English: Word Usage Questions Set 18

Directions (1-10): In each of the following questions one sentence is given with a word in bold, choose the most similar meaning of that word and mark it as your answer.

1. Lecherous: Lecherous or not, Bill was all over Diane.A) prude
   B) chaste
   C) salacious
   D) modest
   E) None of these
   
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      Option C
   Explanation: Meaning: having or showing excessive or offensive sexual desire. Synonym: lustful, licentious, lascivious, Antonym: chaste, pure
   
2. Largesse: When I was in need, I benefited from the largesse of an anonymous donor.
   A) blight
   B) tightness
   C) greed
   D) donations
   E) None of these
   
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      Option D
   Explanation: Meaning: generosity in bestowing money or gifts upon others, money or gifts given generously Synonym: generosity, liberality, munificence
   
3. Catharsis: Crying is a great catharsis for releasing pain and anger.
   A) purge
   B) blot
   C) blemish
   D) blast
   E) None of these
   
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      Option A
   Explanation: Meaning: the process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions. Synonym: purging, purgation, purification, cleansing,
   
4. Motley: Since the litter was a motley group, none of the puppies resembled each other.
   A) solid
   B) identical
   C) assorted
   D) monochrome
   E) None of these
   
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      Option C
   Explanation: Meaning: incongruously varied in appearance or character; disparate Synonym: miscellaneous, disparate, diverse Antonym: homogeneous, uniform
   
5. Cynosure: When Jake got the yellow sports car for his birthday, he knew his arrival at school would be the cynosure of the day.
   A) surrounding
   B) focus
   C) fall
   D) callous
   E)  None of these
   
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      Option B
   Explanation: Meaning: a person or thing that is the centre of attention or admiration. Synonym: central, core, center, epicenter, eye, focus
   
6. Repercussion: Danielle did not stop shoplifting until she was faced with the repercussion of jail time.
   A) impact
   B) cause
   C) advocacy
   D) weakness
   E) None of these
   
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      Option A
   Explanation: Meaning: an unintended consequence of an event or action, especially an unwelcome one. Synonym: consequence, result, effect, outcome,
   
7. Pristine: As curator of the town museum, I keep all of the artifacts in pristine condition.
   A) impure
   B) sullied
   C) stale
   D) Clean
   E) None of these
   
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      Option D
   Explanation: Meaning: in its original condition; unspoilt. Synonym: immaculate, in perfect condition Antonym: dirty, sullied
   
8. Ravenous: Even though she felt ravenous, Scarlet allowed herself to nibble only the smallest portions of the delicious party goodies.
   A) satiated
   B) adequate
   C) edacious
   D) stuffed
   E) None of these
   
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      Option C
   Explanation: Meaning: extremely hungry. Synonym: starved, famished; Antonym: full
   
9.  Amicable: Because Leslie is very amicable, she is the peacemaker in her family.
   A) cordial
   B) frigid
   C) angry
   D) hostile
   E) None of these
   
   View Answer

      Option A
   Explanation: Meaning: Friendly Synonym: Cordial, Harmonious Antonym: impolite, uncivil
   
10. Abetment: Conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism and abetment to terrorism are also recognized as separate criminal offences.
    A) brake
    B) instigation
    C) prevent
    D) dissuasion
    E) None of these
    
    View Answer

       Option B
    Explanation: Meaning: Assist or encourage, usually in some wrongdoing Synonym: endorsement, succour, aid Antonym: hindrance, obstruction, stoppage