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Deck 18 Flashcards

1
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘quixotic’?

A

Exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical.

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2
Q

What is a secondary meaning of ‘quixotic’?

A

Resembling or characteristic of Don Quixote; exceedingly chivalrous or romantic.

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3
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘quixotic’ (primary meaning).

A

‘His quixotic dreams of world peace often seemed unattainable.’

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4
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘quixotic’ (primary meaning)?

A
  • Idealistic
  • Unrealistic
  • Impractical
  • Romantic
  • Visionary
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5
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘indiscernible’?

A

Impossible to see, perceive, or recognize clearly; not distinguishable.

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6
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘indiscernible’.

A

‘The writing on the old parchment had faded to the point of being indiscernible.’

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7
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘indiscernible’?

A
  • Inconspicuous
  • Unnoticeable
  • Imperceptible
  • Invisible
  • Obscure
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8
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘amiable’?

A

Having a friendly and pleasant manner.

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9
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘amiable’.

A

‘She was known for her amiable personality and warm smile.’

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10
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘amiable’?

A
  • Friendly
  • Pleasant
  • Affable
  • Genial
  • Cordial
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11
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘eschew’?

A

Deliberately avoid using; abstain from.

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12
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘eschew’.

A

‘He chose to eschew social media and maintain his privacy.’

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13
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘eschew’?

A
  • Avoid
  • Abstain from
  • Shun
  • Refrain from
  • Steer clear of
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14
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘nascent’?

A

Just coming into existence and beginning to display signs of future potential; in the early stages of development.

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15
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘nascent’.

A

‘The nascent technology had the potential to revolutionize the industry.’

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16
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘nascent’?

A
  • Emerging
  • Budding
  • Developing
  • Incipient
  • Inceptive
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17
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘impetuous’?

A

Acting or done quickly and without thought or care; impulsive.

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18
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘impetuous’.

A

‘His impetuous decision to quit his job without a backup plan led to financial difficulties.’

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19
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘impetuous’?

A
  • Impulsive
  • Hasty
  • Rash
  • Reckless
  • Spontaneous
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20
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘collaborate’?

A

Work jointly on an activity, project, or endeavor, especially to produce or create something.

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21
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘collaborate’.

A

‘The two artists decided to collaborate on a mural for the community.’

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22
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘collaborate’?

A
  • Work together
  • Cooperate
  • Partner
  • Join forces
  • Team up
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23
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘bereft’?

A

Deprived of or lacking something, especially a nonmaterial asset.

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24
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘bereft’.

A

‘She was bereft of hope after the loss of her loved one.’

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25
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘bereft’?

A
  • Deprived
  • Without
  • Lacking
  • Wanting
  • Stripped of
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26
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘regress’?

A

Return to a former or less developed state; go back.

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27
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘regress’.

A

‘Under stress, some people tend to regress to childlike behaviors.’

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28
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘regress’?

A
  • Return
  • Go back
  • Retrogress
  • Retreat
  • Backslide
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29
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘picturesque’?

A

Visually attractive, especially in a quaint or charming way.

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30
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘picturesque’.

A

‘The small cottage by the lake had a picturesque view of the mountains.’

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31
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘picturesque’?

A
  • Scenic
  • Charming
  • Quaint
  • Beautiful
  • Idyllic
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32
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘thrift’?

A

The quality of using money and other resources carefully and not wastefully; frugality.

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33
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘thrift’.

A

‘Her thrift and budgeting skills allowed her to save a significant amount of money.’

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34
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘thrift’?

A
  • Frugality
  • Economical
  • Thriftiness
  • Prudence
  • Parsimony
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35
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘harangue’?

A

A lengthy and aggressive speech or lecture.

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36
Q

What is the secondary meaning of ‘harangue’ as a verb?

A

Lecture (someone) at length in an aggressive and critical manner.

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37
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘harangue’ (primary meaning).

A

‘The politician delivered a harangue against the opposing party’s policies.’

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38
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘harangue’ (secondary meaning).

A

‘He harangued his employees for their poor performance.’

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39
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘harangue’ (primary meaning)?

A
  • Tirade
  • Diatribe
  • Rant
  • Lecture
  • Discourse
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40
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘harangue’ (secondary meaning)?

A
  • Lecture
  • Scold
  • Berate
  • Chastise
  • Castigate
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41
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘woo’?

A

Seek the favor, support, or love of (someone), typically with the intention of persuading them to do something.

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42
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘woo’.

A

‘He tried to woo her with romantic gestures and heartfelt letters.’

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43
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘woo’?

A
  • Court
  • Charm
  • Entice
  • Flatter
  • Seduce
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44
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘opulent’?

A

Ostentatiously rich and luxurious or lavish.

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45
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘opulent’.

A

‘The opulent mansion was filled with exquisite furnishings and artwork.’

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46
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘opulent’?

A
  • Luxurious
  • Wealthy
  • Affluent
  • Lavish
  • Sumptuous
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47
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘perspicacity’?

A

The quality of having a ready insight into things; shrewdness.

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48
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘perspicacity’.

A

‘Her perspicacity in business allowed her to make wise investment decisions.’

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49
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘perspicacity’?

A
  • Insight
  • Shrewdness
  • Acumen
  • Discernment
  • Perception
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50
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘boisterous’?

A

(Of a person, event, or behavior) noisy, energetic, and cheerful; rowdy.

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51
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘boisterous’.

A

‘The children’s laughter and boisterous play filled the park.’

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52
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘boisterous’?

A
  • Noisy
  • Rowdy
  • Loud
  • Energetic
  • Rambunctious
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53
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘overshadow’?

A

Tower above and cast a shadow over.

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54
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘overshadow’.

A

‘The tall skyscraper overshadowed the surrounding buildings.’

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55
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘overshadow’?

A
  • Eclipse
  • Distinguish
  • Outshine
  • Dominate
  • Surpass
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56
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘feign’?

A

Pretend to be affected by (a feeling, state, or injury).

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57
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘feign’.

A

‘She had to feign excitement even though she was not interested in the topic.’

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58
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘feign’?

A
  • Pretend
  • Simulate
  • Fake
  • Act
  • Sham
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59
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘despair’?

A

The complete loss or absence of hope.

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60
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘despair’.

A

‘In the depths of despair, he felt like giving up on everything.’

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61
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘despair’?

A
  • Hopelessness
  • Gloom
  • Desolation
  • Discouragement
  • Misery
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62
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘whimsical’?

A

Playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an appealing and amusing way.

63
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘whimsical’.

A

‘The whimsical decorations in the garden gave it a magical atmosphere.’

64
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘whimsical’?

A
  • Playful
  • Quirky
  • Eccentric
  • Capricious
  • Whimsy
65
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘provoke’?

A

Stimulate or give rise to (a reaction or emotion, typically a strong or unwelcome one) in someone.

66
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘provoke’.

A

‘His rude comments were intended to provoke anger in others.’

67
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘provoke’?

A
  • Incite
  • Irritate
  • Evoke
  • Infuriate
  • Rile
68
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘advocate’?

A

Publicly recommend or support.

69
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘advocate’.

A

‘She was known to advocate for the rights of the underprivileged.’

70
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘advocate’?

A
  • Support
  • Recommend
  • Champion
  • Promote
  • Endorse
71
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘impetus’?

A

The force or energy with which a body moves.

72
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘impetus’.

A

‘The new tax policy provided the impetus for economic growth.’

73
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘impetus’?

A
  • Momentum
  • Drive
  • Force
  • Energy
  • Push
74
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘resolve’?

A

Settle or find a solution to (a problem, dispute, or contentious matter).

75
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘resolve’.

A

‘They managed to resolve their differences through negotiation.’

76
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘resolve’?

A
  • Settle
  • Solve
  • Determine
  • Decide
  • Conclude
77
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘rhetoric’?

A

The art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques.

78
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘rhetoric’.

A

‘His use of rhetoric captivated the audience and swayed their opinions.’

79
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘rhetoric’?

A
  • Oratory
  • Eloquence
  • Persuasion
  • Articulation
  • Expression
80
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘constraining’?

A

Serving as a restriction or limitation on someone’s freedom of action.

81
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘constraining’.

A

‘The constraining regulations made it difficult for small businesses to thrive.’

82
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘constraining’?

A
  • Restrictive
  • Limiting
  • Inhibiting
  • Controlling
  • Confining
83
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘indefatigable’?

A

(Of a person or their efforts) persisting tirelessly.

84
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘indefatigable’.

A

‘Her indefatigable commitment to her work earned her the respect of her colleagues.’

85
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘indefatigable’?

A
  • Tireless
  • Unflagging
  • Unwearying
  • Unrelenting
  • Persevering
86
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘haphazard’?

A

Lacking any obvious principle of organization.

87
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘haphazard’.

A

‘The arrangement of items on the shelf looked haphazard and chaotic.’

88
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘haphazard’?

A
  • Random
  • Disorganized
  • Disorderly
  • Unsystematic
  • Arbitrary
89
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘prodigious’?

A

Remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree.

90
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘prodigious’.

A

‘The athlete displayed prodigious strength and skill in the competition.’

91
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘prodigious’?

A
  • Enormous
  • Immense
  • Huge
  • Vast
  • Gigantic
92
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘subversion’?

A

The undermining of the power and authority of an established system or institution.

93
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘subversion’.

A

‘The group was accused of subversion and attempting to overthrow the government.’

94
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘subversion’?

A
  • Sabotage
  • Undermining
  • Destabilization
  • Insurrection
95
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘embargo’?

A

An official ban on trade or other commercial activity with a particular country.

96
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘embargo’.

A

‘The government imposed an embargo on imports from that nation.’

97
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘embargo’?

A
  • Ban
  • Blockade
  • Sanctions
  • Prohibition
  • Restriction
98
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘stoic’?

A

A person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining.

99
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘stoic’.

A

‘In the face of adversity, she remained stoic and never let her emotions show.’

100
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘stoic’?

A
  • Impassive
  • Unemotional
  • Calm
  • Composed
  • Resigned
101
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘supersede’?

A

Take the place of (a person or thing previously in authority or use); supplant.

102
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘supersede’.

A

‘The new law will supersede the old one and change the regulations.’

103
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘supersede’?

A
  • Replace
  • Surpass
  • Overtake
  • Override
  • Replace
104
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘clandestine’?

A

Kept secret or done secretively, especially because illicit.

105
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘clandestine’.

A

‘They held clandestine meetings to discuss their covert operations.’

106
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘clandestine’?

A
  • Secret
  • Covert
  • Hidden
  • Stealthy
  • Undercover
107
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘collude’?

A

Come to a secret understanding for a harmful purpose; conspire.

108
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘collude’.

A

‘The companies were accused of colluding to fix prices and eliminate competition.’

109
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘collude’?

A
  • Conspire
  • Scheme
  • Plot
  • Connive
  • Machinate
110
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘occlude’?

A

Stop, close up, or obstruct (an opening, orifice, or passage).

111
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘occlude’.

A

‘The dentist used a filling to occlude the cavity in the tooth.’

112
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘occlude’?

A
  • Block
  • Close
  • Seal
  • Obstruct
  • Shut
113
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘sovereignty’?

A

Supreme power or authority; the authority of a state to govern itself or another state.

114
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘sovereignty’.

A

‘The country fought for its sovereignty and independence from foreign rule.’

115
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘sovereignty’?

A
  • Autonomy
  • Independence
  • Self-rule
  • Self-government
  • Autarky
116
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘imminent’?

A

About to happen; impending.

117
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘imminent’.

A

‘The storm clouds gathered, and it felt like rain was imminent.’

118
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘imminent’?

A
  • Impending
  • Approaching
  • Close
  • Near
  • Looming
119
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘relegate’?

A

Consign or dismiss to an inferior rank or position.

120
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘relegate’.

A

‘After his mistake, he was relegated to a lower-level job.’

121
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘relegate’?

A
  • Demote
  • Downgrade
  • Transfer
  • Assign
  • Send down
122
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘endorse’?

A

Declare one’s public approval or support of.

123
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘endorse’.

A

‘The celebrity endorsed the new brand of sports shoes.’

124
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘endorse’?

A
  • Support
  • Approve
  • Back
  • Recommend
  • Champion
125
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘indecipherable’?

A

Not able to be read or understood.

126
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘indecipherable’.

A

‘The handwriting was so messy that the note was nearly indecipherable.’

127
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘indecipherable’?

A
  • Unreadable
  • Illegible
  • Incomprehensible
  • Unintelligible
  • Cryptic
128
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘hyperbole’?

A

Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

129
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘hyperbole’.

A

‘His description of the fish he caught was filled with hyperbole, making it sound much larger than it actually was.’

130
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘hyperbole’?

A
  • Exaggeration
  • Overstatement
  • Amplification
  • Hype
  • Embellishment
131
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘turbulent’?

A

Characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion; not stable or calm.

132
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘turbulent’.

A

‘The country went through a turbulent period of political unrest.’

133
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘turbulent’?

A
  • Chaotic
  • Disorderly
  • Unstable
  • Stormy
  • Agitated
134
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘enigmatic’?

A

Difficult to interpret or understand; mysterious.

135
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘enigmatic’.

A

‘The enigmatic smile on her face gave nothing away about her true feelings.’

136
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘enigmatic’?

A
  • Mysterious
  • Cryptic
  • Puzzling
  • Baffling
  • Inscrutable
137
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘undetectable’?

A

Not able to be perceived or discovered.

138
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘undetectable’.

A

‘The stealth technology made the aircraft nearly undetectable by radar.’

139
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘undetectable’?

A
  • Unnoticeable
  • Invisible
  • Concealed
  • Hidden
  • Unobservable
140
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘myriad’?

A

A countless or extremely great number.

141
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘myriad’.

A

‘There are a myriad of stars in the night sky, each one a distant sun.’

142
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘myriad’?

A
  • Countless
  • Innumerable
  • Numerous
  • Multitude
  • Abundance
143
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘entreat’?

A

Ask someone earnestly or anxiously to do something.

144
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘entreat’.

A

‘He entreated his friend to help him in his time of need.’

145
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘entreat’?

A
  • Plead
  • Beg
  • Beseech
  • Implore
  • Request
146
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘exigent’?

A

Pressing; demanding.

147
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘exigent’.

A

‘The exigent nature of the situation required immediate attention.’

148
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘exigent’?

A
  • Urgent
  • Critical
  • Pressing
  • Compelling
  • Imperative
149
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘lull’?

A

A temporary interval of quiet or lack of activity.

150
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘lull’.

A

‘The lull in the storm allowed them to go outside for a brief moment.’

151
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘lull’?

A
  • Pause
  • Break
  • Respite
  • Interruption
  • Quiet
152
Q

What is the primary meaning of ‘foreseeable’?

A

Able to be foreseen or predicted; predictable.

153
Q

Provide a contextual usage of ‘foreseeable’.

A

‘The consequences of their actions were foreseeable, but they chose to ignore them.’

154
Q

What are some synonyms for ‘foreseeable’?

A
  • Predictable
  • Anticipated
  • Expected
  • Foreknown
  • Likely

Gre Vocabulary (33 decks)

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