Vocabulary Flashcards

The word 'notorious' most nearly means:

Answer: Famous for something bad

'Notorious' means famous or well-known, but specifically for negative reasons or bad deeds.

A passage states: 'The evidence was ambiguous, making it hard for the jury to reach a verdict.' What does 'ambiguous' mean?

Answer: Open to more than one interpretation

'Ambiguous' means unclear or having multiple possible meanings, which is why the jury struggled with the decision.

Which word correctly completes the analogy? 'Timid is to bold as frugal is to _____.'

Answer: Generous

'Timid' and 'bold' are antonyms, so 'frugal' (spending little money) must be paired with its antonym 'generous' (spending freely).

A student reads: 'The coach's motivational speech was pivotal in turning the team's season around.' What does 'pivotal' mean?

Answer: Critically important or decisive

'Pivotal' means critically important or having a major influence on the outcome of something.

The root word 'port' as in 'transport,' 'portable,' and 'export' means:

Answer: Carry or move

The Latin root 'port' means to carry or move, which is the common meaning in transport, portable, and export.

Which sentence uses context clues to help define the word 'parched'?

Answer: After running five miles in the heat, she was parched and desperately needed water.

The context clues 'running five miles in heat' and 'desperately needed water' both indicate that 'parched' means very thirsty or extremely dry.

The word 'elaborate' can be used as both a verb and an adjective. In 'Please elaborate on your answer,' it is used as a:

Answer: Verb meaning to explain in more detail

When 'elaborate' follows 'please' as a command, it functions as a verb meaning to provide more details or expand on something.