Vocabulary

Question 1

Equivocal

Answer 1

Not easily understood or explained.

Politicians have been known to provide equivocal answers to reporters’ questions.

Question 2

Lucid

Answer 2

Very clear and easy to understand

The lecture was lucid and straightforward, allowing the students to fully grasp the concepts presented.

Question 3

Precipitate

Answer 3

To cause something to happen quickly or suddenly.

Unforeseen costs can precipitate a budget crisis.

Question 4

Assuage

Answer 4

To make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense

A massage can assuage the soreness in your muscles.

Question 5

Erudite

Answer 5

Having or showing great knowledge

High school students often struggle with novels that are more erudite than they are entertaining.

Question 6

Opaque

Answer 6

Not able to be seen through; not easily understood

Medical jargon includes many opaque terms like macrosomic, which describes a newborn who weighs more than 4,000 grams.

Question 7

Prodigal

Answer 7

Wastefully extravagant.

The prodigal prince bought lavish gifts and planned expensive events.

Question 8

Enigma

Answer 8

A person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.

Scientists continue to research cancer to solve the enigma of its primary cause, which will hopefully lead to a cure.

Question 9

Fervid

Answer 9

Intensely enthusiastic or passionate.

The child showed a fervid fascination for superheroes, pouring over comic books for hours.

Question 10

Desicate

Answer 10

Remove the moisture from something.

The heat and energy from the sun can desiccate even the most heart plants.

Question 11

Laudable

Answer 11

Preserving praise and commendation.

Providing affordable healthcare for all citizens is a laudable goal.

Question 12

Pedant

Answer 12

A person who makes an excessive display of learning.

Professor Blackwell, a well-known pedant, required his pre-med students to speak in Latin throughout the entire semester.

Question 13

Vacillate

Answer 13

To waver between different opinions or actions.

Undergraduate students often vacillate among various majors before deciding which degree to pursue.

Question 14

Capricious

Answer 14

The capricious supervisor would hand out raises one day and fire his entire staff the next.

Question 15

Engender

Answer 15

to produce, cause, or give rise to (something).

Political debates can engender controversy regarding the subjects discussed.

Question 16

Loquacious

Answer 16

Tending to talk a lot.

The loquacious professor was known for his five-hour lectures.

Question 17

Ephemeral

Answer 17

Lasting for a very short time.

An ephemeral moment of victory may last mere seconds, but it can remain as a triumphant memory for decades.

Question 18

Laconic

Answer 18

The student’s laconic response suggested that she did not know very much about the topic the professor was discussing.

Question 19

Propriety

Answer 19

The state of or quality of being correct or proper.

The students were instructed to behave with the utmost propriety while on their class field trip.

Question 20

Enervate

Answer 20

Cause someone or something to feel drained of energy; weaken.

The boxer used a swift left uppercut to the jaw to enervate his opponent.

Question 21

Ingenuous

Answer 21

Innocent and unsuspecting.

The scam artist preyed on ingenuous nursing home residents.