Vocabulary in Context Flashcards
6 cards from real Civil Service Verbal Reasoning Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Vocabulary in Context flashcards as text
A whistleblower described the company's practices as 'unethical'. What does this mean?
Answer: Contrary to accepted moral standards
'Unethical' means not conforming to moral standards — it describes behaviour that is wrong according to moral principles, which may or may not be illegal.
The project was described as 'feasible'. What does this mean?
Answer: Possible and practical to do
'Feasible' means possible and practical — able to be done or achieved. A feasibility study assesses whether a project can realistically be carried out.
A report described the situation as 'volatile'. What does this mean?
Answer: Likely to change rapidly and unpredictably
'Volatile' means liable to sudden change — unstable and unpredictable. Volatile situations can shift dramatically and quickly.
The manager described the team's response as 'exemplary'. What does this mean?
Answer: Serving as an ideal example
'Exemplary' means serving as a desirable model of behaviour or performance — outstanding and worthy of being copied.
The policy document referred to 'mitigating circumstances'. What does 'mitigating' mean in this context?
Answer: Factors that reduce the severity of blame or punishment
'Mitigating circumstances' are factors that lessen the severity of an offence or reduce blame. They don't excuse behaviour but may reduce the consequences.
The proposal was described as 'tangential' to the main issue. What does this mean?
Answer: Only slightly connected or relevant
'Tangential' means diverging from the main topic — only slightly or indirectly related. A tangential point barely touches the main subject.