Practice Test (Upper Level: Verbal) Flashcards

Derelict means:

Answer: Abandoned

The word 'derelict' describes something that has been abandoned and allowed to fall into disrepair, often referring to buildings or ships. It implies neglect and disuse. Therefore, 'abandoned' is the closest synonym.

OBSCURE synonym or closest definition:

Answer: unclear

'Obscure' means not discovered or known about; uncertain, or not clearly expressed or easily understood. Therefore, 'unclear' is the most direct and accurate synonym, describing something difficult to perceive or comprehend.

DETER means:

Answer: hinder

To 'deter' means to discourage someone from doing something, or to prevent something from happening. 'Hinder' means to create difficulties for someone or something, resulting in delay or obstruction. Both words convey the idea of impeding progress or action.

TIGHTFISTED means:

Answer: Thrifty

'Tightfisted' describes someone who is reluctant to spend money; stingy. While 'thrifty' also implies carefulness with money, it carries a more positive connotation of being economical and prudent. Among the given options, 'thrifty' is the closest in meaning, as both relate to managing money carefully, though 'tightfisted' leans towards excessive frugality.

Culpable means:

Answer: Blameworthy

'Culpable' means deserving blame; guilty. If someone is culpable, they are responsible for a fault or wrong. Therefore, 'blameworthy' is a direct synonym, indicating that a person or action merits blame.

EVENHANDED closest meaning:

Answer: Unbiased

'Evenhanded' describes someone who is fair and impartial in their judgment or treatment of different people or groups. It implies a lack of favoritism or prejudice. Therefore, 'unbiased' is the closest synonym, meaning without prejudice or favoritism.

HOSTILE means:

Answer: unfriendly

'Hostile' describes someone or something that is unfriendly, antagonistic, or showing strong opposition. It implies a readiness to fight or disagree. Therefore, 'unfriendly' is the most direct and accurate synonym.

REMISS synonym or closest definition:

Answer: negligent

'Remiss' means lacking care or attention to duty; negligent. It implies a failure to perform one's obligations or responsibilities properly. Therefore, 'negligent' is a direct synonym, meaning failing to take proper care in doing something.

Gregarious means:

Answer: Sociable

'Gregarious' describes a person who is fond of company; sociable. It implies enjoying being with other people and being outgoing. Therefore, 'sociable' is the most accurate synonym.

DIAPHANOUS closest meaning

Answer: Gauzy

'Diaphanous' describes something light, delicate, and translucent. It refers to material that is so fine and sheer that one can see through it. 'Gauzy' similarly describes something made of or resembling gauze, which is a thin, transparent fabric.

UTILIZE means:

Answer: make use of

To 'utilize' means to make practical and effective use of something. It is a more formal way of saying 'use.' Therefore, 'make use of' is the direct and most accurate definition.

GRIEVOUS synonym or closest definition:

Answer: serious

'Grievous' describes something very severe or serious, often referring to a wrong, injury, or loss. It implies causing great suffering or distress. Therefore, 'serious' is the closest synonym, indicating something of great importance or severity.

The hotel suite was *opulent*.

Answer: Luxurious

'Opulent' means rich and luxurious or lavish. It describes something characterized by great wealth or abundance. Therefore, 'luxurious' is the most fitting synonym, conveying a sense of richness and extravagance.

CUPIDITY closest meaning:

Answer: Avarice

'Cupidity' refers to greed for money or possessions. It denotes an excessive desire for wealth. 'Avarice' is a direct synonym, meaning extreme greed for wealth or material gain.

ABDICATE means:

Answer: resign

To 'abdicate' means to renounce one's throne, high office, or responsibility. It implies formally giving up power or a position. Therefore, 'resign' is the closest synonym, meaning to voluntarily leave a job or office.

EXHILARATION synonym or closest definition:

Answer: elation

'Exhilaration' is a feeling of great happiness and excitement. It describes a state of high spirits and joy. 'Elation' is a direct synonym, meaning great happiness and exhilaration.

She was in a *pensive* mood after watching the film.

Answer: Thoughtful

'Pensive' describes someone who is engaged in deep or serious thought. It implies a reflective or contemplative state of mind, often with a hint of sadness. Therefore, 'thoughtful' is the closest synonym, accurately describing someone lost in thought.

BLATANT closest meaning:

Answer: Patent

'Blatant' describes an action or bad behavior done openly and unashamedly, making it very obvious. 'Patent' means easily recognizable; obvious. Both words convey the idea of something being clear, evident, and unmistakable, often in a negative context.

PROMINENT means:

Answer: outstanding

The word "prominent" means standing out so as to be easily seen, important, or famous. Therefore, "outstanding" is the best synonym, as it describes something exceptionally good, noticeable, or superior. The other options (secret, extravagant, surreptitious) have opposite or unrelated meanings.

SIEGE synonym or closest definition:

Answer: blockade

A "siege" is a military operation in which enemy forces surround a town or building, cutting off essential supplies to compel surrender. This action is essentially a "blockade," which involves sealing off a place to prevent goods or people from entering or leaving. Both terms describe the act of isolating an area to gain control.