Language Of Argument, Reasoning, And Persuasion

Question 1

We were surprised to discover that a few of the history professors seemed to be APOLOGISTS for fascism.

Answer 1

Apologist - One who argues for a particular, often controversial, position.

Question 2

We must not APPEASE belligerent dictators.

Answer 2

Appease - to yield to demands in order to conciliate

Question 3

The case was BOLSTERED by the testimony of three eye witnesses. 

Answer 3

Bolstered - to strengthen or support

Question 4

Each BUTTRESS on the cathedral was over 40 feet long. 

Answer 4

Buttress - A projecting support for a building, usually of stone or brick; any strong support

Question 5

Theo cannot be CAJOLED into excepting the position.

Answer 5

Cajole - to persuade through flattery or coaxing.

Question 6

We expected the candidate to give a CIRCUMLOCUTORY and politically correct answer to the question, but we’re surprised to hear her give a direct and candid response.

Answer 6

Circumlocutory - inclined speak evasively; speaking as if she avoid the subject.

Question 7

Although the Riemann hypothesis has yet to be proven, many mathematicians believe that the problem is so well CIRCUMSCRIBED that it will soon be.

Answer 7

Circumscribe - to define the limits of something, often an issue or problem

Question 8

Our controversial CONJECTURE on the nature of the newly discovered planet turned out to be correct.

Answer 8

Conjecture - A guess based on incomplete information

Question 9

Carl’s accusation was as CONTENTIOUS as it was false. 

Answer 9

Contentious - causing or likely to provoke an argument

Question 10

None of Dave’s friends were CREDULOUS when he said he was going to start his own business.

Answer 10

Credulous - willing to believe.

Question 11

Market was only able to take a CURSORY glance of the report before making his presentation. 

Answer 11

Cursory - hasty and superficial

Question 12

The committee DELINEATED the rules by which future officers would be chosen.

Answer 12

Delineate - to describe or portray precisely

Question 13

[1] Ron was ostracized from the group because of his DISPUTATIOUS attitude.
[2] The meetings became more DISPUTATIOUS overtime, forcing the group to disband.

Answer 13

Disputatious
[1] (of a person) fond of having heated arguments
[2] (of a situation) likely to cause an argument

Question 14

We calmly ENUMERATED our complaints to the committee

Answer 14

Enumerated - to list one by one

Question 15

She will complain about her boyfriend‘s tendency to EQUIVOCATE when the conversation turned to marriage.

Answer 15

Equivocate - To speak ambiguously so as to avoid commitment

Question 16

The mayors EXHORTATION that we conserve water seems to have fallen on deaf ears.

Answer 16

Exhortation - A strong plea, usually through an urgent speech

Question 17

The testimony of the eyewitnesses EXONERATED the defendant.

Answer 17

Exonerated - to absolve someone of blame or fault. 

Question 18

The argument presented by the defense is FALLACIOUS because it is founded on an invalid assumption. 

Answer 18

Fallacious - based on a mistaken belief or unsound reasoning.

Question 19

The dictators HARANGUES were designed to inspire fear as much as patriotism.

Answer 19

Harangue - A lengthy and bombastic speech. 

Question 20

An INCONGRUOUS football-shaped telephone sat amid the otherwise tasteful and expensive auction items.

Answer 20

Incongruous - not consistent with expectations or surroundings.

Question 21

The doctor had to INDUCE vomiting after Helen accidentally swallowed drain cleaner.

Answer 21

Induce - to bring about. 

Question 22

The joy on the children’s faces proved that the party was an UNQUALIFIED success.

Answer 22

1. (of a person) not officially recognized as a practitioner of a particular profession or activity through having satisfied the relevant conditions or requirements.
2. without reservation or limitation; total.