Synonyms

329 questions

Question 121Question →

Match each bolded word in the sentence on the left with its correct contextual synonym on the right, using the clues provided in each sentence.

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Items

After operating continuously for forty hours, the auxiliary generator became dormant when its fuel supply ran completely dry.
The inspection crew noted that the hydraulic cylinder was flawed, pointing out a hairline fracture that permitted fluid leakage.
Rather than relying on haphazard guesswork, the flight technician followed a systematic routine, methodically verifying each dial in sequence.
Dense fog and fallen debris threatened to impede the convoy's progress through the mountain pass, slowing their advance to a crawl.

Matches

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Answer

The bolded words match their synonyms as follows: 'dormant' matches 'Inactive', 'flawed' matches 'Defective', 'systematic' matches 'Orderly', and 'impede' matches 'Hinder'.
Each target word is paired with its precise contextual synonym deduced directly from textual clues: 'dormant' is shown to mean 'Inactive' by the generator ceasing operation after fuel depletion; 'flawed' is shown to mean 'Defective' through the presence of a structural fracture; 'systematic' is defined as 'Orderly' through the contrast with haphazard guessing and the sequential checking process; and 'impede' is defined as 'Hinder' by the resulting deceleration of the convoy.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context clues for 'dormant' in the first sentence.
The phrase 'when its fuel supply ran completely dry' indicates a transition from running continuously to being in an inoperative state, meaning 'Inactive'.
Cause-and-effect relationships in a sentence clarify the resulting state of a machine or system.
2
Analyze the context clues for 'flawed' in the second sentence.
The description 'hairline fracture that permitted fluid leakage' gives a specific physical defect, showing that 'flawed' means 'Defective'.
Appositives and descriptive clauses directly define the condition of the noun being modified.
3
Analyze the context clues for 'systematic' in the third sentence.
The contrast phrase 'rather than relying on haphazard guesswork' and the descriptive phrase 'methodically verifying each dial in sequence' establish that 'systematic' means 'Orderly'.
Contrast words combined with descriptive adverbs define the precise method being utilized.
4
Analyze the context clues for 'impede' in the fourth sentence.
The phrase 'slowing their advance to a crawl' shows an obstacle that restricts or slows movement, which means to 'Hinder'.
Outcome clauses highlight the restrictive effect of external conditions.

Key Concept

Using sentence context clues—including cause-and-effect, contrast, and descriptive elaboration—to determine the precise synonym of a target word.
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 122Question →

While the morning shift was chaotic and disorganized, the afternoon shift proved to be remarkably tranquil once all shipments were processed. In this sentence, tranquil most nearly means which of the following?

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Answer: peaceful

Answer

peaceful
The sentence contrasts the 'chaotic and disorganized' morning shift with the afternoon shift using the transition word 'While.' Therefore, 'tranquil' describes an environment that is calm and orderly, making 'peaceful' the correct synonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the contrast clue in the sentence
The introductory transition 'While' establishes a direct contrast between the morning shift ('chaotic and disorganized') and the afternoon shift.
Contrast signal words show that the target word possesses the opposite meaning of the reference description.
2
Determine the opposite of chaotic and disorganized
The opposite state of chaos and disorganization is calm, orderly, and quiet.
Finding the opposite meaning provides the working definition for the target word in this context.
3
Select the option that matches this meaning
'Peaceful' directly corresponds to calm and undisturbed conditions.
This confirms 'peaceful' as the accurate contextual synonym.

Key Concept

Using contrast context clues to identify synonyms
Question 123Question →

Analyze the context clues in each sentence below. Which contextual synonym correctly corresponds to each underlined word?

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Items

After completing a sixteen-hour patrol in the heat without a break, the guards felt completely fatigued and struggled to stay alert.
Crops could not survive in the arid valley, where rainfall had been completely absent for nearly eight months.
The technician gave a lucid explanation of the system fault, allowing even brand-new apprentices to understand the repair immediately.
The logistics unit decided to augment its transport fleet by leasing six additional cargo trucks for the busy summer season.

Matches

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Answer

The correct pairings match 'fatigued' with 'Exhausted and lacking energy', 'arid' with 'Extremely dry and barren', 'lucid' with 'Clear and easily understood', and 'augment' with 'Increase or expand in size or amount'.
Each target word is directly supported by surrounding contextual evidence: physical strain and lack of rest define 'fatigued' as exhausted; absence of rain defines 'arid' as dry; instant comprehension by beginners defines 'lucid' as clear; and adding extra vehicles defines 'augment' as increasing or expanding.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Examine the context clues surrounding 'fatigued' in the first sentence.
Working sixteen hours without a break resulting in struggling to stay alert points to severe exhaustion.
Cause-and-effect clues indicate physical exhaustion, matching 'Exhausted and lacking energy'.
2
Analyze the environmental clues for 'arid' in the second sentence.
The total absence of rain for months and failing crops indicate severe dryness.
Descriptive detail establishes climate conditions, matching 'Extremely dry and barren'.
3
Evaluate the outcome clue for 'lucid' in the third sentence.
Inexperienced workers understanding a complex system fault right away indicates clarity.
The consequence of the explanation reveals that 'lucid' means 'Clear and easily understood'.
4
Identify the action clue for 'augment' in the fourth sentence.
Adding six leased trucks to an existing fleet represents an addition or expansion.
The phrase 'leasing six additional cargo trucks' demonstrates the meaning 'Increase or expand in size or amount'.

Key Concept

Context Clues for Synonyms
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 124Question →

Connect each isolated vocabulary word on the left with its most precise direct synonym on the right.

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Items

ABRUPT
VAST
FRAIL
PRECISE

Matches

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Answer

ABRUPT pairs with Sudden, VAST pairs with Immense, FRAIL pairs with Delicate, and PRECISE pairs with Exact.
Each vocabulary word aligns with its direct synonym: ABRUPT relates to immediate occurrence (Sudden); VAST describes enormous scale (Immense); FRAIL indicates fragile condition (Delicate); and PRECISE represents strict accuracy (Exact).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Define each uppercase vocabulary word on the left.
ABRUPT means sudden or unexpected; VAST means extremely large in area or scale; FRAIL means delicate or physically weak; PRECISE means strictly accurate or exact.
Clear lexical definitions allow direct mapping to corresponding synonyms.
2
Match each word with its synonymous counterpart on the right.
ABRUPT aligns with Sudden; VAST aligns with Immense; FRAIL aligns with Delicate; PRECISE aligns with Exact.
Direct semantic equivalence establishes the correct pairings.

Key Concept

Direct semantic equivalence of isolated adjectives
Estimated Time:45s
Question 125Question →

Which vocabulary word formed by combining the Latin prefix meaning 'all' (omni-) with the root meaning 'to know' (sci-) correctly completes the sentence?

Fill in the blanks below

Because the author reveals the private thoughts, motives, and hidden actions of every character simultaneously, the narrative is told from an perspective.
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Answer

omniscient
The word 'omniscient' combines the prefix 'omni-' (meaning 'all'), the root 'sci' (meaning 'to know'), and the suffix '-ent' (meaning 'having the quality of'). Synthesizing these elements yields 'all-knowing,' which precisely matches the sentence describing a narrative point of view with total awareness of every character's inner state.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the prefix 'omni-'.
Determined that 'omni-' denotes 'all' or 'universally'.
Prefix analysis establishes the comprehensive scope required by the context.
2
Analyze the base root 'sci' and suffix '-ent'.
Identified 'sci' as meaning 'to know' (from Latin scire) and '-ent' as an adjective-forming suffix meaning 'having the quality of'.
Root and suffix identification reveals the underlying definition and grammatical role.
3
Synthesize the morphological elements within the context of the sentence frame.
Produced the word 'omniscient', meaning 'all-knowing'.
An all-knowing narrator directly aligns with the contextual clue of revealing every character's hidden thoughts.

Key Concept

Prefix and Suffix Analysis
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 126Question →

Which of the following options represents the most accurate synonym for the word RECALCITRANT?

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Answer: disobedient

Answer

disobedient
'Recalcitrant' refers to someone who is obstinately uncooperative and openly resists authority or control. Therefore, 'disobedient' provides the closest and most precise synonymous meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Define the target isolated vocabulary word RECALCITRANT.
The adjective 'recalcitrant' means obstinately defiant of authority, unruly, or stubbornly refusing to obey orders.
Establishing the precise dictionary definition allows for an exact semantic match among isolated choices.
2
Evaluate the answer choices to identify the single matching synonym.
'Disobedient' directly aligns with resisting authority and refusing to comply with rules.
Direct semantic comparison confirms the synonym while eliminating the antonym, phonetic lookalike, and connotation mismatch.

Key Concept

Identifying isolated vocabulary synonyms by precise definition and eliminating antonyms and phonetic lookalikes
Estimated Time:30s
Question 127Question →

PERSPICACIOUS most nearly means:

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Answer: Astute

Answer

Astute
The word 'perspicacious' describes someone who is highly perceptive, shrewd, or able to understand things quickly. The word 'astute' shares this exact semantic meaning, describing a person who can accurately assess situations or people.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the isolated target word 'PERSPICACIOUS'.
Identify that the word functions as an adjective meaning having a ready insight into and understanding of things.
Establishing the precise definition and part of speech is critical before examining the choices.
2
Evaluate the available options for a direct synonym.
Identify that 'Astute', meaning showing an ability to accurately assess situations, is the closest match in meaning.
Finding a word with an identical semantic denotation fulfills the requirement of the question.
3
Eliminate the remaining distractors.
Recognize that 'Obtuse' is an antonym, 'Persuasive' is a phonetic distractor, and 'Transparent' is the definition of a similar-looking word.
Systematic elimination confirms the validity of the chosen synonym.

Key Concept

Isolated Word Synonyms
Question 128Question →

Consider the morphological structure and prefixes of the four vocabulary words listed on the left. How should each word be paired with its most precise synonym on the right?

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Items

Superfluous
Transgress
Preclude
Subjugate

Matches

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Answer

Superfluous pairs with Excessive; Transgress pairs with Infringe; Preclude pairs with Prevent; Subjugate pairs with Overpower.
Each word is matched to its synonym through its distinct Latin prefix: 'super-' (beyond) matches 'superfluous' to 'excessive'; 'trans-' (across) matches 'transgress' to 'infringe'; 'pre-' (before) matches 'preclude' to 'prevent'; and 'sub-' (under) matches 'subjugate' to 'overpower'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the prefix and structure of 'Superfluous'
The prefix 'super-' indicates 'above' or 'beyond,' meaning beyond what is needed (Excessive).
Identifying prefixes of degree clarifies the magnitude or excess of the base word.
2
Analyze the prefix and structure of 'Transgress'
The prefix 'trans-' indicates 'across' or 'beyond,' indicating stepping beyond lawful limits (Infringe).
Directional prefixes describe movement across physical or figurative boundaries.
3
Analyze the prefix and structure of 'Preclude'
The prefix 'pre-' indicates 'before,' yielding the meaning of blocking an outcome in advance (Prevent).
Temporal prefixes establish the chronological timing of an action.
4
Analyze the prefix and structure of 'Subjugate'
The prefix 'sub-' indicates 'under,' describing the action of bringing someone under subjection (Overpower).
Spatial prefixes indicate hierarchy, placement, or dominance.

Key Concept

Morphological analysis of Latin prefixes (super-, trans-, pre-, sub-) to deduce exact synonym pairs.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 129Question →

Understanding Greek and Latin root words allows for the precise deduction of complex vocabulary. Based on morphological root analysis, how should each vocabulary word be paired with its exact definition?

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Items

Circumlocution
Equanimity
Anachronism
Bellicose

Matches

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Answer

Circumlocution matches with the practice of using roundabout language; Equanimity matches with mental composure under stress; Anachronism matches with something placed outside its proper historical period; Bellicose matches with demonstrating aggression and readiness to fight.
Each match directly reflects the core meaning of its Greek or Latin etymological components: 'circumlocution' pairs with roundabout language via 'circum-' (around) and 'loqui' (speak); 'equanimity' pairs with emotional composure via 'equi-' (equal) and 'animus' (mind); 'anachronism' pairs with historical misplacement via 'ana-' (against) and 'chronos' (time); and 'bellicose' pairs with readiness to fight via 'bellum' (war).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the morphemes of 'Circumlocution'
Deconstructed into 'circum-' (around) and 'loqu/locut' (to speak).
Isolating the Latin root elements reveals that the word literally means 'roundabout speaking'.
2
Analyze the morphemes of 'Equanimity'
Deconstructed into 'equi-' (even/equal) and 'anim' (mind/spirit).
Identifying the mental/psychological root 'animus' establishes that the word describes an even, calm state of mind.
3
Analyze the morphemes of 'Anachronism'
Deconstructed into 'ana-' (against/backward) and 'chron' (time).
Recognizing the Greek root 'chronos' directly ties the term to temporal and historical misplacement.
4
Analyze the morphemes of 'Bellicose'
Deconstructed into 'bell-' (war) and the adjective suffix '-ose' (full of/prone to).
Connecting the base root 'bellum' confirms the meaning of being warlike and hostile.

Key Concept

Root Word Analysis for Vocabulary Decoding
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 130Question →

Although the maintenance crew anticipated that repairing the damaged radar mast would be an onerous assignment, the advanced hydraulic lifts made the entire job surprisingly effortless. In this context, which of the following words most nearly means onerous?

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Answer: burdensome

Answer

burdensome
In the sentence, the transition word 'Although' establishes a contrast between what the crew expected and what actually occurred. Because the work was described as 'surprisingly effortless,' their expectation was that the job would be difficult, heavy, or oppressive. Therefore, 'onerous' most nearly means 'burdensome.'

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence structure and identify transition words.
The subordinating conjunction 'Although' indicates a direct contrast between the crew's initial expectation and the actual outcome of the task.
Contrast transition clues reveal that the target word possesses a meaning opposite to the descriptive phrase in the main clause.
2
Identify the contrasting contextual description.
The assignment turned out to be 'surprisingly effortless' thanks to hydraulic equipment.
Finding the contrasting phrase defines the opposite meaning required for the target word.
3
Select the synonym corresponding to the opposite of effortless.
The opposite of effortless and easy is burdensome or arduous, which defines 'onerous.'
'Onerous' refers to an obligation or task that involves great effort, difficulty, or burden.

Key Concept

Using contrast context clues to deduce word meaning
Estimated Time:45s
Question 131Question →

What word expresses the closest meaning to the capitalized term HAZARDOUS?

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Answer: dangerous

Answer

The word 'dangerous' is the direct synonym for 'HAZARDOUS'.
The adjective 'HAZARDOUS' denotes something that is full of risk or peril. 'Dangerous' is the precise synonym that shares this meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Define the target vocabulary term 'HAZARDOUS'
Identified that 'HAZARDOUS' is an adjective meaning risky, perilous, or likely to cause harm.
Establishing the core definition allows direct comparison with the answer choices.
2
Evaluate the choices to find the exact equivalent adjective
'Dangerous' conveys the exact same meaning of presenting risk or potential harm.
Eliminates antonyms and visually similar distractors to isolate the accurate synonym.

Key Concept

Direct isolated adjective synonym identification
Estimated Time:30s
Question 132Question →

Match each word with the description that accurately reflects its specific emotional connotation and tone.

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Items

Meticulous
Fussy
Inquisitive
Nosy

Matches

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Answer

'Meticulous' corresponds to the positive connotation of demonstrating great care and precision; 'Fussy' corresponds to the negative connotation of being overly particular with trivial details; 'Inquisitive' corresponds to the positive connotation of healthy curiosity; 'Nosy' corresponds to the negative connotation of intrusive prying.
Each word is matched to its precise emotional nuance. 'Meticulous' and 'inquisitive' carry complimentary, positive connotations highlighting thoroughness and intellectual curiosity, whereas 'fussy' and 'nosy' carry pejorative, negative connotations highlighting petty dissatisfaction and unwarranted intrusion.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the core meanings and evaluative tones of 'meticulous' and 'fussy'
Both words describe close attention to detail, but 'meticulous' expresses positive admiration for precision, while 'fussy' expresses negative disapproval of annoying pickiness.
Identifying whether a descriptor expresses praise or criticism distinguishes positive from negative connotations.
2
Analyze the core meanings and evaluative tones of 'inquisitive' and 'nosy'
Both words describe asking questions and seeking information, but 'inquisitive' reflects positive intellectual interest, whereas 'nosy' reflects negative, inappropriate meddling.
Evaluating social perception and intent separates positive inquiry from unwelcome intrusiveness.
3
Align each term with its exact tone definition
All four words are matched with their respective positive or negative definitions based on emotional nuance.
Connotation depends on the emotional coloring and attitude conveyed beyond literal dictionary definitions.

Key Concept

Distinguishing positive from negative connotations in near-synonym pairs
Estimated Time:45s
Question 133Question →

The word TENACIOUS most nearly means which of the following?

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Answer: Persistent

Answer

Persistent
The adjective 'tenacious' means keeping a firm hold, persistent, or stubborn. 'Persistent' is the direct synonym as it describes an unwavering determination to continue.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the target word
The word 'tenacious' comes from the Latin root 'tenere' (to hold) and describes holding firmly, maintaining a grip, or being determined and unyielding.
Identifying the root meaning and definition establishes the exact semantic target.
2
Evaluate the answer choices for a direct synonym
'Persistent' shares the precise meaning of continuing firmly in a course of action despite obstacles.
Standard isolated synonym questions require matching core definitions without shift in part of speech or meaning.

Key Concept

Identifying isolated vocabulary synonyms through definition and root analysis
Estimated Time:30s
Question 134Question →

Match each target vocabulary word on the left with its most accurate direct synonym on the right:

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Items

ACRIMONIOUS
LUCID
PRAGMATIC
ARDUOUS

Matches

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Answer

ACRIMONIOUS pairs with Bitter; LUCID pairs with Clear; PRAGMATIC pairs with Practical; ARDUOUS pairs with Strenuous.
Each isolated word correctly matches its core denotation: ACRIMONIOUS denotes a bitter, caustic tone; LUCID denotes clarity and comprehensibility; PRAGMATIC denotes practical action over theory; and ARDUOUS denotes exhausting, strenuous effort.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze ACRIMONIOUS
Identified root 'acri-' denoting sharpness/bitterness.
ACRIMONIOUS refers to sharp or caustic speech, aligning with 'Bitter'.
2
Analyze LUCID
Identified root 'luc-' denoting light or clarity.
LUCID indicates clarity of thought or expression, pairing with 'Clear'.
3
Analyze PRAGMATIC
Identified meaning related to practical considerations rather than theoretical ideals.
PRAGMATIC directly corresponds to 'Practical'.
4
Analyze ARDUOUS
Identified meaning describing heavy, exhausting physical or mental labor.
ARDUOUS means demanding great exertion, pairing with 'Strenuous'.

Key Concept

Direct synonym identification of isolated academic adjectives.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 135Question →

The emergency supply cache became sparse after weeks without deliveries, leaving only a few scattered rations on the shelves.

In this context, sparse most nearly means which of the following?

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Answer: scarce

Answer

scarce
The word 'scarce' is correct because the context explicitly clarifies that the supply cache had dwindled to 'only a few scattered rations,' indicating an inadequate or thinly spread amount.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the contextual clues in the sentence surrounding the bolded word.
The phrase 'leaving only a few scattered rations on the shelves' serves as a direct definition and elaboration of the condition described by the word 'sparse'.
Examining explanatory clauses in the sentence clarifies the specific intended meaning of the target word.
2
Compare the options against the identified meaning of limited or thinly distributed quantity.
'Scarce' precisely conveys the concept of low quantity and scattered availability.
Synonym selection requires matching the semantic meaning and grammatical role indicated by the surrounding text.

Key Concept

Context Clues for Synonyms
Question 136Question →

Analyze the Greek and Latin prefixes, roots, and suffixes of the vocabulary words on the left. Match each term with its most precise synonym on the right. Which pairs correctly match each word to its corresponding meaning?

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Items

Antipathy
Circumlocution
Euphonious
Intractable

Matches

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Answer

Antipathy matches with Deep-seated hostility; Circumlocution matches with Indirect phrasing; Euphonious matches with Pleasantly sounding; Intractable matches with Difficult to manage.
Each word's precise meaning is directly revealed by combining its Greek or Latin prefix with its base root and suffix: anti- (against) + path (feeling) yields hostility; circum- (around) + locut (speak) yields indirect phrasing; eu- (good) + phon (sound) yields pleasant sound; in- (not) + tract (handle/pull) yields difficult to manage.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Deconstruct each vocabulary word into its morphological units (prefix, root base, and derivational suffix).
Identified: anti- + path + -y; circum- + locut + -ion; eu- + phon + -ious; in- + tract + -able.
Affixes provide critical structural clues that define core meanings and grammatical categories.
2
Synthesize the meaning of the combined morphemes for each term.
Antipathy indicates opposing feeling; Circumlocution indicates speaking around; Euphonious indicates pleasing sound; Intractable indicates not easily guided or pulled.
Connecting affix definitions determines the denotation of advanced vocabulary words.
3
Pair each synthesized definition with the corresponding synonym in the right column.
All four terms are aligned with their precise contextual synonyms.
Validates exact semantic correspondence without distractor confusion.

Key Concept

Prefix and Suffix Analysis
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 137Question →

Analyze the Latin roots of the following words. Match each target word on the left with its most precise synonym on the right.

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Items

Inexorable
Perfidious
Obsequious
Intractable

Matches

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Answer

Inexorable matches Unyielding, Perfidious matches Treacherous, Obsequious matches Fawning, and Intractable matches Stubborn.
Each word accurately corresponds to its synonym by decoding its original Latin components: 'in-' + 'exorare' (not yielding to pleading) matches Unyielding; 'per-' + 'fides' (breaking faith) matches Treacherous; 'ob-' + 'sequi' (following too closely) matches Fawning; and 'in-' + 'tract' (not able to be pulled or handled) matches Stubborn.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze 'Inexorable' by breaking down its Latin roots: 'in-' (not) + 'exorare' (to entreat/plead).
Identify that the word means impossible to persuade or stop.
Understanding the root reveals it relates to someone or something that will not yield to requests, mapping it to 'Unyielding'.
2
Analyze 'Perfidious' using the root 'fides' (faith) and the prefix 'per-' (used pejoratively to mean detriment).
Deduce that the word implies breaking faith or betraying trust.
Recognizing the connection to 'faith' restricts the options to synonyms involving trust or loyalty, pointing directly to 'Treacherous'.
3
Analyze 'Obsequious' by identifying the root 'sequi' (to follow) and prefix 'ob-' (toward).
Determine the meaning is excessively eager to follow, serve, or please.
The concept of 'following' relates directly to subservience and excessive flattery, matching 'Fawning'.
4
Analyze 'Intractable' by identifying 'in-' (not) and the root 'tract' (to pull or handle).
Determine the word refers to something that cannot be easily managed or pulled along.
This root analysis accurately maps the word to an unmanageable nature, meaning 'Stubborn'.

Key Concept

Root Word Analysis
Question 138Question →

The commanding officer commended the squad leader for being resolute when faced with unexpected mission setbacks.

Which of the following words has a positive connotation that best matches the meaning of the word "resolute" in this context?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: determined

Answer

determined
The word "resolute" means admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering. In the sentence, the leader is commended, requiring a synonym with a positive connotation. The word "determined" expresses steadfast purpose in a favorable light.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context and tone of the sentence.
The commanding officer is praising the squad leader, indicating that the target word "resolute" is used with an approving, positive tone.
Contextual tone helps determine whether a positive, neutral, or negative synonym is needed.
2
Evaluate the connotation and denotation of each answer choice.
"Determined" conveys purposeful firmness in a positive manner, whereas "stubborn" has a negative connotation, "hesitant" is an antonym, and "aggressive" introduces unintended hostility.
The correct choice must match both the literal definition and the complimentary tone of the context.

Key Concept

Connotation and Tone in Synonyms
Estimated Time:35s
Question 139Question →

Which of the following words is the most direct synonym for the target word IMPEDE?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: Obstruct

Answer

Obstruct
The word 'impede' means to hinder, delay, or block progress. Among the choices, 'Obstruct' directly matches this definition, making it the most accurate synonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Define the target word
'IMPEDE' is a verb that means to delay, hinder, or obstruct the progress of something.
Identifying the core meaning of the isolated word establishes the benchmark for finding its synonym.
2
Compare the options to find the semantic match
'Obstruct' directly conveys the meaning of blocking or hindering, matching the grammatical role and definition of 'impede'.
The correct synonym must share the exact definition and part of speech as the target word.

Key Concept

Identifying direct synonyms for isolated vocabulary words by matching definitions and grammatical categories.
Estimated Time:30s
Question 140Question →

The field mechanics secured the damaged generator on a precarious ledge, warning the team that any slight vibration could send the heavy unit falling into the ravine below. In this sentence, precarious most nearly means which of the following?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: unstable

Answer

unstable
The sentence provides direct context clues showing that the generator is in a hazardous, insecure position where even a minor vibration could cause it to plunge into the ravine. Therefore, 'precarious' means dangerously insecure or unstable.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context clues in the sentence
The phrase 'warning the team that any slight vibration could send the heavy unit falling into the ravine below' provides a clear cause-and-effect clue about the condition of the ledge.
Contextual clues describing danger, potential collapse, or delicate balance directly define the physical state of the object.
2
Evaluate the answer choices against the deduced meaning
The word 'unstable' accurately matches the meaning of dangerously insecure and likely to fall.
Replacing 'precarious' with 'unstable' maintains the logical integrity and tone of the sentence.

Key Concept

Using cause-and-effect and situational context clues to identify contextual synonyms.
Estimated Time:45s
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