#1
Pluck
Despite the odds, Jamal showed incredible pluck during the rescue mission. Everyone admired his courage.
What does “pluck” most nearly mean?
A) Strength
B) Patience
C) Bravery
D) Stubbornness
C) Bravery
Ponder
Before answering the question, she paused to ponder its deeper meaning. Her thoughtful response impressed the panel.
What does “ponder” most nearly mean?
A) Dismiss
B) Consider
C) Avoid
D) Forget
B) Consider
Rapture
The crowd listened in rapture as the pianist played. Every note seemed to transport them to another world.
What does “rapture” most nearly mean?
A) Boredom
B) Confusion
C) Delight
D) Anger
C) Delight
Whim
On a whim, Marcus decided to take a train to the mountains. He hadn’t planned it, but it turned into a great adventure.
What does “whim” most nearly mean?
A) Routine
B) Warning
C) Fear
D) Spontaneous desire
D) Spontaneous desire
Impede
Construction on the highway will impede traffic for several weeks. Drivers should expect delays.
What does “impede” most nearly mean?
A) Improve
B) Help
C) Block
D) Control
C) Block
Congested
The downtown area was so congested with cars that it took an hour to go one mile. Many people decided to walk instead.
What does “congested” most nearly mean?
A) Empty
B) Crowded
C) Dangerous
D) Clean
B) Crowded
Initiate
The teacher asked Maria to initiate the discussion. She was nervous but started with a strong question.
What does “initiate” most nearly mean?
A) End
B) Avoid
C) Change
D) Begin
D) Begin
Irate
Mr. Lewis was irate when he discovered his car had been towed. His voice shook with anger as he demanded answers.
What does “irate” most nearly mean?
A) Relieved
B) Confused
C) Furious
D) Tired
C) Furious
Negligent
The fire was caused by a negligent worker who forgot to turn off the equipment. Safety rules had been ignored.
What does “negligent” most nearly mean?
A) Careless
B) Focused
C) Tidy
D) Honest
A) Careless
Smolder
Even after the flames were out, the logs continued to smolder. Smoke curled into the air for hours.
What does “smolder” most nearly mean?
A) Freeze
B) Burn slowly
C) Vanish
D) Explode
B) Burn slowly
Prostrate
The soldiers were prostrate with exhaustion after the long march. They lay face-down in the dirt, barely able to move.
What does “prostrate” most nearly mean?
A) Standing
B) Lying down
C) Hiding
D) Talking
B Lying Down
Throng
A throng of fans waited outside the stadium for hours. The crowd cheered when the band finally arrived.
What does “throng” most nearly mean?
A) Crowd
B) Family
C) Security team
D) Performer
A) Crowd
Acrid
The smoke from the fire had an acrid smell that stung their noses. They had to cover their faces with cloth.
What does “acrid” most nearly mean?
A) Sweet
B) Harsh
C) Soothing
D) Refreshing
B) Harsh
Grievous
The army suffered a grievous loss in the battle. Many families received heartbreaking news.
What does “grievous” most nearly mean?
A) Joyful
B) Expected
C) Quick
D) Serious
D) Serious
Recede
As the storm passed, the floodwaters began to recede. People were finally able to return to their homes.
What does “recede” most nearly mean?
A) Stop
B) Rise
C) Lessen
D) Strengthen
A) Stop
Placate
The manager gave free desserts to placate the angry customers. It seemed to calm them down.
What does “placate” most nearly mean?
A) Annoy
B) Fool
C) Calm
D) Ignore
C) Calm
Inundate
After the announcement, customer service was inundated with calls. They couldn’t keep up with the demand.
What does “inundate” most nearly mean?
A) Distracted
B) Helped
C) Ignored
D) Overwhelmed
D) Overwhelmed
Inevitable
After ignoring the problem for so long, failure became inevitable. There was no way to stop it now.
What does “inevitable” most nearly mean?
A) Certain
B) Avoidable
C) Doubtful
D) Helpful
A) Certain
Dumbfound
The magician’s trick was so unexpected it seemed to dumbfound the entire audience. No one could figure out how it was done.
What does “dumbfound” most nearly mean?
A) Frighten
B) Confuse
C) Amaze
D) Relax
B) Confuse
Stringent
The new safety regulations were very stringent. Every worker had to follow them exactly or face penalties.
What does “stringent” most nearly mean?
A) Loose
B) Unfair
C) Strict
D) Unclear
C) Strict
Impetuous
Lena made an impetuous decision to quit her job without having another one lined up. She regretted it the very next day.
What does “impetuous” most nearly mean?
A) Cautious
B) Thoughtless
C) Timely
D) Responsible
B Thoughtless
Revelry
The streets were filled with revelry after the team won the championship. People sang, danced, and cheered all night.
What does “revelry” most nearly mean?
A) Celebration
B) Argument
C) Planning
D) Sadness
A) Celebration
Delectable
The bakery’s newest chocolate tart was simply delectable. Customers lined up around the block just to get a slice.
What does “delectable” most nearly mean?
A) Disgusting
B) Delicious
C) Burnt
D) Unavailable
B) Delicious
Consternation
To his consternation, the project he worked on for weeks was accidentally deleted. He didn’t know whether to scream or cry.
What does “consternation” most nearly mean?
A) Excitement
B) Confusion
C) Dismay
D) Relief
C) Dismay
Haughty
The haughty waiter sneered at us for not ordering the most expensive wine. His attitude made the entire meal uncomfortable.
What does “haughty” most nearly mean?
A) Humble
B) Arrogant
C) Cheerful
D) Sad
B) arrogant