CD3

Question 1

ribald

Answer 1

Vulgar, but in a humorous way. It can be applied to off-color jokes, or to the person who tells them.

Question 2

cacophony

Answer 2

A loud confusion of sound, where the level or type of noise – or both – are unpleasant.

Question 3

milieu

Answer 3

Environment or surroundings. This word refers to both physical and metaphysical space.

Question 4

eclectic

Answer 4

From a variety of sources.

Question 5

plethora

Answer 5

More than enough. Refers to a large number in general, but specifically means an amount in excess of what is necessary.

Question 6

accord

Answer 6

Agreement or harmony. This noun can refer to specific agreement on an issue, or a general like-mindedness.

Question 7

pragmatic

Answer 7

Realistic or practical. Someone who is pragmatic is down-to-earth, and focuses on the essentials of a problem without getting bogged down in unnecessary detail.

Question 8

panacea

Answer 8

A solution or remedy, something that cures all problems.

Question 9

transcend

Answer 9

transcend
To rise above or go beyond. Where people try to go outside of their earthbound minds and become a part of a larger consciousness. To transcend means to be able to cross boundaries, or remove them by rising above them.

Question 10

catharsis

Answer 10

A release of emotions that is triggered by a vicarious experience of something that someone else is going through, but that touches you in some way as well.

Question 11

unctuous

Answer 11

It means that the food coats the tongue with a smooth, almost oily layer of flavor. When the word applies to food, it’s a good thing. It’s not a good thing when applied to a person. Someone with a smooth, oily manner is usually not to be trusted.

Question 12

unconscionable

Answer 12

Without a conscience, is lacking in a moral sense. Unscrupulous.

Question 13

uniform

Answer 13

The same, without variation.

Question 14

ubiquitous

Answer 14

Omnipresent or pervasive; in other words, found everywhere.

Question 15

adamant

Answer 15

Inflexible or unyielding. Someone who is determined and will not move from their position or change their opinion is adamant.

Question 16

compliant

Answer 16

Willing to comply. Submissive and yielding.

Question 17

intransigent

Answer 17

Stubborn and unwilling to compromise. It’s similar to “adamant,” but has the additional sense that the person is perhaps being inflexible just to be stubborn or contrary, and not for any firmly-held belief.

Question 18

amenable

Answer 18

Open to persuasion. It doesn’t necessarily mean you change your opinion about something, but that you’re willing to go along with the other person to avoid conflict, reach a conclusion, or in some other way keep things moving forward.

Question 19

equitable

Answer 19

Fair, just, and impartial.

Question 20

comprise

Answer 20

To be made of, to contain, or to include.

Question 21

circumscribe

Answer 21

Limit or restrict. Its literal meaning is “to draw a line around” – that is, to create a boundary containing one thing inside and keeping others out.

Question 22

contiguous

Answer 22

Connected, touching, or adjacent, without any break.

Question 23

proliferate

Answer 23

To spread rapidly, or to increase.

Question 24

latent

Answer 24

Is hidden. It exists, but is concealed. Present but hidden, ready to come out of hiding if the circumstances are right.

Question 25

auspicious

Answer 25

Of good omen. Conducive to success, fortunate.

Question 26

propitious

Answer 26

Propel, as in “moving forward.” It also refers to a favorable or advantageous situation.

Question 27

prestigious

Answer 27

Having a good reputation” and “held in high esteem.” The word also has the meaning of something that has influence because of its high position, and that the influence and esteem will spread to those who are connected to it.

Question 28

virtuoso

Answer 28

Often used to refer to artists and musicians, but there are virtuoso computer programmers and chefs as well. Having mastered a skill beyond mere capability and into the realm of brilliance. You’re a whiz, a genius, a wizard, a superstar.

Question 29

zenith

Answer 29

The highest point

Question 30

utilitarian

Answer 30

practical and functional, not just for show.