Deck 14

Question 1

speculate (v)

/ˈspɛkjʊleɪt/

Answer 1

1. Form a theory or conjecture about a subject without firm evidence
2. Invest in stocks, property, or other ventures in the hope of gain but with the risk of loss

Question 2

contrived (adj)

/kənˈtrʌɪvd/

Answer 2

Deliberately created rather than arising naturally or spontaneously
Created or arranged in a way that seems artificial and unrealistic

Question 3

vocation (n)

/və(ʊ)ˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/

Answer 3

A strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation
A person’s employment or main occupation, especially regarded as worthy and requiring dedication
A trade or profession

Question 4

gambit (n)

/ˈɡambɪt/

Answer 4

1. An act or remark that is calculated to gain an advantage, especially at the outset of a situation
2. (In chess) an opening move in which a player makes a sacrifice, typically of a pawn, for the sake of a compensating advantage

Question 5

relinquish (v)

/rɪˈlɪŋkwɪʃ/

Answer 5

Voluntarily cease to keep or claim; give up

Question 6

banish (v)

/ˈbanɪʃ/

Answer 6

Send (someone) away from a country or place as an official punishment
Get rid of (something unwanted)

Question 7

protracted (adj)

/prəˈtraktɪd/

Answer 7

Lasting for a long time or longer than expected or usual

Question 8

perennial

/pəˈrɛnɪəl/

Answer 8

1. (adj) Lasting or existing for a long or apparently infinite time; enduring or continually recurring
   Apparently permanently engaged in a specified role or way of life
2. (Adj) (Of a plant) living for several years
3. (adj) (Of a stream or spring) flowing throughout the year
4. (n) A perennial plant

Question 9

penurious (adj)

/pɪˈnjʊərɪəs/

Answer 9

1. Extremely poor; poverty-stricken
   Characterized by poverty
2. Unwilling to spend money; mean

Question 10

brink (n)

/brɪŋk/

Answer 10

The extreme edge of land before a steep slope or a body or water
A point at which something, typically something unwelcome, is about to happen; the verge

Question 11

reveting (adj)

/ˈrɪvɪtɪŋ/

Answer 11

Completely engrossing; compelling

Question 12

engross (v)

/ɪnˈɡrəʊs/

Answer 12

1. (often be engrossed in) Absorb all the attention or interest of
   Gain or keep exclusive possession of
2. Produce (a legal document, especially a deed or statute) in its final form

Question 13

crony (n)

/ˈkrəʊni/

Answer 13

(derogatory) A close friend or companion

Question 14

chum

/tʃʌm/

Answer 14

1. (n) A close friend
2. (n) Used as a friendly or familiar form of address between men or boys
3. (v) Form a friendship with someone
4. (n) Chopped fish and other material thrown overboard as angling bait
5. (v) Fish using chum as bait

Question 15

grovel (v)

/ˈɡrɒv(ə)l/

Answer 15

Lie or crawl abjectly on the ground with one’s face downwards
Act obsequiously in order to obtain forgiveness or favour

Question 16

abject (adj)

/ˈabdʒɛkt/

Answer 16

1. (Of something bad) experienced or present to the maximum degree
   (Of a situation or condition) extremely unpleasant and degrading
2. (Of a person or their behaviour) completely without pride or dignity; self-abasing