N-Q

Question 1

Obdurate

(adk)

ahb-duhr-uht

Answer 1

The president was completely obdurate on the issue, and no amount of persuassion would change his mind.

hardened in feeling; resistant to persuasion

Question 2

Perfunctory

(adj)

pur-fuhnk-tuhr-ee

Answer 2

The machine-like teller processed the transaction and gave the waiting customer a perfunctory smile.

done in a routine way; indifferent

Question 3

Phlegmatic

(adj)

flehg-maa-tihk

Answer 3

Although the bomb could go off at any moment, the phlegmatic demolition expert remained calm and unafraid.

calm and unemotional in temperament

Question 4

Pristine

(adj)

pruh-steen

Answer 4

Since concerted measures had been taken to prevent looting, the archeological site was still pristine when researchers arrived.

fresh and clean; uncorrupted

Question 5

Prattle

(noun)

praa-tuhl

Answer 5

Her husband’s mindless prattle drove Heidi insane; sometimes she wished he would just shut up.

meaningless, foolish talk

Question 6

Naïve

adj

nah eev

Answer 6

Inexperienced writers often are naïve and assume that big words make them sound smarter.

lacking sophistication or experience

Question 7

Plucky

adj

pluh kee

Answer 7

The plucky young nurse dove into the foxhole, determined to help the wounded soldier.

courageous; spunky

Question 8

Phalanx

noun

fay laanks

Answer 8

A phalanx of guards stood outside the prime minister’s home day and night.

a compact or close-knit body of people, animals, or things

Question 9

Quiescent

adj

kwie eh sihnt

Answer 9

Many animals are quiescent over the winter months, minimizing activity in order to conserve energy.

motionless

Question 10

Pugilism

noun

pyoo juhl ih suhm

Answer 10

Pugilism has been defended as a positive outlet for aggressive impulses.

boxing

Question 11

Plastic

adj

Answer 11

The new material was very plastic and could be formed into products of vastly different shape.

able to be molded, altered, or bent

Question 12

Querulous

(adj)

kwehr yoo luhs

Answer 12

Curtis’s complaint letter received prompt attention after the company labeled him a querulous potential troublemaker.

inclined to complain; irritable

Question 13

Pathogenic

adj

Answer 13

Bina’s research on the origins of pathogenic microorganisms should help stop the spread of disease.

causing disease

Question 14

Quotidian

(adj)

kwo tih dee uhn

Answer 14

The sight of people singing on the street is so quotidian in New York that passersby rarely react to it.

occurring daily; commonplace

Question 15

Pedant

noun

peh daant

Answer 15

The graduate instructor’s tedious and excessive commentary on the subject soon gained her a reputation as a pedant.

someone who shows off learning

Question 16

Palliate

verb

paa lee ayt)

Answer 16

The alleged crime was so vicious that the defense lawyer could not palliate it for the jury.

to make less serious; to ease

Question 17

Nettle

verb

neh tuhl

Answer 17

I don’t particularly like having blue hair—I just do it to nettle my parents.

to irritate

Question 18

Peregrinate

verb

peh ruh gruh nayt

Answer 18

Shivani enjoyed peregrinating the expansive grounds of Central Park.

to wander from place to place; to travel, especially on foot

Question 19

Perfidious

adj

puhr fih dee uhs

Answer 19

The actress’s perfidious brother revealed all of her intimate secrets to the gossip columnist.

willing to betray someone’s trust

Question 20

Pariah

noun

puh rie uh

Answer 20

Once he betrayed those in his community, he was banished and lived the life of a pariah.

an outcast