It's Not What You Say, But How You Say It

Question 1

BOMBASTIC

Answer 1

speaking pompously, with inflated self-importance
-“Henry’s bombastic remarks about terrorism got him kicked off the airplane.”

Question 2

CENSURE

Answer 2

an expression of strong critism or disproval; a rebuke or condemnation
-“After the Senator was found guilty of taking bribes, Congress unanimously agreed to censure him.”

Question 3

DERISIVE

Answer 3

scornful, expressing ridicule; mocking, jeering
-“In order to ensure a positive environment, derisive comments were forbidden in the
classroom.”

Question 4

DISPARAGE

Answer 4

to speak of in a slighting derogatory way; to belittle
-“Comedians often disparage politicians as part of their comedic routines.”

Question 5

EFFUSIVE

Answer 5

expressing emotions in an unrestrained or excessive way
-“Anne’s unexpected effusive greeting made Tammy uncomfortable.”

Question 6

ELOQUENT

Answer 6

expressing strong emotions or arguments in a powerful, fluent, and persuasive manner
-“Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg
Address is considered one of the most eloquent speeches ever given by a U.S.
president.”

Question 7

GAINSAY

Answer 7

to deny, contradict, or declare false; to oppose
-“Petra would gainsay all accusations made against her.”

Question 8

HARANGUE

Answer 8

a long, often scolding or bombastic speech; a tirade
-“Members of the audience began to get restless during the senator’s political harangue.”

Question 9

IMPORTUNE

Answer 9

1. to ask incessantly, make continous request
2. to beg persistently and urgently
   -“Children can’t help but importune during the holidays, constantly nagging for the irresistible toys they see advertised on tel-
   evision.”

Question 10

MALAPROPISM

Answer 10

comical misuse of words, especially those that are similar in sound
-“The politician’s malapropisms may make us laugh, but they will not win our votes.”

Question 11

MINCE

Answer 11

1. to cut into a very small pieces
2. to walk or speak affectedly as with studied refinement
3. to say something more delicately or indirectly for the sake of politeness or decorum.
   -“Please don’t mince your words—just tell me what you want to say.”

Question 12

OPPROBRIOUS

Answer 12

1. expressing contempt or reproach; scornful, and abusive
2. bringing shame or disgrace
   -“It was inappropriate to make
   such opprobrious remarks in front of everybody.”

Question 13

OXYMORON

Answer 13

a figure of speech containing a seemingly contradictory combination of expressions, such as friendly fire
-“The term “non-working mother” is a contemptible oxymoron.”

Question 14

PLATITUDE

Answer 14

a trite or banal statement, especially one uttered as if it were new
-“Matthew offered me several platitudes but no real advice.”

Question 15

REMONSTRATE

Answer 15

1. to say or plead in protest, objection, or opposition
2. to scold or reprove
   -“The children remonstrated loudly when their
   mother told them they couldn’t watch that movie.”

Question 16

REPARTEE

Answer 16

1. a quick witty reply
2. the ability to make witty replies
   -“He wasn’t expecting such a sharp repartee from someone who was normally
   so quiet.”

Question 17

SARDONIC

Answer 17

sarcastic; mocking scornfully
-“I was hurt by his sardonic reply.”

Question 18

SENTENTIOUS

Answer 18

1. expressing oneself tersely; pithy
2. full of maxims and proverbs offered in a self-righteous manner
   -“I was looking for your honest opinion, not a sententious reply.”

Question 19

SOLECISM

Answer 19

1. a mistake in the use of language
2. violation of good manners or etiquette; impropriety
   -“Frank’s solecism caused his debate
   team much embarrassment.”

Question 20

VOLUBLE

Answer 20

1. talking a great deal with great ease; language marked by great fluency, rapid; nimble speech
   -“Your new spokesperson is very voluble and clearly comfortable speaking in front of large audiences.”