Vocab Junkie - Set 1

Question 1

Define:

odium

(oh-dee-um)

Answer 1

n. blame

n. strong dislike

The popular odium of attorneys is often unmerited.

Question 2

Define:

officious

(uh-fish-us)

Answer 2

adj. assertive of authority in a domineering way, especially with regard to petty or trivial matters

adj. prone to give unwanted advice

The security people at the concert were very officious.

I make a habit of giving honest opinions, but I try to avoid being officious with my friends.

Question 3

Define:

opaque

(owe-peyk)

Answer 3

adj. blocking all light

adj. hard to understand

The windows became so dirty they were almost opaque.

Question 4

Define:

opportune

(opp-er-tune)

Answer 4

adj. happening under fitting circumstances

The students waited for an opportune moment to surprise their teacher with the bouquet of flowers they had prepared.

Question 5

Define:

superfluous

(suh-per-flu-us)

Answer 5

adj. more than necessary; unnecessary

The student’s essay was full of superfluous phrases that needed to be deleted.

Question 6

Define:

supersede

(sue-per-seed)

Answer 6

v. to substitute; to take precedence over

It had been my understanding that the new tax code supersedes the old one, but actually both are in vigor simultaneously.

Question 7

Define:

supplant

(suh-plant)

Answer 7

v. to replace

The higher-ups tried to supplant rebellious teachers with conformists.

Question 8

Define:

supplicate

(sup-lih-kate)

Answer 8

v. to humbly ask

The churchgoers then bowed their heads and supplicated God to answer their prayers.

Question 9

Define:

surmount

(ser-mount)

Answer 9

v. to overcome

v. to rise above

Through sheer determination, he was able to surmount his disadvantages and win the contest outright.

Question 10

Define:

surreptitious

(ser-up-tish-us)

Answer 10

adj. secretive

Since they were not allowed to speak, the couple exchanged surreptitious glances from across the room.

Question 11

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

n. blame

n. strong dislike

Answer 11

odium

(oh-dee-um)

synonyms: shame, dishonor; disgust, detestation

She faced intense odium from the community for her controversial decision, deemed unjust and poorly thought out.

His actions sparked widespread odium due to his betrayal, creating deep animosity among friends.

Question 12

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. prone to give unwanted advice

Answer 12

officious

(uh-fish-us)

synonyms: forward, meddlesome

Her officious comments on project management were well-meaning but often unwelcome.

Question 13

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. blocking all light

adj. hard to understand

Answer 13

opaque

(owe-peyk)

synonyms: blurred, darkened, lusterless; baffling, cryptic

The opaque curtains in the room prevented any light from coming through, creating a dark and gloomy atmosphere inside.

The professor’s opaque explanations left many students confused, as the complex theories were difficult to grasp.

Question 14

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. happening under fitting circumstances

Answer 14

opportune

(opp-er-tune)

synonyms: advantageous, favorable

The team’s decision to launch their product during the holiday season proved to be opportune, as demand surged with festive shoppers.

Question 15

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. more than necessary; unnecessary

Answer 15

superfluous

(suh-per-flu-us)

synonyms: extra, excessive, overdone

The report was filled with superfluous details that distracted from the main points, making it harder for readers to grasp the essential information.

Question 16

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to substitute; to take precedence over

Answer 16

supersede

(sue-per-seed)

synonyms: usurp, succeed

The new policy will supersede the outdated guidelines, providing a more effective framework for the organization.

Question 17

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to replace

Answer 17

supplant

(suh-plant)

synonyms: substitute, usurp

Many technologies have supplanted traditional methods, transforming the way we communicate and access information.

Question 18

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to ask humbly

Answer 18

supplicate

(sup-lih-kate)

synonyms: ask, pray for, desire

During the meeting, she chose to supplicate for assistance, humbly requesting support from her colleagues in completing the project.

Question 19

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

v. to overcome

v. to rise above

Answer 19

surmount

(ser-mount)

synonyms: vanquish, transcend

Despite numerous obstacles, the team managed to surmount the challenges and successfully completed the project on time.

Her ability to surmount personal difficulties and maintain a positive outlook inspired everyone around her.

Question 20

Which of your vocabulary words means the following?

adj. secretive

Answer 20

surreptitious

(ser-up-tish-us)

synonyms: sneaky, secret, covert

The agent’s surreptitious movements through the building were designed to avoid detection and ensure the success of the covert operation.

Question 21

Define:

symbiotic

(sim-bee-ott-ik)

Answer 21

adj. related to a relationship that is beneficial for all involved

The whale and the small fish that cling to its body have a symbiotic relationship.

Question 22

Define:

synapse

(sin-apse)

Answer 22

n. the small gap between the cells of nerves

Neurotransmitters travel across the synapse between brain cells.

Question 23

Define:

synchronous

(sing-kruh-nuss)

Answer 23

adj. operating at the same time or at the same rate

The film was notable for its synchronous premiere in 11 capital cities around the globe.

Question 24

Define:

tacit

(tass-it)

Answer 24

adj. implied or unspoken

There was a tacit agreement between the two companies that neither would expand into the other’s city.

Question 25

# Define: taciturn | (**tass**-ih-turn)

Answer 25

adj. tending to be silent; quiet ## Footnote Some of the students were quite _taciturn_ and had to be asked to participate more.

Question 26

# Define: exacerbate | (ig-**zass**-er-bate)

Answer 26

v. to make worse ## Footnote The children's screaming _exacerbated_ their father's headache.

Question 27

# Define: exact | (ig-**zact**)

Answer 27

v. to forcibly demand and obtain ## Footnote The detectives finally _exacted_ the truth from the witness.

Question 28

# Define: exculpate | (**ek**-skull-pate)

Answer 28

v. to free from blame ## Footnote The political prisoner was fully _exculpated_ only when the dictatorship was overthrown and an independent truth commission established.

Question 28

# Define: exhort | (ig-**zort**)

Answer 28

v. to urge by strong appeal ## Footnote Taking the loudspeaker in her hand, the policewoman _exhorted_ the kidnapper to release his hostage.

Question 29

# Define: exigent | (**ek**-suh-djunt)

Answer 29

adj. requiring immediate attention ## Footnote The show's run was cut short by an _exigent_ lack of funds.

Question 30

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. related to a relationship that is beneficial for all involved

Answer 30

symbiotic | (sim-bee-**ott**-ik) ## Footnote synonyms: coactive, harmonious, joining The relationship between the bee and the flower is _symbiotic_; the bee gains nectar while helping the flower with pollination.

Question 31

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. the small gap between the cells of nerves

Answer 31

synapse | (**sin**-apse) ## Footnote synonyms: break, gap, divide The transmission of nerve impulses occurs at the _synapse_, where chemical signals bridge the small gap between neurons.

Question 32

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. operating at the same time or at the same rate

Answer 32

synchronous | (**sing**-kruh-nuss) ## Footnote synonyms: concurrent, simultaneous The dancers performed their routine with _synchronous_ precision, moving in perfect harmony and at the same tempo.

Question 33

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. implied or unspoken

Answer 33

tacit | (**tass**-it) ## Footnote synonyms: suggested, unsaid, understood Although no words were exchanged, there was a _tacit_ understanding between the two friends that they would support each other through any challenge.

Question 34

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. tending to be silent; quiet

Answer 34

taciturn | (**tass**-ih-turn) ## Footnote synonyms: aloof, silent, mum Despite his intelligence, his _taciturn_ nature often led others to misinterpret him as unfriendly or disinterested.

Question 35

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to make worse

Answer 35

exacerbate | (ig-**zass**-er-bate) ## Footnote synonyms: intensify, worsen Failing to address the underlying issues will only _exacerbate_ the situation, leading to more significant problems down the line.

Question 36

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to demand, to require

Answer 36

exact | (ig-**zact**) ## Footnote synonyms: claim, take The project manager had to _exact_ strict compliance with the safety regulations to ensure the well-being of all workers on the site.

Question 37

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to urge by strong appeal

Answer 37

exhort | (ig-**zort**) ## Footnote synonyms: warn, beseech The coach would _exhort_ his players to give their best effort, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and dedication.

Question 38

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to free from blame

Answer 38

exculpate | (**ek**-skull-pate) ## Footnote synonyms: forgive, excuse The new evidence served to _exculpate_ the defendant, proving that he was not at the scene of the crime.

Question 38

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. requiring immediate attention

Answer 38

exigent | (**ek**-suh-djunt) ## Footnote synonyms: urgent, pressing The patient’s _exigent_ condition required the doctors to act quickly in order to save his life.

Question 39

# Define: exonerate | (ig-**zawn**-ih-rate)

Answer 39

v. to clear of blame or guilt ## Footnote Though the defendant had clearly done something wrong, the court had no choice but to _exonerate_ her on the present charges.

Question 40

# Define: expedient | (ek-**spee**-dee-unt)

Answer 40

adj. beneficial for one's goal n. a hastily prepared solution to a sudden problem ## Footnote The politician tended to bring up his humble origins when it was politically _expedient_.

Question 41

# Define: expedite | (**ek**-spuh-dahyt)

Answer 41

v. to speed up ## Footnote For an extra fee, the post office can _expedite_ your package's delivery.

Question 42

# Define: expiate | (**ek**-spee-ate)

Answer 42

v. to atone for wrongdoing ## Footnote After destroying his friend's car, Jim hoped the fruit basket he sent would _expiate_ his guilt.

Question 43

# Define: extemporaneous | (ik-stem-puh-**ray**-nee-us)

Answer 43

adj. made up on the spot, ad-libbed ## Footnote To be a news anchor, she would have to improve her _extemporaneous_ speaking skills.

Question 44

# Define: extol | (ik-**stole**)

Answer 44

v. to praise ## Footnote Melinda was often heard _extolling_ her daughter's many talents.

Question 45

# Define: extrapolate | (ek-**strap**-ih-late)

Answer 45

v. to make a guess based on facts ## Footnote Pete figured it was possible to _extrapolate_ her personality from her Facebook profile.

Question 46

# Define: extricate | (**ek**-strih-kate)

Answer 46

v. to disentangle, to break free from ## Footnote It was heartbreaking to watch the butterfly struggle in vain to _extricate_ itself from the spider web.

Question 47

# Define: churl | (**churl**)

Answer 47

n. a rude person n. a cheap person ## Footnote I had been waiting in line for hours when some _churl_ tried to cut in front of me.

Question 48

# Define: circuitous | (sir-**cue**-ih-tuss)

Answer 48

adj. roundabout ## Footnote Because of the traffic accident, we had to take a _circuitous_ route to the bank.

Question 49

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to clear of blame or guilt

Answer 49

exonerate | (ig-**zawn**-ih-rate) ## Footnote synonyms: absolve, acquit, vindicate The new DNA evidence was able to _exonerate_ the wrongly convicted man, restoring his freedom and reputation.

Question 50

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. beneficial for one's goal n. a hastily prepared solution to a sudden problem

Answer 50

expedient | (ek-**spee**-dee-unt) ## Footnote synonyms: worthwhile, advantageous; means To maximize their profits, the company found it _expedient_ to cut costs by streamlining their operations. When the main power source failed, the team had to devise an _expedient_ workaround to keep the project on track.

Question 51

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to speed up

Answer 51

expedite | (**ek**-spuh-dahyt) ## Footnote synonyms: accelerate, hasten The manager implemented new procedures to _expedite_ the approval process, ensuring projects moved forward more quickly.

Question 52

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to atone for wrongdoing

Answer 52

expiate | (**ek**-spee-ate) ## Footnote synonyms: amend, atone He sought to _expiate_ his mistake by making a public apology and offering to make amends.

Question 53

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. made up on the spot, ad-libbed

Answer 53

extemporaneous | (ik-stem-puh-**ray**-nee-us) ## Footnote synonyms: improvised, impromptu Her _extemporaneous_ speech was impressive, as she delivered it smoothly without any prior preparation.

Question 54

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to praise

Answer 54

extol | (ik-**stole**) ## Footnote synonyms: praise, celebrate, laud The critics _extolled_ the novel for its innovative narrative style and compelling characters.

Question 55

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to make a guess based on facts; to conjecture

Answer 55

extrapolate | (ek-**strap**-ih-late) ## Footnote synonyms: assume, hypothesize From the current data trends, the researchers were able to _extrapolate_ future sales figures with a reasonable degree of accuracy.

Question 56

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to disentangle, to break free from

Answer 56

extricate | (**ek**-strih-kate) ## Footnote synonyms: clear, disburden, extract The manager had to _extricate_ himself from a difficult situation with a difficult client by diplomatically addressing their concerns.

Question 57

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. a rude person n. a cheap person

Answer 57

churl | (**churl**) ## Footnote synonyms: lout, oaf; miser, peasant Despite his _churl_ demeanor, the guest at the party was met with patience and courtesy by everyone around him. His reputation as a _churl_ was well-earned after he repeatedly avoided paying his fair share of the expenses.

Question 58

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. roundabout

Answer 58

circuitous | (sir-**cue**-ih-tuss) ## Footnote synonyms: indirect, labyrinthine The _circuitous_ route through the mountains added several hours to their journey, but the scenic views made it worthwhile.

Question 59

# Define: circumscribe | (**sir**-come-skrahyb)

Answer 59

v. to draw or contain in a circle v. to limit or restrain ## Footnote I believe our government's actions are _circumscribed_ by financial interests as well as moral imperatives.

Question 60

# Define: circumspect | (**sir**-come-spekt)

Answer 60

adj. prudent; cautious ## Footnote Though her mother's boyfriend attempted to win affection with toys and treats, Elise remained _circumspect_ around him.

Question 61

# Define: circumvent | (sir-kum-**vent**)

Answer 61

v. to get around an obstacle ## Footnote She managed to _circumvent_ security and approached her favorite actor backstage.

Question 62

# Define: cleave | (**kleev**)

Answer 62

v. to cut off with force v. to be loyal to v. to develop an emotional bond with ## Footnote She vowed that even when tempted she would _cleave_ to her principles.

Question 63

# Define: cloister | (**cloy**-stur)

Answer 63

v. to isolate n. a place for religious isolation ## Footnote The boy's parents tended to _cloister_ him from the harsher realities of the world.

Question 64

# Define: coagulate | (koh-**ag**-yuh-late)

Answer 64

v. to clot or solidify ## Footnote The poorly-made syrup began to _coagulate_ on the pancakes after a few minutes.

Question 65

# Define: coalesce | (koh-ih-**less**)

Answer 65

v. to come together to form a single unit ## Footnote Our county's many poverty initiatives are too different to _coalesce_ into an effective whole.

Question 66

# Define: cogent | (**koh**-djunt)

Answer 66

adj. clear and convincing adj. relevant ## Footnote We won the debate because the other team was unable to mount a _cogent_ counterargument.

Question 67

# Define: cohere | (koh-**heer**)

Answer 67

v. to be logically connected to v. to stick to each other ## Footnote These short stories are quite charming when taken separately, but they will not _cohere_ if published together as a collection.

Question 68

# Define: intransigent | (in-**tran**-suh-junt)

Answer 68

adj. unwilling to compromise ## Footnote The government remained _intransigent_ despite the people's protest.

Question 69

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to draw or contain in a circle v. to limit or restrain

Answer 69

circumscribe | (**sir**-come-skrahyb) ## Footnote synonyms: mark off, bound, confine The committee decided to _circumscribe_ the project's budget, ensuring that expenses did not exceed their allocated funds. The artist chose to _circumscribe_ the main figure within a circle, emphasizing its importance in the composition.

Question 70

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. prudent; cautious

Answer 70

circumspect | (**sir**-come-spekt) ## Footnote synonyms: discreet, guarded Her _circumspect_ approach to investing ensured that she carefully evaluated all options before making a decision.

Question 71

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to get around an obstacle

Answer 71

circumvent | (sir-kum-**vent**) ## Footnote synonyms: avoid, bypass To avoid the lengthy construction delay, they decided to _circumvent_ the blocked road by taking a different route.

Question 72

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to cut off with force v. to be loyal to v. to develop an emotional bond with

Answer 72

cleave | (**kleev**) ## Footnote synonyms: divide, split; devote, join; bond, affix The lumberjack used his axe to _cleave_ the thick log in half with a single powerful swing. Throughout the challenges they faced, she chose to _cleave_ to her principle. Over time, the team began to _cleave_ to each other, forming strong emotional bonds.

Question 73

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to isolate n. a place for religious isolation

Answer 73

cloister | (**cloy**-stur) ## Footnote synonyms: secluded; convent He chose to _cloister_ himself in his study to focus on his writing. The monks chose to live in a _cloister_, dedicating their lives to prayer and contemplation.

Question 74

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to clot or solidify (for liquids)

Answer 74

coagulate | (koh-**ag**-yuh-late) ## Footnote synonyms: condense, concrete, thicken After being exposed to air, the blood began to _coagulate_, forming a protective clot over the wound.

Question 75

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to come together to form a single unit

Answer 75

coalesce | (koh-ih-**less**) ## Footnote synonyms: adhere, cling The diverse group of activists managed to _coalesce_ around a common goal, uniting their efforts for social change.

Question 76

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. believable adj. relevant

Answer 76

cogent | (**koh**-djunt) ## Footnote synonyms: apt, compelling, valid Her _cogent_ argument convinced the jury, as it was well-researched and clearly presented. The professor appreciated the student's _cogent_ points during the discussion, as they directly addressed the topic at hand.

Question 77

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to be logically connected to v. to stick to each other

Answer 77

cohere | (koh-**heer**) ## Footnote synonyms: adhere, conform The various sections of her essay _cohere_ effectively, creating a strong overall argument. The glue was designed to _cohere_ quickly, allowing the materials to bond within minutes.

Question 78

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. unwilling to compromise

Answer 78

intransigent | (in-**tran**-suh-junt) ## Footnote synonyms: stubborn, unwilling, bullheaded The negotiations broke down because both sides were _intransigent_.

Question 79

# Define: intrepid | (in-**trep**-id)

Answer 79

adj. courageous ## Footnote The _intrepid_ naturalist routinely braved storms and mudslides to document new species.

Question 80

# Define: intrinsic | (in-**trin**-zik)

Answer 80

adj. related to an object's essence ## Footnote Unfortunately, some degree of inefficiency is _intrinsic_ to all democracies.

Question 81

# Define: inure | (in-**your**)

Answer 81

v. to accustom to something negative or unpleasant ## Footnote Nearby residents soon became _inured_ to the noise from the construction project.

Question 82

# Define: invective | (in-**vek**-tiv)

Answer 82

adj. verbally abusive n. abusive or stern language ## Footnote What this debate needs is a little less _invective_ language and a little more substance

Question 83

# Define: irrevocable | (ih-**rev**-ih-kuh-bull)

Answer 83

adj. unable to be revoked; permanent ## Footnote The laws the king decreed were _irrevocable_ even after he left the throne.

Question 84

# Define: jocular | (**jock-**yuh-lur)

Answer 84

adj. related to jokes ## Footnote The boy was popular with his classmates due to his cheerful, _jocular_ nature.

Question 85

# Define: kernel | (**kur**-null)

Answer 85

n. the central part of a situation or seed ## Footnote The _kernel_ of the matter was that she didn't even know where to begin looking for a new house.

Question 86

# Define: lackluster | (**lack**-luss-tur)

Answer 86

adj. not lively; not bright ## Footnote Tired from a long day, Susan gave a very _lackluster_ performance during the dress rehearsal.

Question 87

# Define: refractory | (rih-**frack**-tuh-ree)

Answer 87

adj. stubborn; difficult to treat or handle ## Footnote The doctors did not know how to deal with such a _refractory_ infection.

Question 88

# Define: regiment | (**redj**-ih-munt)

Answer 88

n. a military unit of troops v. to enforce a strict order or conformity ## Footnote Four army _regiments_ occupied the city last week.

Question 89

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. courageous

Answer 89

intrepid | (in-**trep**-id) ## Footnote synonyms: brave, heroic The _intrepid_ explorer ventured into uncharted territory, undeterred by the dangers that lay ahead.

Question 90

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. related to an object's essence

Answer 90

intrinsic | (in-**trin**-zik) ## Footnote synonyms: basic, inborn, fundamental The value of the artwork lies in its _intrinsic_ beauty, which captivates viewers regardless of its market price.

Question 91

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? v. to accustom to something negative or unpleasant

Answer 91

inure | (in-**your**) ## Footnote synonyms: desensitize, familiarize, habituate After years of living in a bustling city, he became _inured_ to the constant noise and chaos around him.

Question 92

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. verbally abusive n. abusive or stern language

Answer 92

invective | (in-**vek**-tiv) ## Footnote synonyms: berating, abuse, denunciation His _invective_ comments during the debate shocked the audience, as he resorted to personal attacks instead of focusing on the issues. The speaker's use of _invective_ against his opponents undermined his credibility and turned the audience against him.

Question 93

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. unable to be revoked; permanent

Answer 93

irrevocable | (ih-**rev**-ih-kuh-bull) ## Footnote synonyms: unchangeable, unalterable Once the contract was signed, the decision became _irrevocable_, binding both parties to its terms.

Question 94

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. related to jokes

Answer 94

jocular | (**jock-**yuh-lur) ## Footnote synonyms: amusing, campy, jokey His _jocular_ demeanor made him the life of the party, as he effortlessly kept everyone entertained with his witty remarks.

Question 95

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. the central part of a situation or seed

Answer 95

kernel | (**kur**-null) ## Footnote synonyms: core, crux The scientist focused on the_ kernel_ of the problem, seeking to understand the fundamental issues at play in the experiment.

Question 96

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. not lively; not bright

Answer 96

lackluster | (**lack**-luss-tur) ## Footnote synonyms: dull, colorless, muted His _lackluster_ attitude during the meeting suggested he wasn't invested in the project’s success.

Question 97

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? adj. stubborn; difficult to treat or handle

Answer 97

refractory | (rih-**frack**-tuh-ree) ## Footnote synonyms: resistant, immune, unresponsive The _refractory_ nature of the disease required a specialized treatment plan, as standard medications were ineffective.

Question 98

# Which of your vocabulary words means the following? n. a military unit of troops v. to enforce a strict order or conformity

Answer 98

regiment | (**redj**-ih-munt) ## Footnote synonyms: military unit, command, designate The general commanded his _regiment_ with precision, ensuring that every soldier understood their role in the upcoming mission. The new manager sought to _regiment_ the team’s workflow to enhance productivity.