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
In the sentence 'The minister made an oblique reference to the scandal', what does 'oblique' mean?
Answer: Indirect
'Oblique' means not straightforward — indirect or evasive. An oblique reference avoids naming something directly.
The report described the company's financial position as 'precarious'. What does this mean?
Answer: Unstable and uncertain
'Precarious' means not securely held — uncertain and potentially dangerous. A precarious financial position is one that could collapse.
The manager was described as 'taciturn' during the meeting. What does this suggest?
Answer: She said very little
'Taciturn' means reserved and uncommunicative — habitually saying little. A taciturn person does not volunteer information or engage freely in conversation.
The policy was described as 'contentious'. What does this mean?
Answer: Causing disagreement or controversy
'Contentious' means causing or likely to cause an argument. A contentious policy is one that divides opinion.
In the sentence 'The auditors found several discrepancies in the accounts', what does 'discrepancies' mean?
Answer: Inconsistencies or differences
'Discrepancies' are differences or inconsistencies between things that should match. In accounts, they suggest figures that do not add up.
The report was described as 'comprehensive'. What does this mean?
Answer: Covering all aspects thoroughly
'Comprehensive' means covering all elements of something completely. A comprehensive report leaves nothing important out.