PELLET B Vocabulary in Context 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The officer noted that the suspect's behavior was 'erratic' during the traffic stop. 'Erratic' most nearly means:
- unpredictable and inconsistent (Correct answer)
- calm and composed
- deliberately threatening
- extremely polite
Correct answer: unpredictable and inconsistent
'Erratic' means unpredictable, irregular, or inconsistent.
'Erratic' derives from Latin 'erraticus' meaning wandering. In law enforcement, it indicates sudden mood changes, inconsistent responses, or unpredictable movements.
Question 2: The report stated that the detective would 'corroborate' the witness's account. 'Corroborate' means:
- confirm or support with additional evidence (Correct answer)
- contradict or disprove
- summarize or condense
- dismiss or disregard
Correct answer: confirm or support with additional evidence
'Corroborate' means to confirm with additional evidence.
'Corroborate' comes from Latin 'corroborare' (to strengthen). In investigations, it means verifying one source with independent evidence.
Question 3: The sergeant described the new program as 'innovative.' 'Innovative' means:
- introducing new methods or ideas (Correct answer)
- following traditional practices
- controversial and divisive
- expensive and impractical
Correct answer: introducing new methods or ideas
'Innovative' means featuring new methods or approaches.
'Innovative' derives from Latin 'innovare' (to make new). It carries a positive connotation of progress.
Question 4: The report described the crime scene as 'pristine' before investigators arrived. 'Pristine' most likely means:
- in its original condition, undisturbed (Correct answer)
- severely damaged
- poorly lit
- heavily contaminated
Correct answer: in its original condition, undisturbed
'Pristine' means in its original, undisturbed condition.
A pristine crime scene has not been contaminated, making evidence more likely to be admissible.
Question 5: The officer was commended for showing 'discretion' during the investigation. 'Discretion' means:
- the quality of being careful about what one says or does (Correct answer)
- the ability to make quick decisions
- the tendency to follow orders without question
- the willingness to take physical risks
Correct answer: the quality of being careful about what one says or does
'Discretion' means being careful, tactful, and judicious.
'Discretion' means being careful about what one says or does to avoid causing offense or revealing confidences.
Question 6: The complainant stated that the noise was 'incessant.' 'Incessant' means:
- continuing without pause or interruption (Correct answer)
- occurring at regular intervals
- extremely loud but brief
- barely noticeable
Correct answer: continuing without pause or interruption
'Incessant' means continuing without pause.
'Incessant' combines 'in-' (not) with 'cessant' (from Latin 'cessare,' to cease). It describes something that doesn't stop.
PELLET B Vocabulary in Context 2
The officer noted that the suspect's behavior was 'erratic' during the traffic stop. 'Erratic' most nearly means: