ASVAB Word Knowledge Practice Test 2 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: I am often afflicted <\/u> by terrible headaches.

surprised
caused pain (Correct answer)
confused
infuriated

Correct answer: caused pain

The word 'afflicted' means to cause suffering or trouble to someone or something. In the context of experiencing terrible headaches, it specifically refers to the sensation of pain or discomfort. Therefore, 'caused pain' accurately describes the direct impact and experience of being afflicted by headaches.

Question 2: The family was humiliated<\/u> by the comments in the newspaper.

enraged
embarrrassed (Correct answer)
wicked
proud

Correct answer: embarrrassed

To be 'humiliated' means to feel ashamed and foolish in front of others, often leading to a loss of dignity or self-respect. 'Embarrassed' perfectly captures this feeling of shame, discomfort, or awkwardness caused by public scrutiny or negative comments. Both words describe a state of distress arising from a perceived social misstep or public disgrace.

Question 3: The word impart <\/u> most nearly means:

leave
interrupt
transmit (Correct answer)
steal

Correct answer: transmit

The word 'impart' means to communicate information or knowledge, or to give a quality to something. 'Transmit' shares this core meaning, referring to the act of passing something on, whether it's information, a feeling, or a physical item from one person or place to another. Both words denote the act of conveying or sharing.

Question 4: The measurements for the new shelves had to be precise<\/u>.

exact (Correct answer)
distant
approximate
dismal

Correct answer: exact

The word 'precise' means marked by exactness and accuracy, requiring careful attention to detail and without error. When measurements need to be precise, it implies they must be perfectly accurate and without any deviation. Therefore, 'exact' is the closest and most fitting synonym, emphasizing the need for absolute correctness.

Question 5: After being stranded on an island alone for months, he was quite gaunt<\/u>.

lethargic
satisfied
reluctant
extremely thin (Correct answer)

Correct answer: extremely thin

The word 'gaunt' describes a person who is very thin, especially from hunger, illness, or age, often with a haggard or emaciated appearance. Being stranded on an island alone for months would likely lead to severe deprivation and weight loss. Therefore, 'extremely thin' is the most accurate description of someone who is gaunt under such circumstances.

Question 6: The rose bush endured<\/u> a harsh winter and bloomed again.

died
survived (Correct answer)
declined
silenced

Correct answer: survived

To 'endure' means to suffer patiently or to remain in existence despite hardship; to last. In the context of a rose bush and a harsh winter, it means the bush managed to withstand the difficult conditions and continue living. Therefore, 'survived' is the most accurate synonym, indicating it successfully coped with the challenge and continued its life cycle.

Question 7: After college, she bought a house on the outskirts<\/u> of town.

Apparel
Outlying areas (Correct answer)
Apartments
Beaches

Correct answer: Outlying areas

The 'outskirts' of a town or city refer to the parts that are furthest from the center, forming the periphery. These are the peripheral or outlying areas, often characterized by a mix of residential and undeveloped land, bordering the main urban area. Therefore, 'outlying areas' is the most accurate definition.

Question 8: He was able to support three children on his livelihood<\/u>.

Hobbies
Education
Neighborhood
Career (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Career

A 'livelihood' refers to a means of securing the necessities of life, typically through one's work or employment. A 'career' is a person's occupation or profession, especially one requiring special training, followed as one's lifework, which directly provides the income needed for financial support. Thus, a career is the primary source of one's livelihood.

Question 9: Paul always buys extravagant<\/u> gifts.

expensive (Correct answer)
broken
inappropriate
unattractive

Correct answer: expensive

The word 'extravagant' describes something that is excessive, elaborate, or luxurious, often implying it costs a lot of money or goes beyond what is reasonable or necessary. When applied to gifts, it strongly suggests they are costly or lavish. Therefore, 'expensive' is the most direct and accurate synonym in this context.

Question 10: The news report indicates<\/u> that bad weather is on the way.

shows (Correct answer)
questions
explains
contradicts

Correct answer: shows

The word "indicates" means to point out, show, or suggest something, often indirectly or as a sign. In the sentence, the news report is showing or suggesting that bad weather is approaching. Therefore, "shows" is the most direct and accurate synonym for how the report conveys this information.

Question 11: I was vexed<\/u> by her strange behavior.

bewildered (Correct answer)
pleased
angered
saddened

Correct answer: bewildered

To be "vexed" means to be annoyed, frustrated, or troubled by something. While it can imply anger, it often suggests a state of confusion or perplexity that causes irritation. "Bewildered" means to be perplexed and confused, which aligns well with the sense of being troubled or disoriented by strange behavior.

Question 12: He took an oath<\/u> as an officer of the court.

promise (Correct answer)
vacation
class
award

Correct answer: promise

An "oath" is a solemn declaration or promise, often made under an appeal to a deity or as part of a formal ceremony. In the context of an officer of the court, it refers to a formal pledge to uphold duties truthfully. Therefore, "promise" is the most direct and accurate synonym for an oath.

Question 13: Over many years, the soil at the coast began to erode<\/u>.

wear away (Correct answer)
wither
energize
reappear

Correct answer: wear away

The word "erode" specifically refers to the process by which something is gradually worn away or destroyed by natural forces like wind, water, or ice. In the context of soil at the coast, this process describes its gradual disintegration and removal. Thus, "wear away" perfectly captures the meaning of erosion.

Question 14: The old mattress was infested<\/u> with bed bugs.

guarantee
diminish
overrun (Correct answer)
complete

Correct answer: overrun

To be "infested" means to be present in large numbers, typically referring to pests or undesirable organisms, causing problems or damage. "Overrun" means to spread over or occupy a place in large numbers, often to an undesirable extent. Both words convey the idea of being swarmed or overwhelmed by something unwanted, making "overrun" the best synonym.

Question 15: She did an exhaustive<\/u> study on the effects of pollution.

quick
angry
healthy
thorough (Correct answer)

Correct answer: thorough

The word "exhaustive" describes something that is complete and thorough, leaving no stone unturned. An exhaustive study would cover every aspect of the topic in great detail. Therefore, "thorough" is the most fitting synonym, as it also implies completeness and careful attention to detail.

Question 16: It was evident<\/u> that we were not wanted there.\t

secretive
clear (Correct answer)
honest
disguised

Correct answer: clear

The word "evident" means clearly seen or understood; obvious. If something is evident, it is apparent and leaves little room for doubt. Therefore, "clear" is the most direct and accurate synonym, indicating that the situation was easily perceived or understood.

Question 17: In that part of the country, towns and cities are scarce<\/u>.\t

frightening
adrift
rare (Correct answer)
peaceful

Correct answer: rare

The word "scarce" means insufficient for the demand or not abundant; rare. If towns and cities are scarce in a region, it means there are very few of them. "Rare" directly conveys this meaning of infrequency or limited availability, making it the best synonym.

Question 18: Her test results did not look promising<\/u>.\t

certain
passionate
harmful
hopeful (Correct answer)

Correct answer: hopeful

The word "promising" describes something that shows signs of future success or positive development. If test results are not promising, they do not offer much hope for a good outcome. Therefore, "hopeful" is the best synonym, as it directly relates to the expectation of positive results.

ASVAB Word Knowledge Practice Test 2

I am often afflicted by terrible headaches.