vocabulary (A Christmas Carol)

Question 1

Scarcely

Answer 1

Only just; almost not
(hardly, barely)

Question 2

Preposterous

Answer 2

Contrary to reason or common sense
(Utterly, absurd or ridiculous)

Question 3

Exceedingly

Answer 3

Extremely

Question 4

Resolved

Answer 4

Firmly determined to do something
(Determined to)

Question 5

Reverently

Answer 5

With deep and solemn respect
(Fr: «respectueusement»)

Question 6

Jovial

Answer 6

Cheerful and friendly
(Happy, jolly)

Question 7

Briskly

Answer 7

In an active, quick, or energetic way
(Fr: «vivement»)

Question 8

Wits

Answer 8

The capacity to think inventively and understand quickly (intelligence, cleverness)

Question 9

Sordid

Answer 9

Involving ignoble actions and motives; arousing moral distaste and contempt
(Low-minded, foul)

Question 10

Pommel

Answer 10

1. The upward curving or projecting front part of a saddle
2. A rounded knob on the end of the handle of a sword, dagger, or old-fashioned gun

Question 11

Dwelling

Answer 11

A house, apartment or other place of residence
(Fr: «habitation»)

Question 12

Abroad

Answer 12

1. In or to a foreign country or countries (overseas)
2. In different directions; over a wide area

Question 13

Demurely

Answer 13

In a quiet and serious way that does not attract attention
(Modest)

Question 14

Genial

Answer 14

Friendly and cheerful
(Friendly, amiable, cordial)

Question 15

Outpouring

Answer 15

1. Something that streams out rapidly
2. An outburst of strong emotion

Question 16

Scatter

Answer 16

Throw a number of things in various random directions (spread)

Question 17

Shrouded

Answer 17

1. A length of cloth in witch a dead person is wrapped for burial
2. A thing that surrounds or hides someone or something
   (Covering, cover, envelop)

Question 18

Solemn

Answer 18

1. Formal and dignified (formal, majestic)
2. Not cheerful; serious (serious, grave)
3. Deeply sincere (sincere)

Question 19

Inquired

Answer 19

1. Ask someone for informations
2. Ask about someone’s health or situation [inquire after…]
   (Ask, question, query)

Question 20

Gasping

Answer 20

1. Take a quick breath with the mouth open, from pain, breathlessness, or astonishment (catch one’s breath)
2. Struggle for air by gasping [gasp for…] (puff, breathe hard/heavily, choke)

Question 21

Command

Answer 21

1. An order, give an order (order)
2. Be in a position that gives a good view or control of something (be in charge of)

Question 22

Gnawing

Answer 22

1. Bite at or nibble something persistently (fr: «ronger»)
2. Cause persistent anxiety or pain

Question 23

Mere

Answer 23

1. That is nothing more than what is specified
2. The smallest or slightest [the merest]
   (Simple)

Question 24

Sponge

Answer 24

Wipe or clean someone or something with a wet sponge or cloth

Question 25

Agony

Answer 25

Great pain or distress (suffering)

Question 26

Scrambled

Answer 26

Move or make one’s quickly and awkwardly, using the hand as well as the feet

Question 27

Garments

Answer 27

An item of clothing

Question 28

Giddy

Answer 28

Excitable and not interested in serious thing

Question 29

Feign

Answer 29

Pretend to feel or have (Fr: « faire semblant »? )

Question 30

Salary

Answer 30

A fixed regular payment made by an employer to an employee (pay, fr: « salaire »)