CD1

Question 1

tenure

Answer 1

Can refer to a specific period of time. Used in academics to denote an indefinite period of time.

Question 2

hiatus

Answer 2

Pause or break in something that is otherwise ongoing. A gap in a regular schedule. Most frequently used when talking about one instance in time.

Question 3

elucidate

Answer 3

To make clear or to shed light on.

Question 4

sinecure

Answer 4

A job where you don’t have any duties or responsibilities, but you still get paid.

Question 5

equanimity

Answer 5

Calmness, especially during stressful situations. It’s a characteristic of someone who maintains his or her composure. It’s often used to refer to a person’s way of speaking as well as their attitude. Can also refer to stability or steadiness, in a mental or emotional sense.

Question 6

affable

Answer 6

Friendly, but in a quiet, calm way. Other adjectives that describe this type of person are “amiable” and “cordial” – that is to say, polite and willing to go along with others, in a spirit of friendship.

Question 7

mitigate

Answer 7

To reduce or decrease the effect of something negative

Question 8

congenial

Answer 8

Having the same likes and dislikes. Kindred spirits. If you’re in a group of people who enjoy the same thing, you’re surrounded by congenial people

Question 9

serendipity

Answer 9

The accidental discovery of something good or beneficial. A “happy accident.”

Question 10

pandemic

Answer 10

Widespread – that is, covering a large geographic area and affecting many people. You’ll usually hear this in relation to an illness. An epidemic that spreads beyond the usual range of infection.

Question 11

virulent

Answer 11

Highly infectious and deadly. Such as the Ebola virus, which kills over half of the people who catch it.

Question 12

detrimental

Answer 12

Causing harm or damage

Question 13

sequester

Answer 13

To isolate and make separate from outside contact. Putting in seclusion, or isolation.

Question 14

stringent

Answer 14

Keeping strictly to specific rules or standards. The underlying sense of the word is that these rules are difficult to follow, but that there would be negative consequences if you didn’t follow them. Can also mean severe, rigorous, or rigid.

Question 15

foible

Answer 15

An unusual habit or mannerism, particularly one that creates vulnerability or implies a weakness, specifically in a person’s character.

Question 16

droll

Answer 16

Wry, whimsical, or odd, in a humorous way. It’s a quieter, subtle humor.

Question 17

hyperbole

Answer 17

Exaggeration or overstatement, used in order to emphasize a point. It’s often done in order to create a humorous effect.

Question 18

parody

Answer 18

Imitation of a person, place, or thing, done in order to poke fun at them. Can be humorous, but other times can be sharper, mocking someone’s mannerisms in a way intended to be hurtful.

Question 19

potter

Answer 19

To mess about doing nothing in particular. In parodies, this is a common foible of an older person, or one who’s not altogether mentally sound.

Question 20

fabrication

Answer 20

Making something – often machine parts or tools something that’s made up – that is, a lie, a story, a fiction, a falsehood.

Question 21

erroneous

Answer 21

Based on false information.

Question 22

chimera

Answer 22

A creation of the imagination, a foolish fancy, or an imaginary thing.

Question 23

specious

Answer 23

Something that seems believable and reasonable at first glance, but is easily proven false when examined closely.

Question 24

verbatim

Answer 24

Word for word. Exactly as it was said.

Question 25

champion

Answer 25

A word used when you’re talking about a winner, someone who’s made it to the top.

Question 26

brook

Answer 26

To tolerate or put up with, specifically with something negative.

Question 27

pedestrian

Answer 27

Unremarkable or ordinary

Question 28

quandary

Answer 28

Uncertainty, or difficulty in knowing what to do.

Question 29

hiatus

Answer 29

A break or gap in something that is otherwise ongoing.

Question 30

curriculum vitae

Answer 30

Like a resume, gives the details of your work and professional history, but also includes your academic background, personal achievements, and any awards and recognitions you have received.

Question 31

elucidate

Answer 31

To make clear.