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Lexis and Vocabulary

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Question 661Question →

Fill in the blank with the appropriate particle to complete the phrasal verb in the sentence below.

Fill in the blanks below

The comprehensive data gathered during the field survey served to bear the researchers' initial hypothesis regarding soil degradation.
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Answer

The correct particle is 'out', forming the phrasal verb 'bear out'.
The phrasal verb 'bear out' means to confirm, corroborate, or substantiate a claim, theory, or hypothesis. In the given sentence, the empirical survey data confirms the researchers' initial hypothesis.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the required meaning of the verb combination.
The sentence indicates that the survey data supports or confirms the initial hypothesis.
The verb preceding the blank is 'bear', which requires a particle to express confirmation or corroboration.
2
Select the correct particle that pairs with 'bear' to mean 'confirm' or 'substantiate'.
The particle 'out' combines with 'bear' to form 'bear out', which means to corroborate or substantiate.
Other particles like 'on', 'up', or 'with' create different meanings that do not fit the context.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs: Idiomatic Particle Selection
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 662Question →

Despite her personal reservations regarding the new restructuring policy, the senior manager decided to toe the line during the general board meeting. Which of the following best conveys the meaning of the underlined idiomatic expression?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: conform strictly to official rules and expectations

Answer

The idiom 'toe the line' means to conform strictly to official rules, regulations, or expectations, especially when expected to follow authority.
The idiomatic expression 'toe the line' means to adhere strictly to rules, standards, or official policies, particularly when required by organizational discipline.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the idiomatic expression in context
The sentence presents a contrast: the manager has personal reservations, but nevertheless decides to 'toe the line' in public.
Contextual clues highlight an action taken to comply with authority despite internal hesitation.
2
Determine the figurative meaning of 'toe the line'
The phrase originates from alignment in athletics or discipline, figuratively meaning to obey orders or adhere strictly to policy.
Idioms cannot be interpreted literally by their individual words.

Key Concept

Idiomatic Interpretation in Context
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 663Question →

Which words correctly complete the sentence below in the appropriate blanks?

Fill in the blanks below

Although the board of directors was not to adopting innovative strategies, they voted to postpone the expansion plans owing to market conditions.
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Answer

The first blank requires 'averse' (meaning disinclined or opposed to) and the second blank requires 'adverse' (meaning unfavorable or harmful).
The word 'averse' correctly expresses that the board members were not opposed or reluctant to innovate, while 'adverse' correctly describes the unfavorable or hostile economic conditions that forced them to delay their plans.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the context for the first blank following the phrase 'was not... to'.
The blank describes an attitude or inclination of the board toward an action, requiring the adjective 'averse'.
'Averse' means having a strong disinclination, reluctance, or opposition, and is typically followed by the preposition 'to'.
2
Determine the context for the second blank modifying 'market conditions'.
The blank describes unfavorable or hostile external conditions that hindered expansion, requiring 'adverse'.
'Adverse' means acting against or opposing one's interests, harmful, or unfavorable, and is used to modify inanimate situations or conditions.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between commonly confused paronyms 'averse' and 'adverse'
Question 664Question →

Match each specialized broadcasting and journalism register term in Column A with its appropriate technical definition in Column B.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Embargo
Syndication
Libel
Cueing

Matches

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Answer

Embargo matches with the formal restriction barring news outlets prior to a designated time; Syndication matches with the licensing of broadcast programs across independent stations; Libel matches with written or permanently recorded defamation injuring reputation; Cueing matches with setting recorded audio or video to an exact starting point for instant broadcast execution.
Each occupational term is correctly matched to its specific technical function in broadcasting and press register: Embargo specifies publication holds, Syndication covers distribution licensing, Libel covers permanent written defamation, and Cueing covers precise program positioning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the specialized domain for each term in Column A.
Identify that all terms belong to the occupational register of journalism, mass communication, and broadcast media production.
Contextualizing the register prevents confusing general dictionary definitions with specialized technical meanings.
2
Distinguish key technical nuances between related professional terms.
Differentiate written defamation ('libel') from verbal defamation ('slander'), and distinguish broadcast track positioning ('cueing') from program distribution licensing ('syndication').
Specialized registers require precision regarding domain-specific applications and subtle distinctions between related concepts.
3
Match each term to its exact operational definition.
Pair Embargo with publication timing restrictions, Syndication with program licensing, Libel with recorded defamation, and Cueing with broadcast track positioning.
This establishes precise alignment between the terminology and industry practice.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers (Broadcasting & Journalism)
Question 665Question →

Match each formal English vocabulary word in Column A with its exact antonym (word opposite in meaning) in Column B.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Fastidious
Sagacious
Taciturn
Veracity

Matches

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Answer

'Fastidious' matches with 'Careless', 'Sagacious' matches with 'Fatuous', 'Taciturn' matches with 'Voluble', and 'Veracity' matches with 'Mendacity'.
Each word in Column A is correctly matched to its exact antonym in Column B based on precise semantic opposition: 'Fastidious' (meticulous) opposes 'Careless'; 'Sagacious' (wise) opposes 'Fatuous' (foolish); 'Taciturn' (silent) opposes 'Voluble' (talkative); and 'Veracity' (truthfulness) opposes 'Mendacity' (falsehood).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the precise meaning of each target word in the left column.
'Fastidious' means meticulous; 'Sagacious' means wise/discerning; 'Taciturn' means uncommunicative/silent; 'Veracity' means truthfulness.
Accurate definitions are required to identify exact contextual antonyms.
2
Analyze the vocabulary items in the right column to find matching opposite meanings.
'Careless' opposes meticulousness; 'Fatuous' opposes wisdom; 'Voluble' opposes silence; 'Mendacity' opposes truthfulness.
Direct semantic contrast identifies correct antonym pairs.
3
Form the corresponding antonym pairs.
Paired items: Fastidious–Careless, Sagacious–Fatuous, Taciturn–Voluble, Veracity–Mendacity.
Fulfills the complete matching task based on semantic opposition.

Key Concept

Identifying exact semantic antonyms for advanced formal English vocabulary
Question 666Question →

Complete the sentence below by identifying the specific noun that correctly completes the fixed English collocation.

Fill in the blanks below

Following the sudden implementation of austerity measures, vulnerable rural communities were left to bear the of reduced public spending and essential services.
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Answer

The correct word to complete the collocation is 'brunt'.
The word 'brunt' correctly completes the fixed expression 'bear the brunt of', which idiomatic usage dictates when describing an entity enduring the worst impact or chief strain of a negative event.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the syntactic structure and idiomatic requirements of the sentence.
The sentence presents the structure 'bear the _____ of', which demands a specific noun to form a standard fixed expression.
English lexis relies on established collocational patterns where synonymous words cannot be arbitrarily substituted.
2
Determine the precise lexical item that collocates with 'bear the ... of' in the context of enduring hardship.
The noun 'brunt' forms the standard phrase 'bear the brunt of', meaning to suffer the main force, shock, or worst part of an unpleasant situation.
'Brunt' specifically collocates with the verb 'bear' in formal British and international English usage.

Key Concept

Fixed Collocations and Verb-Noun Expressions
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 667Question →

Match each sentence containing a figurative expression on the left with its corresponding figurative meaning or device on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

The news of his defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for his loyal supporters.
Her smile was as bright as the morning sun.
The old car groaned and complained as it climbed the steep hill.

Matches

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Answer

The sentence describing news as 'a bitter pill to swallow' pairs with 'An unpleasant situation or truth that must be accepted'; the sentence describing a smile 'as bright as the morning sun' pairs with 'An explicit comparison between two things using the word 'as' (Simile)'; and the sentence describing an old car that 'groaned and complained' pairs with 'Attributing human behaviors or emotions to an inanimate object (Personification)'.
Each statement incorporates a distinct figurative device matched to its correct definition: 'a bitter pill to swallow' is an idiom for an unpleasant truth, 'as bright as the morning sun' is a simile using 'as', and 'groaned and complained' used for an inanimate vehicle is personification.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Examine the expression 'a bitter pill to swallow' in the first statement.
Identify that the phrase uses 'bitter pill' connotatively to represent a painful reality rather than actual oral medicine.
Idiomatic expressions convey figurative meanings beyond their literal definitions.
2
Examine the phrase 'as bright as the morning sun' in the second statement.
Identify the comparative structural marker 'as...as', which links the brightness of a smile directly to the sun.
Similes explicitly compare two distinct entities using 'like' or 'as'.
3
Examine the phrase 'groaned and complained' applied to the car in the third statement.
Recognize that human vocal expressions of discomfort are attributed to a mechanical vehicle.
Assigning human capabilities or qualities to non-human objects defines personification.

Key Concept

Identifying basic figurative language, idiomatic connotations, similes, and personification in sentences.
Question 668Question →

Match each phrasal verb on the left with its correct contextual meaning on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

shore up
mull over
whittle down
zero in on

Matches

Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct pairings are: 'shore up' matches with 'To reinforce or strengthen a weak or unstable structure or system'; 'mull over' matches with 'To ponder or consider something deeply before making a decision'; 'whittle down' matches with 'To reduce the size or quantity of something gradually'; and 'zero in on' matches with 'To direct focused attention toward a specific target or problem'.
Each phrasal verb is accurately paired with its established standard English meaning: 'shore up' refers to strengthening or reinforcing weak support; 'mull over' denotes careful and prolonged deliberation; 'whittle down' signifies incremental reduction; and 'zero in on' represents focusing concentrated attention on a specific target.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the contextual definition of 'shore up'
'Shore up' means to give support or reinforcement to a failing or weak system.
Identifies the correct semantic match for the first phrasal verb.
2
Determine the contextual definition of 'mull over'
'Mull over' means to reflect deeply or deliberate on a topic over time.
Identifies the correct semantic match for the second phrasal verb.
3
Determine the contextual definition of 'whittle down'
'Whittle down' means to diminish or reduce in quantity step by step.
Identifies the correct semantic match for the third phrasal verb.
4
Determine the contextual definition of 'zero in on'
'Zero in on' means to focus pinpoint attention on a specific objective.
Identifies the correct semantic match for the fourth phrasal verb.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs Contextual Meanings
Question 669Question →

During a mass-casualty incident, medical personnel rapidly evaluate victims to categorize them based on the urgency of their need for medical care, ensuring that those in critical condition are treated first. Which of the following specialized terms from the medical register refers to this systematic sorting and prioritization of patients?

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Answer: triage

Answer

The correct specialized term is triage.
The term 'triage' originates from medical register and specifically denotes the preliminary assessment of patients to determine the urgency of their need for medical treatment.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context presented in the stem
The scenario describes emergency medical care where patients are evaluated and prioritized based on injury severity.
Identifying key operational features of the occupational setting determines the exact technical vocabulary required.
2
Evaluate the medical terms among the options against the scenario description
Triage specifically refers to the initial assessment and sorting of disaster victims or emergency room arrivals according to treatment urgency.
Other terms relate to infection control, disease prevention, or post-illness recovery.

Key Concept

Medical Register — Emergency Procedure Terminology
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 670Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with the single word that forms the correct fixed English collocation.

Fill in the blanks below

Despite the growing public outrage over the environmental spill, the chemical company attempted to pay lip to the cleanup effort without committing any real financial resources.
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Answer

service
The correct answer is 'service'. In standard idiomatic English, the fixed phrase 'pay lip service to' means to state agreement or support for something insincerely without demonstrating it through practical action. This fits the sentence context of making superficial promises without committing funds.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context to identify the required idiomatic idiom/collocation.
The sentence describes a situation where an entity expresses verbal or superficial support for an action ('cleanup effort') without providing actual support ('committing any real financial resources').
This specific semantic context requires the fixed expression 'pay lip service to'.
2
Determine the exact word needed to complete the fixed phrase.
The noun 'service' completes the fixed collocation 'pay lip service'.
'Pay lip service' is a standard English idiom meaning to publicly express approval or support for something insincerely or without taking meaningful action.

Key Concept

Collocations and Fixed Phrases
Question 671Question →

Match each classical root morpheme on the left with its precise morphological meaning on the right.

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

Root '-cred-' (e.g., incredulous, credence)
Root '-greg-' (e.g., aggregate, segregate)
Root '-loqu-' / '-locut-' (e.g., loquacious, elocution)
Root '-tang-' / '-tact-' (e.g., intangible, tactile)

Matches

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Answer

Root '-cred-' matches 'To believe, trust, or confide'; Root '-greg-' matches 'To flock, gather, or assemble'; Root '-loqu-' / '-locut-' matches 'To speak, talk, or discourse'; Root '-tang-' / '-tact-' matches 'To touch, feel, or reach'.
Each classical root morpheme corresponds precisely to its Latin etymological sense: '-cred-' means belief/trust, '-greg-' means flock/assembly, '-loqu-/-locut-' means speech/talk, and '-tang-/-tact-' means touch.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the morphological meaning of the root '-cred-'.
Recognize that '-cred-' forms words related to belief and trust.
Derived from Latin 'credere', found in 'credibility' and 'incredulous'.
2
Analyze the morphological meaning of the root '-greg-'.
Recognize that '-greg-' forms words related to gathering into a flock or collection.
Derived from Latin 'grex', found in 'congregate' and 'gregarious'.
3
Analyze the morphological meaning of the roots '-loqu-' and '-locut-'.
Recognize that these roots form words associated with speech and talking.
Derived from Latin 'loqui', found in 'soliloquy' and 'interlocutor'.
4
Analyze the morphological meaning of the roots '-tang-' and '-tact-'.
Recognize that these roots form words associated with physical contact or touch.
Derived from Latin 'tangere', found in 'intact' and 'tangible'.

Key Concept

Etymological root morpheme derivation in English vocabulary
Question 672Question →

Which of the following words correctly completes the sentence below?

'The board commended the director for her _______ handling of the company's financial crisis, noting that her wise and carefully considered choices averted insolvency.'

Show answer & explanation

Answer: judicious

Answer

The word 'judicious' correctly completes the sentence as it functions as an adjective meaning showing good judgment or prudence.
The word 'judicious' is an adjective meaning exhibiting sound judgment, prudence, or wisdom. In the sentence, it correctly describes the director's careful and effective handling of the financial situation.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The sentence describes an action that required wisdom and careful consideration to avert financial crisis.
Understanding the context helps determine both the meaning and the part of speech needed.
2
Identify the grammatical role needed
The blank modifies the noun 'handling', requiring an adjective.
An adjective is necessary to describe how the handling was performed.
3
Distinguish between confusable paronyms
'Judicious' means prudent or wise, while 'judicial' pertains to a court of law or judges.
Selecting 'judicious' fulfills both the semantic requirement (wise/prudent) and grammatical requirement (adjective).

Key Concept

Distinguishing between commonly confused paronyms ('judicious' vs 'judicial')
Question 673Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with a word that is MOST NEARLY OPPOSITE in meaning to the capitalized word.

Fill in the blanks below

Unlike his INDOLENT brother who spent all day idling on the couch, Samuel was remarkably and worked tirelessly to support his family.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

industrious (or diligent / hardworking)
The target word 'INDOLENT' signifies laziness and avoidance of activity. The introductory phrase 'Unlike his...' establishes an antonymous contrast. The word 'industrious' (or 'diligent') directly opposes 'indolent' and accurately matches the clue 'worked tirelessly'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the meaning of the capitalized target word in context.
The word 'INDOLENT' means lazy, inactive, or lacking motivation to work.
The clause 'who spent all day idling on the couch' provides a clear contextual clue defining indolent behavior.
2
Identify the contrast and select an appropriate antonym.
The sentence opens with 'Unlike his...', indicating a direct contrast between the two brothers. The word needed must mean energetic, dedicated, or hardworking.
The context 'worked tirelessly to support his family' requires an adjective that is the exact antonym of lazy, such as 'industrious' or 'diligent'.

Key Concept

Identifying Contextual Antonyms
Question 674Question →

Following the sudden demise of the industrialist, his legal counsel presented a formal instrument executed specifically to alter particular provisions of the existing will without revoking the original document in its entirety. Which of the following specialized legal terms accurately identifies this supplementary document?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: codicil

Answer

codicil
In probate and legal register, the specific technical term for a formal document executed to amend, explain, or alter parts of an existing will is a 'codicil'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context and specialized domain of the scenario
The context relates to estate administration and probate law, specifically concerning a formal legal document that modifies an existing will.
Identifying the occupational domain narrows down the required register to legal and probate terminology.
2
Evaluate the specialized definitions of the options within the target register
A 'codicil' is defined in legal register specifically as a supplementary instrument altering a will. In contrast, an affidavit is a sworn statement, a caveat is a legal warning/suspension notice, and an addendum is a general, non-technical term for additions.
Matching the precise definition in probate law distinguishes the technical register from general vocabulary and other distinct legal terms.

Key Concept

Probate and Legal Register Terminology
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 675Question →

During the defense of his research proposal, the postgraduate student attempted to ________ the initial sample size limitations, but the panel demanded a full account of the methodology. Which phrasal verb correctly completes the sentence?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: gloss over

Answer

The phrasal verb 'gloss over' correctly completes the sentence.
The phrasal verb 'gloss over' means to deliberately treat a mistake, weakness, or flaw as minor or to cover it up without adequate discussion. In the given context, it accurately describes the student's attempt to minimize the sample size limitations during his proposal defense.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context.
The student is attempting to downplay or avoid discussing methodological flaws, while the panel insists on addressing them.
Understanding the context clarifies that the required verb must express minimizing or ignoring a negative detail.
2
Evaluate the phrasal verb options for precise idiomatic meaning.
'Gloss over' means to treat a fault or limitation as insignificant to avoid criticism.
Only 'gloss over' accurately conveys the intention of ignoring or minimizing research limitations in Standard English.

Key Concept

Phrasal Verbs and Prepositional Verbs
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Question 676Question →

Complete the sentence below by supplying the appropriate specialized occupational term in the blank space provided.

Fill in the blanks below

Before the trial could proceed, the presiding judge issued a formal requiring the reluctant witness to appear in court and present the missing financial records.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

subpoena
In legal register, a 'subpoena' is a formal writ issued by a court of law to compel a witness to give testimony or produce physical evidence under penalty of legal sanctions.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the occupational context and legal scenario described in the stem.
The context involves a formal judicial command compelling an individual to attend court proceedings and produce physical documents as evidence.
Specialized occupational registers require selecting terminology that precisely matches procedural legal functions.
2
Identify the precise legal register term matching the requirement.
A 'subpoena' (specifically subpoena duces tecum) is the official court writ that commands a witness to appear and bring specified documents or evidence.
Alternative legal terms such as 'affidavit', 'indictment', or 'injunction' refer to distinct legal instruments with different procedural purposes.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers (Legal Register)
Question 677Question →

Complete the statement below by filling in the blank with the appropriate specialized register term.

Fill in the blanks below

When cargo is voluntarily thrown overboard to lighten a distressed vessel and preserve the common maritime venture, the resulting loss shared proportionally by all interested parties is known in admiralty law as general .
Show answer & explanation

Answer

average
In maritime law and shipping registers, 'general average' is a legal principle where all cargo owners and shipowners proportionally share any financial losses resulting from a voluntary emergency sacrifice of property to save the ship and cargo.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of maritime law and shipping registers provided in the sentence.
The sentence describes a situation where cargo is intentionally jettisoned during a sea emergency to save the vessel, requiring all parties to share the loss proportionally.
Specialized occupational registers require selecting terms that carry precise technical definitions within their respective fields.
2
Identify the technical term that completes the legal collocated phrase 'general _____'.
In admiralty and shipping register, 'general average' is the formal legal principle governing proportional loss distribution following an intentional emergency sacrifice.
Common non-technical words such as 'loss' or 'damage' do not form the established legal term for this specific maritime doctrine.

Key Concept

Occupational and Specialized Registers (Maritime Law & Shipping)
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Question 678Question →

Complete the sentence below by filling in the blank with the figure of speech that best conveys the intended implied meaning of extreme speed.

Fill in the blanks below

During the final lap of the race, the sprinter moved like to overtake his opponents and claim the gold medal.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The blank is completed using a simile such as 'lightning' (or 'greased lightning' / 'the wind' / 'a flash') to denote extraordinary speed.
Using words such as 'lightning' or 'the wind' completes the simile 'like lightning', which figuratively conveys intense speed in an engaging and expressive manner.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence
The context describes a sprinter making a rapid effort during the final lap of a race to win.
Understanding the context helps identify the appropriate figurative connotation needed.
2
Identify the appropriate figurative language/simile
The expression 'like lightning' creates a figurative comparison (simile) highlighting swiftness and speed.
Similes compare two distinct things using 'like' or 'as' to emphasize a particular characteristic, in this case, rapid movement.

Key Concept

Simile and Figurative Connotation of Speed
Question 679Question →

Fill in the blank with the correct word to complete the fixed expression. Which word properly completes the sentence?

Fill in the blanks below

The prolonged drought in the northern region has taken a heavy on agricultural productivity and local livelihoods.
Show answer & explanation

Answer

The correct word to fill the blank is 'toll'.
The word 'toll' forms the standard fixed collocation 'take a heavy toll on', which means to cause serious loss, suffering, or damage over time.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence to determine the required phrase structure.
The sentence describes severe adverse consequences resulting from a prolonged drought.
The structure 'taken a heavy [word] on' requires a specific noun to complete the fixed idiom.
2
Identify the standard English collocation.
The noun 'toll' combines with 'take a heavy' and 'on' to form the standard expression 'take a heavy toll on'.
The expression 'take a heavy toll on' is an established collocation meaning to cause gradual damage, suffering, or loss.

Key Concept

Fixed Collocations and Idiomatic Expressions
Question 680Question →

In English morphology, affixes alter the base meaning and grammatical category of a root word to convey precise semantic distinctions. Consider the context below:

'Although the diplomatic delegation raised several minor queries during negotiations, the final draft of the accord was declared completely ________ by all participating governments, indicating that it was beyond reproach and entirely free from anything open to objection.'

Which of the following words, derived from the root *except*, correctly completes the sentence by combining the appropriate prefix and suffix structure?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: unexceptionable

Answer

The word 'unexceptionable' is correct because its morphological composition (un- + exception + -able) expresses 'not open to objection or fault', matching the contextual requirement of being beyond reproach.
The correct form is 'unexceptionable'. Morphologically, it combines the negative prefix 'un-' (not), the root noun 'exception' (in its sense of 'formal objection'), and the adjective-forming suffix '-able' (capable of/subject to). Together, 'unexceptionable' means 'completely irreproachable and not open to objection or criticism', which perfectly fits a diplomatic accord accepted by all parties.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the semantic requirement of the context.
The sentence requires an adjective meaning 'beyond reproach' or 'completely free from anything that can be objected to'.
The clause states that despite minor queries, the accord was acceptable to all participating governments without fault.
2
Examine the root word and affix combinations for the target terms.
The root 'exception' in legal/formal registers can mean 'an objection'. Adding '-able' creates 'exceptionable' (open to objection). Adding 'un-' negates it to 'unexceptionable' (not open to objection/irreproachable).
Different suffixes (-able vs -al) attach to the same base to form paronyms with entirely distinct meanings.
3
Differentiate from paronymic distractors.
'Unexceptional' means ordinary/common (un- + exception + -al), whereas 'unexceptionable' means irreproachable (un- + exception + -able).
Selecting '-able' over '-al' is necessary to convey capability/susceptibility to objection rather than general characteristic.

Key Concept

Paronym Affix Differentiation and Morphological Synthesis
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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