14

Quiver

Answer 14

quiv·er \ˈkwɪvɚ\
verb
[no obj] : to shake because of fear, cold, nervousness, etc. : tremble
Her lips quivered when she heard the bad news.
— often + with
He was quivering with excitement/rage.
Other forms: quiv·ers; quiv·ered; quiv·er·ing
Synonyms: agitate, convulse, joggle, jolt, jounce, quake, shake, shudder, vibrate, wobble
2
quiver
noun
[count]
1 : a shaking sound, movement, or feeling that is caused by fear or other strong emotions — usually singular
I could hear a quiver [=quaver] in her voice.
— often + of
He felt a quiver of excitement/anticipation.
2 : a case used for carrying arrows
Other forms: plural quivers
Synonyms: shiver, shudder, tremble

Question 15

Prolific

Answer 15

pro·lif·ic \prəˈlɪfɪk\
adjective
[more prolific; most prolific] : producing a large amount of something
a prolific author [=an author who writes many books]
a prolific inventor
She’s a prolific scorer. [=she scores many points/goals]
a very prolific orchard [=an orchard that produces a very large amount of fruit]
The tree is a prolific bloomer. [=the tree produces many flowers]
pro·lif·i·cal·ly \prəˈlɪfɪkli\ adverb
Synonyms: fat, fecund, fruitful, luxuriant, productive, fertile, rich
Antonyms: barren, infertile, sterile, unfruitful, unproductive

Question 16

illicit

Answer 16

il·lic·it \ɪˈlɪsət\
adjective
1 : not allowed by law : unlawful or illegal
illicit drugs
He was arrested for selling illicit copies of the software.
2 : involving activities that are not considered morally acceptable
She had an illicit affair with her boss.
illicit sex
il·lic·it·ly adverb
The drug is sold illicitly on the streets.
Synonyms: criminal, felonious, illegitimate, illegal, unlawful, wrongful
Antonyms: lawful, legal, legitimate

Question 17

Visceral

Answer 17

vis·cer·al \ˈvɪsərəl\
adjective
1 [more visceral; most visceral] literary : coming from strong emotions and not from logic or reason
visceral hatred
Her visceral reaction was to curse at the other driver.
2 medical : of or relating to the viscera
visceral tissues
vis·cer·al·ly adverb
They responded viscerally to the criticism.

Question 18

Myriad

Answer 18

myr·i·ad \ˈmirijəd\
noun
[count] somewhat formal : a very large number of things
The car comes in a myriad of colors. [=in many colors]
There are a myriad of possibilities.
— often plural
myriads of stars/insects
Other forms: plural myr·i·ads
2
myriad
adjective
somewhat formal : very many
The old system's problems were myriad.
— usually used before a noun
myriad problems
Today we remember the myriad ways she helped others in her lifetime.
Synonyms: divers, multifarious, manifold

Question 19

Nevertheless

Answer 19

nev·er·the·less \ˌnɛvɚðəˈlɛs\
adverb
: in spite of what has just been said
I had lost a lot of money in the poker game; nevertheless [=however], I decided to continue playing.
Her date was a bit of a slob, but she had fun nevertheless.
It was a predictable, but nevertheless funny, story.
Synonyms: howbeit, however, nonetheless, notwithstanding, still, though, withal, yet

Question 20

Barter

Answer 20

bar·ter \ˈbɑɚtɚ\
verb
: to exchange things (such as products or services) for other things instead of for money
[no obj] — often + for or with
The farmers bartered for supplies with their crops.
The town’s people often barter [=trade] with the owner of the store.
[+ obj] — often + for
They barter [=trade] eggs for cheese with the neighboring farm.
Other forms: bar·ters; bar·tered; bar·ter·ing
2
barter
noun
[noncount]
1 : a system in which goods or services are exchanged for other goods or services instead of for money
The tribes use a system of barter.
a barter system
2 : goods or services that are exchanged for other goods or services
The explorers used blankets and other supplies for barter to get food from the native people.
Synonyms: exchange, commutation, swap, trade, trade-off, truck

Question 21

Indulge

Answer 21

in·dulge \ɪnˈdʌlʤ\
verb
1 : to allow (yourself) to have or do something as a special pleasure
[+ obj]
It’s my birthday. I’m going to indulge myself and eat whatever I want to eat.
— often + in
He indulged himself in the pleasure of a day spent entirely at the beach.
[no obj]
It’s my birthday. I’m going to indulge.
— often + in
For our anniversary, we indulged in an expensive dinner.
2 [+ obj] a : to allow (someone) to have or do something even though it may not be proper, healthy, appropriate, etc.
He knows that his aunt is always willing to indulge [=spoil] him.
They always indulged their grandchildren’s whims. [=they always allowed their grandchildren to do whatever they wanted to do]
b : to patiently allow (someone) to do or say something
Please indulge me while I review the topics we covered yesterday.
3 [+ obj] : to do the things that you want to do because of (a feeling, interest, desire, etc.)
The museum is an excellent place to let children indulge their curiosity about dinosaurs.
She bought a house with a big yard so that she could indulge her passion for gardening.
Other forms: in·dulg·es; in·dulged; in·dulg·ing
indulge in [phrasal verb]
indulge in (something) : to become involved in (something, especially something that is considered wrong or improper)
Both candidates have promised not to indulge in [=take part in] further personal attacks for the remainder of the campaign.
Synonyms: cater (to), gratify, humor
Antonyms: abuse, ill-treat, ill-use, maltreat, mishandle, mistreat, misuse

Question 22

Intimidate

Answer 22

in·tim·i·date \ɪnˈtɪməˌdeɪt\
verb
[+ obj] : to make (someone) afraid
He tries to intimidate his opponents.
You shouldn’t allow his reputation to intimidate you.
— often used as (be) intimidated
Many people are intimidated by new technology.
Some people are easily intimidated.
She was intimidated by the size of the campus.
Other forms: in·tim·i·dates; in·tim·i·dat·ed; in·tim·i·dat·ing
intimidated adjective [more intimidated; most intimidated]
I feel less intimidated now than I did when I started the job.
intimidating adjective [more intimidating; most intimidating]
He is one of the most intimidating men I have ever met.
Speaking in front of a large audience can be very intimidating.
in·tim·i·dat·ing·ly \ɪnˈtɪməˌdeɪtɪŋli\ adverb
The system is intimidatingly complex.
in·tim·i·da·tion \ɪnˌtɪməˈdeɪʃən\ noun [noncount]
intimidation of jurors/witnesses
enforcing agreement by intimidation or violence
in·tim·i·da·tor \ɪnˈtɪməˌdeɪtɚ\ noun plural in·tim·i·da·tors [count]
Synonyms: browbeat, bully, cow, hector

Question 23

Anticipation

Answer 23

an·tic·i·pa·tion \ænˌtɪsəˈpeɪʃən\
noun
[noncount]
1 : a feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen
She had a feeling of great anticipation before her graduation ceremony.
He looked forward to the party with anticipation.
The actor’s fans were trembling with/in anticipation [=excitement] when his limousine drove up.
2 : the act of preparing for something
They hired extra police officers in anticipation of a big crowd [=because they expected a big crowd] at the concert.
an·tic·i·pa·to·ry \ænˈtɪsəpəˌtori, Brit ænˌtɪsəˈpeɪtri, ænˈtɪsəpətri\ adjective, formal
the anticipatory excitement before a baseball play-off game
The town took anticipatory measures to prevent a flood.

Question 24

contentment

Answer 24

con·tent·ment \kənˈtɛntmənt\
noun
[noncount] : the state of being happy and satisfied : the state of being content
He believes that people can find peace and contentment in living simply.
There was a look of perfect contentment on her face.
a sigh of contentment
Synonyms: content, contentedness, pleasure, delectation, delight, enjoyment, gladness, gratification, happiness, relish, satisfaction
Antonyms: discontent, discontentedness, discontentment, displeasure, dissatisfaction, unhappiness

Question 25

tame

Answer 25

tame \ˈteɪm\
adjective
[also more tame; most tame]
1 a : not wild : trained to obey people
a tame elephant
b : not afraid of people
The island's birds are quite tame.
2 : not exciting or interesting : dull
They ran a pretty/quite/rather tame campaign.
Some people were shocked by the movie, but I found the story pretty tame.
3 : gentle and obedient
Members of the audience were too tame to interrupt the speaker.
Other forms: tam·er; tam·est
tame·ly adverb
tame·ness noun [noncount]
Synonyms: domestic, domesticated, tamed
Antonyms: feral, nondomesticated, undomesticated, untamed, wild
2
tame
verb
[+ obj]
1 : to make (an animal) tame
It took a while to tame the horse.
2 : to make (something) less wild or difficult to control : to bring (something) under control
the people who tamed the Wild West
He struggled to tame his temper.
The government needs to do something to tame inflation.
Other forms: tames; tamed; tam·ing
tamed adjective
a tamed animal
tam·er noun plural tam·ers [count]
a lion/tiger tamer
Synonyms: bridle, check, constrain, contain, curb, govern, hold in, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain, control

Question 26

Endeavor

Answer 26

en·deav·or (US)
verb
Variants: or Brit en·deav·our \ɪnˈdɛvɚ\
[+ obj] formal : to seriously or continually try to do (something)
The school endeavors to teach students to be good citizens.
They endeavored to create a government that truly serves its people.
synonyms see 1attempt
Other forms: en·deav·ors; en·deav·ored; en·deav·or·ing
Synonyms: drudge, labor, fag, grub, hump, hustle, moil, peg (away), plod, plow, plug, slave, slog, strain, strive, struggle, sweat, toil, travail, work
Antonyms: dabble, fiddle (around), fool (around), mess (around), putter (around)
2
endeavor (US)
noun
Variants: or Brit endeavour
formal : a serious effort or attempt
[count]
His endeavors have gone unrewarded.
He failed despite his best endeavors. [=efforts]
She is involved in several artistic endeavors.
[noncount]
Technology is the fastest-changing area/field of human endeavor.
Other forms: plural endeavors
Synonyms: bid, crack, attempt, essay, fling, go, pass, shot, stab, trial, try, whack, whirl