Figures of Speech
Verbal Irony - "That fits you well," Peter remarked after Evelyn's cap fell over her eyes for the tenth time.
The cap was too big.
What is the prefix in dishonest?
dis
What is the suffix in the word removable?
able
Select the word that means a state of resting.
Cassatt's subjects, unlike the street scenes and crowds painted by many Impressionists, were primarily mothers and children in quiet moments of repose.
repose
Which sentence is more formal?
Once the negotiators reached an agreement on a new pay scale, the strikers went back to work.
Once people reached an agreement on a new pay scale, everyone went back to work.
Once the negotiators reached an agreement on a new pay scale, the strikers went back to work.
simile -
When Lee Mellon finished the apple he smacked his lips together like a pair of cymbals.
—Richard Brautigan, A Confederate General from Big Sur
Lee Mellon made a loud sound with his lips smacking together.
What is the prefix in the word impure?
im
Which is preventable?
a sunburn
a thunderstorm
a sunburn
Select the word that means to show by good evidence.
The United States government has imposed labeling requirements on manufacturers who sell vitamins and other dietary supplements. The manufacturer must be able to substantiate any claims it makes about the product's benefits with facts or results of scientific studies.
substantiate
During Homecoming Weekend, everyone is invited to come to a fancy dinner and other events at the college.
During Homecoming Weekend, former students are invited to attend a banquet and other events at the college.
During Homecoming Weekend, former students are invited to attend a banquet and other events at the college.
idiom - If you don't mind waking up at the crack of dawn (or if you even prefer it), consider a career as a baker, a teacher, or an investment banker.
You have to wake early.
What is the prefix in the word indirect?
in
Which is avoidable?
paying taxes you owe
being fined for a late library book
being fined for a late library book
Select the word that means one that leads or indicates what others will do.
For most presidential elections in the twentieth century, Missouri was a reliable bellwether state. Between 1904 and 2004, in every election except one, the candidate favored by the voters of Missouri was ultimately elected president. In 2008 and 2012, however, Missouri voted Republican, but Democratic candidate Barack Obama won.
bellwether
Which sentence is more formal?
Ace astronomer Sandra Faber has made awesome contributions to scientists' understanding of the structure and formation of galaxies.
Renowned astronomer Sandra Faber has made outstanding contributions to scientists' understanding of the structure and formation of galaxies.
Renowned astronomer Sandra Faber has made outstanding contributions to scientists' understanding of the structure and formation of galaxies.
Personification - During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the levees and flood walls that had been built to protect the city of New Orleans broke, and water swallowed parts of the city.
The city disappeared underwater.
What is the prefix in dishonest?
dis
Why might you want something to be divisible?
so that is stays in one piece and doesn't fall apart.
so that you can share if with someone else
so that you can share if with someone else
Select the word that means lacking social grace.
What are good manners? Opinions can vary. In days gone by, ladies were warned that revealing too much ankle when lifting their long skirts was gauche. To this day, etiquette books instruct readers on which utensils to use when eating which foods. But the basic principle behind good manners is courtesy: strive to make other people feel comfortable.
gauche
Which sentence is more formal?
Ms. Patel has several important proposals to discuss at the next city council meeting.
There are some things that Ms. Patel wants to bring up at the next city council meeting.
Ms. Patel has several important proposals to discuss at the next city council meeting.
Metaphor -
Laughter is sunshine; it chases winter from the human face.
—Victor Hugo, Les Misérables
Laughter can brighten people's moods.
What is the prefix in the following word unfamiliar?
un-
Which business is profitable?
one that files for bankruptcy
one that makes more money than it spends
one that makes more money than it spends
Select the word that means included within a larger category.
When exposed to high temperature and pressure, limestone transforms into marble. Similarly, under the correct conditions, mudstone can become slate. Marble, slate, and quartzite are all subsumed under the term metamorphic rocks. Metamorphic rocks are created when other rocks are subjected to intense heat or pressure beneath the earth's surface.
subsumed
Which sentence is more formal?
On her expense sheet, Ms. Baldwin included advertising and subscriptions as misc. expenses.
Ms. Baldwin counted advertising and subscriptions as miscellaneous expenses on her expense sheet.
Ms. Baldwin counted advertising and subscriptions as miscellaneous expenses on her expense sheet.