English: Odd Words for upcoming Exam Set 6

For each of the words given below, a contextual usage is provided. From the alternatives given, pick the word that is the most inappropriate as a substitute in the given context and mark its number as your answer.

1. Sparse: Time is sparse when one works in the modern day corporate world.
   A) scant
   B) paltry
   C) meagre
   D) sumptuous
   
   View Answer

   Option D
   Explanation : Sparse means limited / rare so it can mean scant ( rare ) ; paltry ( small  ) ; meagre ( inadequate ) but can’t be sumptuous that means luxurious .
2. Eclectic : The gallery is known to select only relatively new and eclectic works. You will not find classics or traditionally successful works there.
   A) Assorted
   B) facsimile
   C) dilettantish
   D) motley
   
   View Answer

    Option B
   Explanation : Eclectic means  mixed and diverse so it can be assorted (wide / broad range) ; dilettantish (comprehensive) ; Motley (mixed /varied ) but can’t be Facsimile that means – same/ identical
3. Indicted: Pak-origin Chicago cab driver indicted for supporting al-Qaeda.
   A) inculpated
   B) Raved
   C) Incriminated
   D)Imputed
   
   View Answer

      Option B
   Explanation : Indicted means accused / charged . Inculpated also means accused ; Imputed – blamed ;  Raved means admired so it is the wrong word here.
4. Solace : He took solace in the arms of rugby players.
   A) Perturbation
   B) assuagement
   C) diversion
   D) alleviation
   
   View Answer

      Option A
   Explanation : Solace means relief or pleasure therefore it can be  used interchangeably with assuagement ( delight) ; diversion (pleasure) ; alleviation  (comfort) but not with Perturbation which is used to mean excitement  
5. Extradition : Murder suspect extradited to Victoria.
   A) relegation
   B) transfer
   C) deportation
   D) repatriate
   
   View Answer

     Option D
   Explanation : Extradition means expulsion. Repatriate is restoration so wrong here.
6. Dwindle : In situations when we need to be mentally strong, our faith and confidence dwindles.
   A) languish
   B) throng
   C) recede
   D) shrivel
   
   View Answer

   Option B
   Explanation : Dwindle means diminish/ decline so it can be used as languish ( fall ) ; recede ( decline )  as well as shrivel ( decline ) but not as throng meaning gather .
7. Bigot: The sincerity of either man can only be doubted by the bigot and the fool.
   A) liberal
   B) sectarian
   C) enthusiast
   D) dogmatist
   
   View Answer

   Option A
   Explanation : Bigot means intolerant / prejudiced person so it can mean dogmatist ( radical ); enthusiast ( fanatic) ; sectarian ( intolerant) but can’t be liberal.
8. Ubiquitous: He aims to make his product ubiquitous by selling it internationally.
   A) Ordinary
   B) pervasive
   C) sporadic
   D) recurrent
   
   View Answer

      Option C
   Explanation : ubiquitous means widespread/popular so it can means ordinary ; pervasive ;recurrent ( frequent ) but not  sporadic ( occasional ).   
9. Impasse : According to them, the investigation into the activities of that ship had come to an impasse.
   A) pickle
   B) liquefy
   C) scrape
   D) plight
   
   View Answer

      Option B
   Explanation : Impasse means a  road or passage having no exit so it can mean pickle ( trouble) ; scrape ( mess) ; plight ( difficulty ) but can’t be liquefy ( open )   
10. Vacillate: His tendency to vacillate makes him a poor leader.
    A) scruple
    B) totter
    C) resolute
    D) fluctuate
    
    View Answer

      Option C
    Explanation : Vacillate means unable to decide ( indecisive ) therefore it can be totter ( hesitate ) ; scruple ( doubt ) and fluctuate but can’t be resolute  ( determined)     

Click here for more questions on Odd Sentences