Advanced Vocabulary in Context Questions Flashcards

In context: 'Despite his ______ demeanor at meetings, he was privately wracked by self-doubt.' Which word best completes the sentence?

Answer: sanguine

'Sanguine' means cheerfully optimistic, contrasting with private self-doubt.

The critic's review was so ______ that even the author's admirers winced at its harshness.

Answer: scathing

'Scathing' means severely critical, matching the harshness described.

Which word means 'tending to keep apart from others; reserved'?

Answer: aloof

'Aloof' describes someone distant or reserved.

'The senator's ______ remarks pleased no one, as she refused to commit to either side.' Best fit?

Answer: equivocal

'Equivocal' means deliberately ambiguous or noncommittal.

A speech that is 'bombastic' is best described as:

Answer: pompous and inflated

'Bombastic' means high-sounding but with little meaning; inflated.

Select the word meaning 'to make worse or more severe.'

Answer: exacerbate

'Exacerbate' means to aggravate or intensify a problem.

'Her ______ for detail made her an exceptional editor, catching errors others missed.' Best fit?

Answer: fastidiousness

'Fastidiousness' means meticulous attention to detail.