AFQT Word Knowledge Test — Questions and Answers
Question 1: D͟e͟r͟i͟d͟e͟ most nearly means
- ridicule (Correct answer)
- push
- compliment
- drive
Correct answer: ridicule
To "deride" means to express contempt for; ridicule. Therefore, "ridicule" is the closest synonym. The word implies making fun of someone or something in a scornful or contemptuous way.
Question 2: The man was so d͟e͟s͟o͟l͟a͟t͟e͟ that he didn't have a date for Friday night.
- angry
- lonely (Correct answer)
- shy
- annoyed
Correct answer: lonely
In the context of not having a date for Friday night, "desolate" most nearly means feeling lonely or forlorn. While it can also describe a place as barren or devastated, when applied to a person's emotional state, it signifies profound sadness and isolation. Therefore, 'lonely' accurately captures the intended meaning.
Question 3: When my f͟i͟d͟e͟l͟i͟t͟y͟ was questioned, I became angry.
- opinion
- tact
- faithfulness (Correct answer)
- honor
Correct answer: faithfulness
"Fidelity" refers to faithfulness to a person, cause, or belief, demonstrated by continuing loyalty and support. When one's fidelity is questioned, it means their loyalty or trustworthiness is being doubted. Thus, "faithfulness" is the most accurate synonym.
Question 4: R͟e͟m͟i͟t͟ most nearly means:
- request
- complete
- send back (Correct answer)
- give in
Correct answer: send back
To "remit" means to send (money) in payment, or to cancel or refrain from exacting (a debt or punishment). In a broader sense, it implies sending something back or away, often to a lower authority or for a specific purpose. "Send back" captures the essence of transferring or returning.
Question 5: L͟e͟g͟i͟b͟l͟e͟ most nearly means:
- available
- readable (Correct answer)
- moveable
- malleable
Correct answer: readable
"Legible" describes writing or print that is clear enough to read. It refers to the clarity and readability of text. Thus, "readable" is the most direct and accurate synonym for legible.
Question 6: The n͟e͟o͟p͟h͟y͟t͟e͟ looked to the senior members of the group for direction.
- elder
- officer
- beginner (Correct answer)
- soldier
Correct answer: beginner
A "neophyte" is a person who is new to a subject, skill, or belief; a novice or beginner. The sentence context supports this meaning, as the neophyte looks to senior members for direction, indicating a lack of experience. Therefore, "beginner" is the correct synonym.
Question 7: F͟a͟w͟n͟ most nearly means:
- censure
- neglect
- hymn
- praise (Correct answer)
Correct answer: praise
To "fawn" means to give a cringing display of flattery and subservience, often in an attempt to gain favor. This behavior is essentially an excessive and often insincere form of praise or adulation. Therefore, "praise" is the closest meaning.
Question 8: Fortunately, they had an a͟u͟x͟i͟l͟i͟a͟r͟y͟ police force
- experienced
- standard
- backup (Correct answer)
- armed
Correct answer: backup
"Auxiliary" means providing supplementary or additional help and support. In the context of a police force, an auxiliary force serves as a backup or additional resource to the main force, providing extra assistance when needed. Thus, "backup" is the most fitting synonym.
Question 9: C͟i͟r͟c͟u͟m͟n͟a͟v͟i͟g͟a͟t͟e͟ most nearly means:
- join
- sail
- search
- bypass (Correct answer)
Correct answer: bypass
To "circumnavigate" literally means to sail or travel all the way around something. In a broader sense, it means to go around or bypass an obstacle or difficulty rather than confronting it directly. Therefore, "bypass" is the most appropriate synonym.
Question 10: C͟a͟s͟u͟a͟l͟t͟y͟ most nearly means:
- calamity (Correct answer)
- wonder
- blessing
- purity
Correct answer: calamity
A "casualty" is a person killed or injured in a war or accident, or a serious accident or disaster. "Calamity" refers to an event causing great and often sudden damage or distress; a disaster. Both words denote a disastrous event or its unfortunate outcome, making them close in meaning.
Question 11: Members of a team must u͟n͟i͟f͟y͟ in order to succeed.
- play well
- unite (Correct answer)
- discuss
- compromise
Correct answer: unite
To "unify" means to make or become united, uniform, or whole. For a team to succeed, its members must come together as one cohesive unit, working towards a common goal. Therefore, "unite" is the most accurate synonym for unify in this context.
Question 12: A͟b͟b͟r͟e͟v͟i͟a͟t͟e͟ most nearly means:
- work together
- cut short (Correct answer)
- pull away
- go around
Correct answer: cut short
To "abbreviate" means to shorten (a word, phrase, or text). It involves making something briefer or more concise. Thus, "cut short" is the most fitting synonym, referring to the act of reducing the length or duration of something.
Question 13: L͟u͟m͟i͟n͟o͟u͟s͟ most nearly means:
- dark
- opaque
- busy
- radiating (Correct answer)
Correct answer: radiating
"Luminous" means emitting or reflecting light; shining. It describes something that is bright or glowing. Therefore, "radiating" is the closest synonym, as it describes something that gives off or sends out light or heat.
Question 14: B͟i͟l͟a͟t͟e͟r͟a͟l͟ most nearly means:
- multiple
- uni-lateral
- both
- two-sided (Correct answer)
Correct answer: two-sided
The prefix "bi-" means two, and "lateral" refers to a side. Thus, "bilateral" means relating to or affecting two sides. "Two-sided" is the most direct and accurate definition, indicating involvement or presence on both sides.
Question 15: The gloves weren't very d͟u͟r͟a͟b͟l͟e͟.
- lasting (Correct answer)
- attractive
- fragile
- translucent
Correct answer: lasting
The word "durable" means able to withstand wear, pressure, or damage; hard-wearing. Therefore, "lasting" is the best synonym as it implies the ability to endure over time and use. The sentence suggests the gloves broke down quickly, indicating a lack of durability or lasting quality.
Question 16: His response to the insult seemed i͟n͟v͟o͟l͟u͟n͟t͟a͟r͟y͟ and unexpected.
- uninteresting
- unwilling (Correct answer)
- unacceptable
- inappropriate
Correct answer: unwilling
The word "involuntary" describes an action done without conscious control or intention. In the context of a response to an insult, it implies the person didn't choose to react that way, but rather it happened automatically or against their will. "Unwilling" captures this sense of not being in control or not intending the action.
Question 17: Problems, when unresolved, tend to m͟u͟l͟t͟i͟p͟l͟y͟.
- replicate
- disappear
- increase (Correct answer)
- explode
Correct answer: increase
To "multiply" means to increase greatly in number or amount, or to reproduce. In the context of problems, it means they grow in quantity or complexity. Therefore, "increase" is the most direct and accurate synonym, indicating that the number or severity of problems expands when left unaddressed.
Question 18: There are a f͟i͟n͟i͟t͟e͟ number of possible solutions to every problem.
- limitless
- fictitious
- restricted (Correct answer)
- ridiculous
Correct answer: restricted
The word "finite" means having limits or bounds; not infinite. If there's a finite number of solutions, it means the number is limited or restricted. "Restricted" accurately conveys this sense of having a specific, countable, and non-infinite quantity of options.
AFQT Word Knowledge Test
D͟e͟r͟i͟d͟e͟ most nearly means