Expand your vocabulary | Sunday Observer

Expand your vocabulary

15 January, 2023

Circle A, B, C or D that most accurately fits the meaning and check your answers with the key.

1. Macabre (adj.)

A. foreign

B. provocative

C. strange

D. deathly

2. Brickbat (n.)

A. insult

B. wide road

C. a collection of bricks

D. small statue

3. Gerrymander (v.)

A. gesture

B. admit

C. wonder

D. to divide a voting district to

give unfair advantage

4. Atone (v.)

A. to feel jealous

B. sacrifice

C. to make amends

D. postpone

5. Atoll (n.)

A. rocky ground

B. coral reef

C. riverbed

D. swampy land

6. Denude (v.)

A. choose

B. strip

C. mislay

D.to listen

7. Emote (v.)

A. show emotion

B. offer help

C. to raise your voice

D. dress well

8. Shoal (n.)

A. scandal

B. scarf

C. bay

D. shallows

9. Cabal (n.)

A. sport

B. mystery

C. plot

D. adventure

10. Voile (n.)

A. aircraft

B. small boat

C. fabric

D. mechanical instrument

11. Amulet (n.)

A. precious stone

B. charm

C. family quarrel

D. heirlooms

12. Elicit (v.)

A. to draw forth

B. mark up

C. include

D. forbid

13. Cad (n.)

A. ill-bred man

B. untamed dog

C. type of wrench

D. sport

14. Deft (adj.)

A. foolish

B. skilful

C. manageable

D. sarcastic

15. Bawdy (adj.)

A. inefficient

B. lazy

C. earthy

D. noisy

16. Josh (v.)

A. push

B. tease

C. irritate

D. help

17. Makeshift (n.)

A. stratagem

B. luxury

C. wealth

D. substitute

18. Exemplar (n.)

A. victim

B. supporter

C. model

D. shame

19. Feckless (adj.)

A. ineffective

B. faithless

C. healthy

D. relaxed

20. High-flown (adj.)

A. brilliant

B. vivacious

C. colourful

D. pretentious

****

Key

1. D

2. A

3. D

4. C

5. B

6. B

7. A

8. D

9. C

10. C

11. B

12. A

13. A

14. B

15. C

16. B

17. D

18. C

19. A

20. D

****

Ratings

10 – 14 Correct: Good

15 – 17 Correct: Excellent

18 – 20 Correct: Exceptional

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