P

Question 0

PARITY

Answer 0

Equality.

Synonym: sameness, equivalence
Example: Hilda, to avoid squabbles, aimed for parity in the slices of birthday cake

Question 1

PALLID

Answer 1

Lacking color.

Synonym: pale, wan
Example: The nurse was worried by the patient’s pallid face and shallow breathing

Question 2

PATHOS

Answer 2

A quality that evokes sympathetic pity.

Synonym: compassion
Example: Nurse Nightingale was moved by the pathos of the wounded soldiers

Question 3

PENURIOUS

Answer 3

Extremely stingy.

Synonym: frugal, parsimonious
Example: Ebenezer Scrooge was most penurious, refusing to give even a penny to charity

Question 4

PERIODIC

Answer 4

Occuring at regular intervals.

Synonym; repeated, recurrent
Example: The periodic interruptions of the cuckoo clock prevented Li from concentrating

Question 5

PLACEBO

Answer 5

An inactive substance used in medical testing.

Example: Tom, who had taken the placebo, found that his allergy symptoms did not go away

Question 6

PLAUDITS

Answer 6

Enthusiastic approval.

Synonym: kudos, acclaim
Example: Allison’s painting met with plaudits from the critics, who had dismissed her earlier work

Question 7

POLARIZE

Answer 7

To break up into opposing groups.

Synonym: divide
Example: Thelma tended to polarize discussions rather than to encourage compromise

Question 8

POMP

Answer 8

Showy display.

Synonym: pageantry, grandeur
Example: Jan couldn’t help enjoying the pomp of the elaborate wedding ceremony

Question 9

PRECEPT

Answer 9

A general rule of action.

Synonym: rule, axiom
Example: All the students know Mrs. brown’s strixt precept: no talking in class

Question 10

PRECLUDE

Answer 10

To rule out in advance.

Synonym: prevent, hinder
Example: “Having cake now will preclude dessert later,” said Amber’s mother

Question 11

PRETENSE

Answer 11

False intention or purpose.

Synonym: cover, charade
Example: The jewel thief entered the mansion under the pretense of fixing a leaky faucet

Question 12

PRETENTIOUS

Answer 12

Making unjustified claims.

Synonym: pompous, showy
Example: The pretentious boy said that he was the fastest runner, but he finished last in the race.

Question 13

PROMINENCE

Answer 13

Importance

Synonym: renown, eminence
Example: The singer’s prominence ensured that the concert would sell out

Question 14

PROXIMITY

Answer 14

Closeness

Synonym: nearness, propinquity
Example: The proximity of Tia’s house to school meant that she could walk there in 5 minutes

Question 15

PRUDENT

Answer 15

Marked by wisdom.

Synonym: judicious, sagacious
Example: Su-yong was happy she followed Greg’s prudent advice to study, as the test was difficult

Question 16

PUNCTUAL

Answer 16

On time.

Synonym: promp, dependable
Example: Ron was worried when the ysually punctual Amanda was late for the show