Verbal Basic Deck 3

Question 1

Prompt

Answer 1

Quick; following immediately

Example: Correspondents appreciate prompt replies to their inquires.

Question 2

Inferior

Answer 2

Of lower rank or degree; of poor quality; lesser

Example: That car is of inferior quality; look at how quickly we needed to replace it!

Question 3

Colleague

Answer 3

Fellow worker in a profession

Example: The biologist enjoyed shoptalk with her colleagues at the conference.

Question 4

Subtle

Answer 4

Not easily noticed; faint, restrained

Example: Her perfume was subtle; one would have to be close to her to be able to smell it.

Question 5

Reserve

Answer 5

To keep back or save for use at a later time; to set aside for use for a particular person

Example: The runner had reserved energy for a burst of speed in the final lap.

Question 6

Concept

Answer 6

Idea, general notion

Example: The concept that all individuals have inherent and inalienable rights is basic to the American political philosophy.

Question 7

Peculiar

Answer 7

Odd, special, unique, not ordinary

Example: The fragrance is peculiar to roses; no other flower smells the same

Question 8

Variable

Answer 8

Changing, fluctuating

Example: The weather report stated that winds would be variable.

Question 9

Barren

Answer 9

Unfruitful, unproductive

Example: Only a few trees cling to the rocky soil of that barren landscape.

Question 10

Sympathetic

Answer 10

Concerned for another, understanding, caring

Example: My grandmother was sympathetic when I told her about my problems.

Question 11

Unethical

Answer 11

Without or not according to moral principles

Example: Although she did not break any law, her actions in taking advantage of naive people were unethical.

Question 12

Enlightened

Answer 12

Free from prejudice or ignorance; socially or intellectually advanced

Example: No enlightened society could condone the exploitation of children as it was once practiced in American industry.

Question 13

Dilemma

Answer 13

Choice of two unpleasant alternatives; a problem

Example: Even a wrong decision may be preferable to remaining in a dilemma.

Question 14

Secure

Answer 14

Safe, reliable; free from fear or danger

Example: Her secure job assured her a steady income for as long as she chose to work.

Question 15

Humble

Answer 15

Insignificant or modest, not proud or self-assertive

Example: I feel very humble in the presence of wealthy or powerful people.

Question 16

Flaunt

Answer 16

To display freely with excessive pride

Example: Flaunting expensive jewelry in public may be an invitation to robbery.

Question 17

Vital

Answer 17

Necessary to the maintenance of life; of highest importance

Example: It is vital that you drink plenty of fluids.

Question 18

Contaminate

Answer 18

To pollute, make unclean or unfit

Example: The pesticide was found in the water table, thereby contaminating the water supply in the wells

Question 19

Consume

Answer 19

To use up, to spend; to take

Example: He consumed the entire pizza in one sitting.

Question 20

Wince

Answer 20

To shrink from a blow or from pain, flinch

Example: She winced when the dentist touched the tooth.