Vocabulary and Word Usage Flashcards

Which sentence uses 'principal' correctly?

Answer: The principal reason was cost.

'Principal' as an adjective means main or most important; 'principle' refers to a rule or belief.

What does 'prolific' mean?

Answer: Producing a large amount of work

'Prolific' describes someone or something that produces a large volume of work or results.

Choose the correct meaning of 'euphemism'.

Answer: A mild or indirect expression used in place of a harsh one

A euphemism substitutes a milder or indirect term for something that might be upsetting or offensive.

Which word correctly completes the sentence: 'The lawyer's argument was _______, lacking any solid evidence.'

Answer: tenuous

'Tenuous' means weak, flimsy, or lacking a strong basis — fitting for a poorly supported argument.

What does the root word 'chron' mean in words like 'chronological' and 'chronicle'?

Answer: Time

The Greek root 'chron' means time, which is why 'chronological' relates to the order of events in time.

Which sentence correctly uses the word 'literally'?

Answer: The storm literally destroyed the entire coastline.

'Literally' means in a strict, actual sense; a storm physically destroying a coastline is a real, factual event.

Select the word that best means 'to officially prohibit'.

Answer: Proscribe

'Proscribe' means to officially forbid something, especially by law.