Practice Test/Qs Vocab

Question 1

ethos

Answer 1

distinguishing character, morals, or guiding beliefs of an organization or a person

Question 2

plausible

Answer 2

superficially fair, reasonable, or valuable (but often deceptively so)

Question 3

hypothesis

Answer 3

assumption made in order to test its logical/empirical consequences (ie., an assumption made for the sake of argument)

Question 4

theory

Answer 4

plausible or scientifically acceptable general principle offered to explain phenomena (based off of data)

Question 5

providential

Answer 5

occurring by or as if by intervention of Providence (divine guidance)

Question 6

ameliorate

Answer 6

make better or more tolerable

improve, enhance

Question 7

ascertain

Answer 7

find out or learn, with certainty

Question 8

incongruous

Answer 8

not harmonious; inconsistent within itself

Question 9

milieu

Answer 9

physical or social setting in which something occurs/develops

Question 10

polemic

Answer 10

aggressive attack on/refutation of someone else’s opinions or principles

(the art/practice of controversy)

Question 11

acerbic

Answer 11

sharply critical, sarcastic, or ironic [in temper, mood, tone]

Question 12

acumen

Answer 12

keenness and depth of perception, discernment, or discrimination

Question 13

diffident

Answer 13

hesitant in acting/speaking due to lack of self-confidence

Question 14

fastidious

Answer 14

extremely careful/detailed

Question 16

didactic

Answer 16

designed/intended to teach

Question 17

iconoclasm

Answer 17

attacking beliefs/institutions; destroys religious images or figures

Question 18

capricious

Answer 18

impulsive, unpredictable

Question 19

exacting

Answer 19

unremittingly severe in making demands

Question 20

tenuous

Answer 20

of little substance or strength

Question 21

florid

Answer 21

flowery in style/prose; ornate

Question 22

ephemeral

Answer 22

lasting a very short time

Question 23

prolixity

Answer 23

drawn out, too long; excess of words

Question 24

voluble

Answer 24

quickly/easily turning; characterized by rapid speech

Question 25

restive

Answer 25

stubbornly resisting control; marked by impatience/uneasiness

Question 26

circumscribed

Answer 26

to constrict the range/activity of definitely and clearly; define carefully