Subodh Kant-Fill in the Blank - [PDF Document] (2024)

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This thread is designed to help you prepare for the verbal andreading sections of CAT

and other MBA entrance exams. By completing the questionsoffered here and by

studying their answer explanations, you will develop the skillsnecessary to tackle eachtype of sentence completion question. Youwill also improve your vocabulary and your

process of elimination skills

I hope you will enjoy it.

Sentence completions test your ability to use the informationfound incomplex, but incomplete, sentences in order to correctlycomplete thesentences. Sentence completions test two separateaspects of yourverbal skills: your vocabulary and your ability tofollow the internallogic of sentences. These sentences are oftenquite complex.Fortunately, there are some strategies that willgreatly increase yourscore on these questions. Each of thesequestions has one blank (or,on some tests, two blanks) within asingle sentence. Often the

sentences are long and difficult to follow, but with practiceyou canlearn to master them.

IntroductionYou might wonder what kinds of strategies you canuse to mastersentence completions. When it comes to sentencecompletions, theword that does notappear is the key to the meaningof the sentence.The words that do appear offer clues to the missingword. If you canfind out how the words that appear are connected,you can find thecorrect answer. This means that you must know morethan just themeaning of the words involved. You must alsounderstand the logic of

the sentence. Here is a sampling of strategies:

Read the entire sentence saying blank for the blank(s). Thisgivesyou an overall sense of the meaning of the sentence and helpsyoufigure out how the parts of the sentence relate to each other.If ananswer occurs to you before you even look at the choices, youmayhave a synonym for the answer or the answer itself.

Pay special attention to introductory and transitionalwordsbut,although, however, yet, even thoughbecause they are key toformingthe logical structure of the sentence.

Be sure your choice is both logical and grammaticallycorrect.

CASE ONE: If you don't know some words

If you dont know some words, use elimination and educatedguessing,which means you are able to eliminate one or more of thechoices as

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definitely wrong; or guessing from context when you know arelatedword. There are several types of sentence completions:

X restatement

XcomparisonXcontrast

Xcause and effect

Here is an example of a cause-and-effect sentencecompletionquestion:

After a brief and violent ______ that ousted the president,GeneralMonsanto declared himself the dictator of the country.

a. nuanceb. coupc. solicitationd. upbraidinge. lament

The answer is choice b. A coup (n.) is a sudden and decisivechange ofleadership illegally or by force, a takeover. What (thecause) led thegeneral to declare himself dictator (the result)?Something brief andviolent, that ousted the president, a coup.

Here is an example of a restatement question:The city councilformed a committee to simplify several dozen ______city ordinancesthat were unnecessarily complicated and out-of-date.a. f*cklessb.empiricalc. byzantined. slovenlye. pedantic

The answer is choice c, byzantine, an adjective that meanshighlycomplicated and intricate. Here, you are looking for arestatement of

the clue words complicatedand out-of-date, and for somethingthatneeds simplifying.

Types of Sentence Correction Questionsin Details

As you practice sentence completions, you may discover signalwords

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and phrasesclues that help you choose the correct answer. Herearecommon signal words and an example for each kind ofquestion:

Restatement:namely, in other words, in fact, that is

Example: The pickpocket was a trickster, in other words, a______.

(The answer, which restates trickster, might be knave orscoundrel.)

Comparison:likewise, similarly, and, just as, as ______ as,forexample, as shown, as illustrated by

Example: Anna was cleared of all charges; similarly, Sam was______.

(The answer compares to being cleared of all charges, soperhapsSam was vindicated.)

Contrast:though, although, however, despite, but, yet; ontheother hand, but, however, despite, or on the contrary

Example:Although the tiger is a solitary beast, its cousin thelion is a______ animal.

(The answer is something that contrasts with solitary, suchasgregarious or sociable.)

Cause and effect:thus, therefore, consequently, andbecause andphrases such as due to, as a result, leads to

Example: A truck stole her parking spot; consequently, Sallys______look showed her displeasure.

(The answer would be a look caused by someone stealingSallysparking spot, maybe scowling or sullen.)

The exercises in this thread will help you prepare for CAT inseveralways. First, you will become familiar with the questionformat. You willget used to identifying the relationships of wordswithin a sentence.The more comfortable you are with the questionformat and the morefamiliar you are with the range of sentencecompletion types, theeasier the verbal or reading section of yourtest will be.

Second, your performance on these questions will help you assessyourvocabulary strengths and weaknesses. For example, you may findthatyou do very well with words that are cognates (words from acommon

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original form, such as asteroidand astronomy), but not so wellonforeign words, such as ennui or angst.

Third, you will learn, through practice, to spot and disregardwronganswer choices. You may also discover a pattern to yourwrong

answers. (Are you weak on cause-and-effect questions?)

The sentence completion question sets in this thread increaseindifficulty from easy to intermediate to advanced. Thesedivisionsmay reflect how challenging the vocabulary is or howcomplex thesentence structure is or how challenging the logic ofthe sentence is.

Fill in the Blanks Practice Exercise - 1

1. She hadnt eaten all day, and by the time she got home shewas______.

a. blighted b. confutative c. ravenous d. ostentatious e.blissful

1. c. Ravenous (adj.) means extremely hungry.

2. The movie offended many of the parents of its younger viewersbyincluding unnecessary ______ in the dialogue.

a. vulgarity b. verbosity c. vocalizations d. garishness e.tonality

2. a. Vulgarity(n.) means offensive speech or conduct.

3. His neighbors found his ______ manner bossy and irritating,and theystopped inviting him to backyard barbeques.

a. insentient b. magisterial c. reparatory d. restorative e.modest

3. b. Magisterial (adj.) means overbearing or offensivelyself-assured.

4. Steven is always ______ about showing up for work because hefeels

that tardiness is a sign of irresponsibility.

a. legible b. tolerable c. punctual d. literal e.belligerent

4. c. Punctual (adj.) means arriving exactly on time.

5. Candace would ______ her little sister into an argument byteasing

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her and calling her names.

a. advocate b. provoke c. perforate d. lamente e. expunge

5. b.Toprovoke (v.) is to incite anger or resentment; to callforth a

feeling or action.

Fill in the Blanks Practice Exercise - 2

problems for practice

6. The dress Ariel wore ______ with small, glassy beads,creatinga shimmering effect.a. titillated b. reiterated c.scintillated d. enthralled e. striated

7. Being able to afford this luxury car will ______ gettingabetter paying job.a. maximize b. recombinant c. reiterate d.necessitate e.reciprocate

8. Levina unknowingly ______ the thief by holding opentheelevator doors and ensuring his escape.a. coerced b. proclaimedc. abetted d. sanctioned e. solicited

9. Shakespeare, a(n) ______ writer, entertained audiences by

writing many tragic and comic plays.a. numeric b. obstinate c.dutiful d. prolific e. generic

10. I had the ______ experience of sitting next to anover-talkative passenger on my flight home from Brussels.a.satisfactory b. commendable c. galling d. acceptable e.acute

6. The dress Ariel wore ______ with small, glassy beads,creating ashimmering effect.a. titillated b. reiterated c.scintillated d. enthralled e. striated

7. Being able to afford this luxury car will ______ getting abetter payingjob.a. maximize b. recombinant c. reiterate d.necessitate e. reciprocate

8. Levina unknowingly ______ the thief by holding open theelevatordoors and ensuring his escape.

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a. coerced b. proclaimed c. abetted d. sanctioned e.solicited

9. Shakespeare, a(n) ______ writer, entertained audiences bywritingmany tragic and comic plays.a. numeric b. obstinate c.dutiful d. prolific e. generic

10. I had the ______ experience of sitting next to anover-talkativepassenger on my flight home from Brussels.a.satisfactory b. commendable c. galling d. acceptable e. acute

6. c.To scintillate (v.) means to emit or send forth sparks orlittleflashes of light, creating a shimmering effect; to sparkle.7.d.To necessitate (v.) means to make necessary, especially asaresult.8. c.To abet(v.) means to assist, encourage, urge, or aid,usually an

act of wrongdoing.9. d. Prolific (adj.) means abundantlycreative.10. c. Galling (adj.) means irritating, annoying, orexasperating.

Fill in the Blanks Practice Exercise - 3 & 4

11. Prince Phillip had to choose: marry the woman he loved and______his right to the throne, or marry Lady Fiona and inherit thecrown.a. reprimand b. upbraid c. abdicate d. winnow e. extol

12. If you will not do your work of your own ______, I have nochoice butto penalize you if it is not done on time.a. predilectionb. coercion c. excursion d. volition e. infusion

13. After sitting in the sink for several days, the dirty,food-encrusteddishes became ______.a. malodorous b. prevalent c.Imposing d. perforated e. emphatic

14. Giulia soon discovered the source of the ______ smell in theroom: aweek-old tuna sandwich that one of the children had hiddeninthe closet.a. quaint b. fastidious c. clandestine d. laconic e.fetid

15. After making ______ remarks to the President, the reporterwas notinvited to return to the White House pressroom.a. hospitableb. itinerant c. enterprising d. chivalrous e. irreverent

16. With her ______ eyesight, Krystyna spotted a trio of deer onthehillside and she reduced the speed of her car.

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a. inferior b. keen c. impressionable d. ductile e.conspiratorial

17. With a(n) ______ grin, the boy quickly slipped the candyinto hispocket without his mothers knowledge.a.jaundiced b.nefarious c. stereotypical d. sentimental e. impartial

18. Her ______ display of tears at work did not impress her newboss,who felt she should try to control her emotions.a. maudlin b.meritorious c. precarious d. plausible e. schematic

19. Johan argued, If you know about a crime but dont report it,youare ______ in that crime because you allowed it to happen.a.acquitted b. steadfast c. tenuous d. complicit e. nullified

20. The authorities, fearing a ______ of their power, called fora militarystate in the hopes of restoring order.

a. subversion b. premonition c. predilection d. infusion e.inversion

Ansewrs and explanations

11. c.To abdicate (v.) means to formally relinquish orsurrenderpower, office, or responsibility.12. d. Volition (n.)means accord; an act or exercise of will.13. a. Malodorous (adj.)means having a foul-smelling odor.14. e. Fetid(adj.) means having afoul or offensive odor, putrid.15. e. Irreverent(adj.) meanslacking respect or seriousness; not

reverent.16. b. Keen (adj.) means being extremely sensitive orresponsive;having strength of perception.17. b. Nefarious (adj.)means wicked, vicious, or evil.18. a. Maudlin (adj.) meansexcessively and weakly sentimental ortearfully emotional.19. d.Complicit(adj.) means participating in or associated withaquestionable act or a crime.20. a. Subversion (n.) means anoverthrow, as from the foundation.

Fill in the Blanks Practice Exercise - 5

21. The storys bitter antagonist felt such great ______ for allof theother characters that as a result, his life was very lonelyand he diedalone.a. insurgence b. malevolence c. reciprocation d.declamation e.preference

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22. It is difficult to believe that charging 20% on anoutstanding creditcard balance isnt ______!a. bankruptcy b. usuryc. novice d. kleptomania e. flagrancy

23. The ______ weather patterns of the tropical island meanttourists

had to carry both umbrellas and sunglasses.a. impertinent b.supplicant c. preeminent d. illustrative e.kaleidoscopic

24. Wedding ceremonies often include the exchange of ______rings tosymbolize the couples promises to each other.a. hirsute b.acrimonious c. plaintive d. deciduous e. votive

25. Kym was ______ in choosing her friends, so her partieswereattended by vastly different and sometimes bizarrepersonalities.a. indispensable b. indiscriminate c. commensurate d.propulsive e.

indisputable

Fill in the Blanks Practice Exercise - 6

26. Phillips ______ tone endeared him to his comical friends,butirritated his serious father.a. aloofb.jesting c. grave d.earnest e. conservative

27. Brians pale Irish skin was ______ to burn if he spent toomuch timein the sun.a. prone b. urbane c. eminent d. erect e.daunted

28. A fan of historical fiction, Joline is now reading a novelaboutslavery in the ______ South.a. decorous b. rogue c. droll d.antebellum e. onerous

29. Over the years the Wilsons slowly ______ upon theJacksonsproperty, moving the stone markers that divided their lotsfarther andfarther onto the Jacksons land.a. encroachedb.jettisoned c. conjoined d. repudiated e. teemed

30. Mary became ______ at typing because she practiced every dayforsix months.a. proficient b. reflective c. dormant d. redundante. valiant

Answers 21-30

21. b. Malevolence (n.) means ill will or malice toward others;hate.22. b. Usury(n.) is the lending of money at exorbitantinterest rates.

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23. e. Kaleidoscopic (adj.) means continually changing orquicklyshifting.24. e. Votive (adj.) means dedicated by a vow.25.b. Indiscriminate (adj.) means not discriminating orchoosingrandomly; haphazard; without distinction.

26. b.Jesting (adj.) means characterized by making jests;joking;playful.27. a. Prone (adj.) means a tendency or inclinationto something.28. d.Antebellum (adj.) means belonging to the periodbefore a war,especially the American Civil War.29. a.To encroach(v.) means to gradually or stealthily take the rightsor possessionsof another; to advance beyond proper or formal limits;trespass.30.a. Proficient(adj.) means well versed in any business or branchoflearning; adept.

Questions 31- 40

31. To find out what her husband bought for her birthday,Susanattempted to ______ his family members about his recentshoppingexcursions.a. prescribe b. probe c. alienate d. converge e.revere

32. Juans friends found him in a ______ mood after he learned hewouldbe homecoming king.a.jovial b. stealthy c. paltry d. gulliblee. depleted

33. His suit of armor made the knight ______ to his enemysattack, andhe was able to escape safely to his castle.a. vulnerableb. churlish c. invulnerable d. static e. imprudent

34. Choosing a small, fuel-efficient car is a ______ purchasefor a recentcollege graduate.a. corrupt b. tedious c. unhallowed d.sardonic e.judicious

35. Such a ______ violation of school policy should be punishedbynothing less than expulsion.a. copious b. flagrant c. raucous d.nominal e. morose

36. With all of the recent negative events in her life, she felt______forces must be at work.a. resurgent b. premature c. malignantd. punctilious e. antecedent

37. The ______ rumors did a great deal of damage even thoughtheyturned out to be false.

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a. bemused b. prosaic c. apocryphal d. ebullient e.tantamount

38. When her schoolwork got to be too much, Pam had a tendencyto______, which always put her further behind.a. dedicate b.rejuvenate c. ponder d. excel e. procrastinate

39. Rachas glance was a ______ invitation to speak later inprivateabout events of the meeting.a. treacherous b. scintillatingc. tactful d. tacit e. taboo

40. She reached the ______ of her career with her fourth novel,whichwon the Pulitzer Prize.a. harbinger b. apogee c. metamorphosisd. dictum e. synthesis

Answers 31-40

31. b.Toprobe (v.) is to examine thoroughly; tentativelysurvey.32. a.Jovial (adj.) means showing hearty good cheer; markedwith thespirit of jolly merriment.33. c. Invulnerable (adj.) meansincapable of being damaged orwounded; unassailable orinvincible.34. e.Judicious (adj.) means being wise or prudent;showing goodjudgment; sensible.35. b. Flagrant(adj.) meansconspicuously and outrageously bad,offensive, or reprehensible.36.c. Malignant(adj.) means disposed to cause distress orinflictsuffering intentionally; inclining to produce death; aninjurious

infiltration.37. c.Apocryphal (adj.) means of questionableauthenticity or doubtfulauthority; fictitious, false.38.e.Toprocrastinate (v.) is to put off from day to day.39. c.Tacit(adj.) means unspoken yet understood.40. b.Apogee (n.) meansthe highest or farthest point, culmination;the point in its orbitwhere a satellite is at the greatest distance fromthe body it isorbiting.

Exercise (Q No 41-50)

41. The ______ townspeople celebrated the soldiers return to hishomeby adorning trees with yellow ribbons and balloons.a. somberb.jubilant c. pitiless d. cunning e. unsullied

42. The governor-elect was hounded by a group of ______lobbyists andothers hoping to gain favor with her administration.a.facetious b. abstruse c. magnanimous d. fawning e. saccharine

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43. The mock graduation ceremonywith a trained skunk posingasthe college presidentwas a complete ______ that offendedmanycollege officials.a. tempest b. epitome c. quintessence d.travesty e. recitative

44. The busy, ______ fabric of the clowns tie matched hisoversizedjacket, which was equally atrocious.a. mottled b. bleak c.credible d. malleable e. communicable

45. Kendricks talent ______ under the tutelage of AnyaKowalonek, whoas a young woman had been the most accomplishedpianist in hernative Lithuania.a. bantered b. touted c. flourishedd. embellished e. colluded

46. The children were ______ by the seemingly nonsensical cluesuntil

Kinan pointed out that the messages were in code.a. censured b.striated c. feigned d. prevaricated e. flummoxed

47. As the ______ in Romeo and Juliet, Romeo is a hero able tocapturethe audiences sympathy by continually professing his lovefor Juliet.a. protagonist b. enigma c. faade d. activist e.catechist

48. The chess master promised to ______ havoc upon hisopponentspawns for taking his bishop.a. wreak b. warrant c. ensued. placate e. endow

49. I have always admired Seymours ______; Ive never seenhimrattled by anything.a. aplomb b. confluence c. propriety d.compunction e. nostalgia

50. The soldiers received a military ______ to inspect all theirvehiclesbefore traveling.a. allotment b. dominion c. affectation d.calculation e. mandate

41. b.Jubilant(adj.) means rejoicing; expressing joyfulness;exulting.42. d. Fawning (adj.) means attempting to win favor orattention byexcessive flattery, ingratiating displays of affection,or servile

compliance; obsequious.43. d. Travesty(n.) means a parody; agrotesque imitation with theintent to ridicule.44. a. Mottled(adj.)means blotched or spotted with different colors orshades.45. c.Toflourish (v.) is (of artists) to be in a state of highproductivity,excellence, or influence; to grow luxuriously, thrive;to fare well,prosper, increase in wealth, honor, comfort orwhatever is desirable; to

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make bold, sweeping movements.46. e.To flummox(v.) is toconfuse, perplex, bewilder.47. a. Aprotagonist(n.) is the maincharacter in a drama.48. a.To wreak(v.) means to inflict, as arevenge or punishment.49. a.Aplomb (n.) is self-assurance,composure, poise, especially

under strain.50. e. Mandate (n.) is a command or authoritativeinstruction.

51. As ______ beings we live each day conscious of ourshortcomingsand victories.a. sensational b. sentient c. sentimentald. static e. senile

52. The curious crowd gathered to watch the irate customer______about the poor service he received in the restaurant.a.antiquate b. trivialize c. rant d. placate e. fetter

53. The mans ______ driving resulted in a four-car pile-up onthefreeway.a. burdensome b. charismatic c. exceptional d. boastfule. negligent

54. Ron didnt know the rules of rugby, but he could tell by thecrowdsreaction that it was a critical ______ in the game.a.acclamation b. conviction c.juncture d. enigma e. revelation

55. My ancestor who lost his life in the Revolutionary War was a______for American independence.a. knave b. reactionary c.compatriot d. nonconformist e. martyr

56. The ______ sound of the radiator as it released steam becameanincreasingly annoying distraction.a. sibilant b. scintillating c.diverting d. sinuous e. scurrilous

57. It is helpful for salesmen to develop a good ______ withtheircustomers in order to gain their trust.a. platitude b. rapportc. ire d. tribute e. disinclination

58. In such a small office setting, the office manager found hehad______ responsibilities that required knowledge in a variety ofdifferent

topics.a. heedless b. complementary c. mutual d. manifold e.correlative

59. Davids ______ entrance on stage disrupted the scene andcausedthe actors to flub their lines.a. untimely b. precise c.lithe d. fortuitous e. tensile

60. The settlers found an ideal location with plenty of ______land for

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farming and a mountain stream for fresh water and irrigation.a.candid b. provincial c. arable d. timid e. quaint

51. b. Sentient(adj.) means possessing the power of senseorsenseperception; conscious.

52. c.To rant(v.) means to speak loudly or violently.53. e.Negligent(adj.) means to habitually lack in giving proper careorattention; having a careless manner.54. c.Juncture (n.) is apoint of time, especially one that is at a criticalpoint.55. e. Amartyr(n.) is one who sacrifices something of supreme value,such asa life, for a cause or principle; a victim; one whosuffersconstantly.56. a. Sibilant(adj.) means characterized by ahissing sound.57. b. A rapport(n.) is a relationship that is usefuland harmonious.58. d. Manifold(adj.) means many and varied; of manykinds; multiple.

59. a. Untimely(adj.) means happening before the proper time.60.c.Arable (adj.) means suitable for cultivation, fit for plowingandfarming productively.

Exercise (61-70)

61. The ______ seventh-grader towered over the other players onhisbasketball team.a. gangling b. studious c. mimetic d. abject e.reserved

62. Carson was at first flattered by the ______ of his newcolleagues,but he soon realized that their admiration restedchiefly on hisconnections, not his accomplishments.a. reprisal b.adulation c. bulwark d. rapport e. retinue

63. For a(n) ______ fee, it is possible to upgrade from regulargasolineto premium.a. nominal b.judgmental c. existential d.bountiful e.jovial

64. Searching frantically to find the hidden jewels, thethievesproceeded to ______ the entire house.a.justify b. darken c.amplify d. ransack e. glorify

65. The ______ deer stuck close to its mother when venturing outintothe open field.a. starling b. foundling c. yearling d.begrudging e. hatchling

66. The police officer ______ the crowd to step back from thefire sothat no one would get hurt.

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a. undulated b. enjoined c. stagnated d. permeated e.delineated

67. Jacksons poor typing skills were a ______ to findingemployment atthe nearby office complex.a. benefit b. hindrance c.partiality d. temptation e. canon

68. Through ______, the chef created a creamy sauce bycombiningbrown sugar, butter, and cinnamon in a pan and cookingthem overmedium-high heat.a. impasse b. obscurity c. decadence d.diversion e. liquefaction

69. The defendant claimed that he was innocent and thathisconfession was ______.a. coerced b. flagrant c. terse d. benigne. futile

70. Harvey was discouraged that his visa application was ______due to

his six convictions.a. lethargic b. immeasurable c. nullified d.segregated e. aggravated

Answers

61. a. Gangling (adj.) means awkward, lanky, or unusually talland thin.62. b.Adulation (n.) means strong or excessive admirationor praise;fawning flattery.63. a. Nominal (adj.) means small,virtually nothing, or much below theactual value of a thing.64.d.To ransack(v.) means to thoroughly search, to plunder,pillage.

65. c. Ayearling (n.) is a young animal past its first year butnot yettwo years old.66. b.To enjoin (v.) means to issue an orderor command; to direct orimpose with authority.67. b. Hindrance (n.)is an impediment or obstruction; a state of beinghindered; a causeof being prevented or impeded.68. e. Liquefaction (n.) is theprocess of liquefying a solid or making aliquid.69. a.To coerce(v.) is to force to do through pressure, threats, orintimidation;to compel.70. c.To nullify(v.) means to make invalid ornonexistent.

Exercise (71-80)

71. The rebel spies were charged with ______ and put on trial.a.sedition b. attrition c. interaction d. reiteration e.perdition

72. Keith was ______ in his giving to friends and charitiesthroughout

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the year, not just during the holidays.a. munificent b. portlyc. amphibious d. guileful e. forensic

73. Calvin reached the ______ of his career in his earlythirties when hebecame president and CEO of a software company.

a. zephyr b. plethora c. vale d. nocturne e. zenith

74. Although Id asked a simple yes or no question, Irfansreplywas ______, and I didnt know how to interpret it.a. prodigalb. irate c. equivocal d. voracious e. harrowing

75. The high-profile company CEO was given an ______ forspeaking atthe monthly meeting of the area business leaderssociety.a. expiation b. honorarium c. inoculation d. interpretatione.inquisition

76. Zachary was doomed to a miserable life, for no matter howmuchhe had, he always ______ the possessions of others.a.protractedb. exaltedc. engenderedd. covetede. filibustered

77. Sheilas grueling hike included passing through numerous______.a. terrariumsb. neoprene

c.jurisdictionsd. ravinese. belfries

78. The college professor was known on campus as a______characterbland but harmless and noble in his ideals.a.staidb. stagnantc. auspiciousd. sterilee. dogmatic

79. Because he was so ______, the athlete was able to completetheobstacle course in record time.a. belligerentb. nimblec.demured. volatilee. speculative

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80. The toy stores extensive inventory offered a ______ of toysfrombaby items to video games for teenagers.a. manifoldb.lexicon

c. burrowd. gamute. motif

Answers 71-80

71. a. Sedition (n.) means resistance, insurrection; conductdirectedagainst public order and the tranquility of the state.72.a. Munificent(adj.) means extremely generous or liberal ingiving;lavish.73. e.Zenith (n.) means the highest point of any pathor course.

74. c. Equivocal (adj.) means open to two or moreinterpretations,ambiguous and often intended to mislead; open toquestion, uncertain.75. b. Honorarium (n.) is payment or reward forservices for whichpayment is not usually required.76. d.Tocovet(v.) is to wish or long for; to feel immoderate desire forthatwhich belongs to another.77. d. A ravine (n.) is a deep narrowcanyon.78. a. Staid(adj.) means of a steady and sober character;prudentlyreserved and colorless.79. b. Nimble (adj.) is quick andlight in movement, to be agile.80. d. A gamut(n.) is an entirerange or a whole series.

you people are too fast. thanks for making it so popular in afewdays.

Questions 81 -90

81. With sunscreen and a good book, April ______ by the pool inherlounge chair while the children swam.a. ensconced b. sustainedc. expelled d. transcended e. lolled

82. NaQuan had a terrible habit of boasting so much about hissmallestaccomplishments that his ______ became renowned throughoutthesmall college campus.a. vainglory b. timidity c. diffidence d.tempestuousness e. mockery

83. Only a small number of people in the audience laughed atthecomics ______ sense of humor, while the rest found him to betoosarcastic.

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a. consequential b. avaricious c. venturous d. dauntless e.mordant

84. He has long been a(n) ______ of year-round school, believingitwould significantly improve learning and ease the burden onworkingparents.

a. advocate b. levity c. detractor d. epiphany e.connoisseur

85. Tired of hearing the child whine for more candy, thebabysitterfinally ______ and offered him a piece of chocolate.a.relented b. abated c. rendered d. placated e. enumerated

86. Dogs growl and show their teeth in an attempt to ______ theanimalor person they perceive as a threat.a. bolster b. waylay c.cow d. exacerbate e. appease

87. In biology class, Sabine observed the slugs ______, itsbarely

discernible movement in the tank.a. parody b. prescience c.torpor d. insight e. vigor

88. The ______ instinct of a watchdog is to attack strangers whoenterits home.a.judicious b. intimate c. pragmatic d. melancholy e.primal

89. The battalions ______ was a well-fortified structure nearthe enemylines.a. labyrinth b. summary c. villa d. vinculum e.garrison

90. Much to my surprise, my teenage daughter was ______ to theideaof going out with me on Friday night instead of with herfriends.a. contrite b. impartial c. partisan d. deferential e.amenable

Questions

91. The enormous waves forced the lobster boat to ______ heavilytothe starboard side, causing crates of lobsters to topple and fallinto theocean.a. trifle b. degenerate c. list d. expedite e.disseminate

92. Walking through the ______ forest in spring was a welcomeescapefrom the cold, gray winter we had spent in the city.a. pliantb. verdant c. factious d. bland e. innocuous

93. Nina called the humane society when she saw her neighbor______his dog.a. mandate b. forebode c. maltreat d. stipulate e.peruse

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94. Meredith used the ______ to steer the horse and keep him inline.a.jolt b. bristle c. chine d. quirt e. hearth

95. Oliver was unable to ______ himself from the difficulties hehadcaused by forging the documents.

a. reprove b. pique c. oust d. extricate e. broach

96. The ______ of our expedition was still so far away that Ifelt wewould never get there.a. nadir b. terminus c. speculation d.apex e. dungeon

97. If he expected to ______ as a doctor, Lou knew he would havetostudy hard in medical school and work long hours to gainexperienceand skill.a. perpetrate b. palliate c. palpitate d.prosper e. mediate

98. Doc Wilson grew up in Florida and was not prepared to facethe______ climate of the Alaskan winter.a. freshwater b. gelid c.compendious d. subsidiary e. improvident

99. Marvins ______ prevented him from finishing his work andwasevidenced in his large phone bills.a. loquacity b. heroism c.decadence d. depreciation e. rescission

100. The graph clearly showed the company reaching the ______inprofits during the 1980s when the economy was in a boom period.a.narthex b. gullet c. gamut d. quiescence e. vertex

Answers

81. e.To loll (v.) is to lean, recline, or act lazily orindolently; lounge.82. a. Vainglory(n.) means excessive,pretentious, and demonstrativevanity.83. e. Mordant(adj.) meansbitingly sarcastic or harshly caustic.84. a. An advocate (n.) isone who argues for a cause, a supporter ordefender; one who pleadson anothers behalf.85. a.To relent(v.) means to yield or comply.86.c.To cow (v.) is to intimidate, frighten with threats or showofforce.87. c. Torpor(n.) means extreme sluggishness; lethargy orapathy;dullness.88. e. Primal (adj.) means primary, the first inorder or the original;primitive.89. e. A garrison (n.) is a fort oroutpost where troops are stationed;any military post.

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90. e.Amenable (adj.) means disposed or willing tocomply;responsive, willing; responsible to a higher authority,accountable.91. c.To list(v.) (related to a vessel) is to inclineor to cause to lean toone side.92. b. Verdant(adj.) means greenwith vegetation.

93. c.To maltreat(v.) means to treat poorly; abuse.94. d. Aquirt(n.) is a riding whip with a short handle and braidedrawhideleash.95. d.To extricate (v.) is to release from an entanglement ordifficulty,disengage.96. b.The terminus (n) is the final point orgoal; the final stop on atransportation line.97. d.Toprosper(v.)means to be successful.98. b. Gelid(adj.) means icy or extremelycold; possessing a cold orunfriendly manner.99. a. Loquacity(n.) istalkativeness; the state of continual talking.

100. e. Vertex(n.) means the highest point of anything; the apexorsummit.

101. Amie agrees with the ______ that the grass is alwaysgreener onthe other side of the fence.a. perpetuityb. penchantc.maximd. conformatione. fortitude

102. Victor Frankensteins creature was a(n) ______, detestedbyeveryone he met.a. itinerantb. anathemac. cosmopolitand.mercenarye. anomaly

103. Jack Nicholson was at the ______ of his career when hereceivedthe Oscar for Best Actor.a. detriment

b. pinnaclec. oligarchyd. roguee. repose

104. Ariana was outstanding as the moderator; she handledtheintensely heated debate with great ______, diplomatically andtactfullykeeping the conversation fair and on track.

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a. finesseb. pretentiousnessc. prowessd. succore. aversion

105. The class endured a loud and lengthy ______ by the teacheron thesubject of submitting written work on time.a. guileb.polemicc. bravadod. tiradee. heresy

106. Laurens ______ features, what you first noticed about her,wereher stunning black hair and large, dark eyes.

a. savvyb. affluentc. predominantd. universale. malicious

107. Whenever Tom and I would argue he would ______ with hishandsand body to accentuate his point.a. interjectb. infusec.gesticulate

d. conjuree. encumber

108. Must we be subjected to your ______ complaints all daylong?a. tiresomeb. fearsomec. awesomed. gleesomee. wholesome

109. The new political candidate refused to print ______ abouther

aggressive opponent, but that did not stop him from printinglies abouther.a. dispensationb. assignationc. renditiond. libele.compunction

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110. Awkwardly tall and prone to tripping over her own feet,Grace felther name was truly a ______.a. misnomerb. preoccupationc.universality

d. garrulitye. benevolence

Answers 101 -110

101. c. Maxim (n.) is an established principle or a generaltruth, often acondensed version of a practical truth.102. b. Ananathema (n.) is one who is detested or shunned; one whois cursedor damned; a curse or vehement denunciation; a formal ban,curse, orexcommunication.103. b. Apinnacle (n.) is the highest level ordegree available.

104. a. Finesse (n.) is the subtle, skillful handling of asituation,diplomacy, tact; refined or delicate performance orexecution.105. d. A tirade (n.) is a long and blusterous speechgiven especiallywhen the speaker is denouncing someone orsomething.106. c. Predominant(adj.) means most dominant, common,orfrequent; to have surpassing power, influence, or authority.107.c.To gesticulate (v.) means to use gestures or make motions;expressthrough motion, especially while speaking.108. a. Tiresome (adj.)means causing to be weary.109. d. Libel (n.) is defamatory writing;misrepresentative publication(writing, pictures, signs) thatdamages a persons reputation.

110. a. Misnomer(n.) is a misnaming of a person or place; awrong orunsuitable name.

111. Although the villagers lives were profoundly different fromherown, Jing-Mae felt a deep ______ for the people when she servedin thePeace Corps.a. reparation b. affinity c. injunction d.exigency e. analogy

112. Sometimes late at night Sharon would gaze joyfully atherchildren as they slept and ______ in their innocence.a. sneer b.ostracize c. revel d. repudiate e. antiquate

113. In the famous balcony scene, Romeo ______ Juliets beauty inoneof the most romantic soliloquies ever written.a. sanctions b.extols c. peruses d. beguiles e. fetters

114. It was ______ to think that it could possibly snow in themiddle ofthe desert.a. advantageous b. philosophical c. eroding d.preventative e.

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preposterous

115. Every evening at the restaurant, the reporter wouldeavesdrop onthe Mayors conversations in order to ______ anyinformation that couldmake headlines.

a. ignore b. glean c. extol d. extend e. narrate

116. The surgeon placed a ______ on the femoral artery to binditduring the long and exhausting surgery.a. ligature b. doctrinecpremise d. synopsis e. degeneration

117. By sheer ______ force, the men pushed the truck to the sideof theroad and out of danger.a. virile b. persnickety c. meticulousd. suave e. contentious

118. Based on his recent poor decisions, it was obvious thatSeth

lacked even a ______ of good sense.a. debasem*nt b. diversion c.disapprobation d. submission e.modicum

119. To settle the dispute, the students elected a facultymember toserve as a(n) ______.a. maverick b. dystopia c. arbiter d.fiduciary e. martyr

120. The ______ newspaper accounts of the city scandal causedsomereaders to question the truth of the stories.a. lurid b.vivacious c. blithesome dprolific e. amicable

Explanation 111 - 120

111. b. An affinity(n.) is a natural attraction or liking; afeeling ofkinship, connection or closeness, similarity;relationship by marriage.112. c.To revel (v.) is to take greatpleasure or delight.113. b.To extol (v.) means to praise highly,exalt, glorify.114. e. Preposterous (adj.) means contrary to commonsense or utterlyabsurd.115. b.To glean (v.) means to gather orcollect slowly; to learn ordiscover bit by bit.116. a. A ligature(n.) is something that ties or binds up, such as abandage, wire, orcord.117. a. Virile (adj.) means having masculine strength;vigorous orenergetic.118. e. Modicum (n.) is a small or tokenamount.119. c. An arbiter(n.) is one selected or appointed to judgeor decide adisputed issue, an arbitrator; someone with the power tosettle matters

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at will.120. a. Lurid(adj.) means glaringly sensational orvivid; shocking.

121. The ______ man with amnesia was unable to recognize wherehewas.

a. endogenous b. euphoric c. nonplussed d. amicable e.pliable

122. Justins ______ solution to the problem revealed that he didnotspend much time considering the consequences.a. facile b.obsolete c. resilient d. pristine e. ardent

123. The events of the evening ______ without difficulty despitethelack of planning on the part of the host.a. expired b.transpired c. retired d. ensured e. extorted

124. It is every American persons ______ to live the life he orshe

chooses.a. composite b. eloquence c. prerogative d. allusion e.demise

125. After the boisterous customers left the caf withouttipping,Carlos ______ at them through the restaurants frontwindow.a. interjected b.jostled c. glowered d. emulatedeskulked

126. People often referred to Noelle as ______ because shetrustedeveryone and even slept with her doors unlocked.a. nave b.elevated c. boastful d. panoramic e. elated

127. Kinnels re-election is being threatened by a growing ______ofdisgruntled union members.a. rogue b. faction c. pariah d. guisee. anathema

128. The peasants passed their weary days in much ______ andlittlecomfort.a. pertinence b. renown c. travail d. exile e.repose

129. Lyasia is a ______ of the clarinet; she has performed soloswithmany orchestras and bands around the world.a. neophyte b.novice c. virtuoso d. termagant e. plethora

130. The children knew that once their father made his decision,thenew rule would be ______ because he would never change hismind.

131. The haunted house displayed ______ scenes in everyroom,causing squeamish visitors to scream.a. preparatory b. archaicc. macabre d. precocious e. impetuous

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132. The concert audience was frustrated by the poor ______ ofthesounds coming from the speakers.a. modulation b. recriminationc. terminus d. dissidence e. assertion

133. Please dont ______ me my successIve worked hard to earnthis

promotion!a. renege b. begrudge c. excise d. staunch e.vaunt

134. With an ______ blow of the whistle, the meddlingparentinterrupted the game to reiterate the rules of thetournament.a. industrious b. illustrious c. eloquent d. officiouse. enviable

135. The candidates inappropriately sexist remark was met witha______ of denunciations from the angry crowd.a. bastion b.fusillade c. mlange d. dichotomy e. solecism

136. The ______ employee decided to complain publicly abouttheunacceptable working conditions.a. discreet b. prudent c.precarious d. malcontent e. stupendous

137. The medicine man applied a sweet smelling ______ to theyoungbraves wounds.a. triad b. corrosive c. parcel d. unguent e.pungent

138. The judge dismissed the extraneous evidence because it wasnot______ to the trial.a. pertinent b. pretentious c. synonymous d.abject e. inalienable

139. The ______ nature of the song is supposed to be reminiscentofshepherds calling to their flocks at night.a. vocative b. endemicc. surreptitious d. preternatural e. inane

140. The ______ child caused great difficulties for her parentsandteachers because she refused to correct her bad behavior eveninthe face of punishment.a. adorable b. sincere c. incorrigible d.lamentable e. demure

141. The internist decided to treat the ______ with medication,but also

recommended rest and proper nutrition.a. malady b. nonentity c.missive d. repository e. nonchalance

142. It was such a beautiful day that I decided to go for a______ on mybike down to the local park.a. expedition b.jaunt c.pilgrimage d. repast e. intimation

143. The castaways hut was ______ by the natives curious to seewho

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the intruder was upon their island.a. beset b. surmised c.precluded d. garnered e. lauded

144. Sometimes my grandmother would ______ all different typesofthread so she could include more colors in the clothes shesewed.

a. daunt b. raddle c. scrabble d. thrush e. empower

145. The defense attorneys choice of words ______ that therewereother possible versions of the crime, but the jury wasunconvinced.a. pervaded b. insinuated c. discounted d. imposed e.ensconced146. Teds enthusiasm for becoming a professional drumplayer ______when he realized he would have to practice severalhours a day.a. waxed b. waned c. deranged d. flouted e.preempted

147. Some would say Muzak is a(n) ______ form of music, a kindofbackground noise designed to be heard but not listened to.

a. arable b. degenerate c. volatile d. pivotal e. exemplary

148. The teacher was dismissed for the ______ act of helpinghisstudents cheat on the exam.a. steadfast b. meritorious c.unconscionable d. pristine e. fortuitous

149. The reformed criminal could not forget his guilty past; hewas in aliving state of ______.a. perdition b. tact c. composure d.principle e. veracity

150. The ______ yoga instructor waited patiently for herstudents to

find the proper pose, which she performed with ease.a. unabashedb. lissome c. cosmopolitan d. sneering e. disparaging

121. c. Nonplussed(adj.) means greatly perplexed, filledwithbewilderment.122. a. Facile (adj.) means arrived at or achievedwith little difficulty oreffort, thus lacking depth, superficial;performing or speakingeffectively with effortless ease and fluency,adroit, eloquent.123. b.To transpire (v.) means to come to pass, tooccur.124. c. Prerogative (n.) means an exclusive or special rightorprivilege.

125. c.To glower(v.) means to stare angrily or sullenly, tolookintently with anger or dislike.126. a. Nave (adj.) meanslacking worldly experience; possessing achildlike innocence orsimplicity.127. b. A faction (n.) is a group or clique within alarger group, usuallya minority, acting in unison in opposition tothe larger group; internaldissension, conflict within anorganization, nation, or other group.128. c. Travail (n.) meanshard or agonizing labor.

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129. c. Virtuoso (n.) means a master in the technique ofsomeparticular fine art.130. a. Irrevocable (adj.) meansirreversible; not able to be revoked orrecalled.131. c. Macabre(adj.) means ghastly, horrible, or gruesome.

132. a. Modulation (n.) a regulation by or adjustment to acertainmeasure, such as in music or radio waves.133. b.To begrudge(v.) means to envy the possession or enjoymentof; to give or allowwith reluctance.134. d. Officious (adj.) means marked by excessiveeagerness inoffering unwanted services or advice to others;unofficial.135. b. A fusillade (n.) is a barrage; a rapid dischargeof firearms,simultaneously or in rapid succession.136. d.Malcontent(adj.) means dissatisfied, uneasy or discontent;arebel.137. d. An unguent(n.) is any soothing or healing ointmentor

lubricant for local application.138. a. Pertinent(adj.) meansapplicable, related to the subject matterat hand.139. a. Vocative(adj.) means pertaining to the act of calling.140. c. Incorrigible(adj.) means bad to the point of being beyondcorrection;uncontrollable; impervious to change.141. a. Malady(n.) is adisease or disorder.142. b. Ajaunt(n.) is usually a short journeytaken for pleasure.143. a.To beset(v.) means to surround on allsides; to annoy orharass persistently; to decorate with jewels.144.b.To raddle (v.) means to twist together, to intertwine.

145. b.To insinuate (v.) is to hint or suggest; to intimate.146.b.To wane (v.) means to diminish in intensity or size.147. b.Degenerate (adj.) means having declined in quality or value,reducedfrom a former or original state, to degrade.148. c. Unconscionable(adj.) means not restrained by conscience;unscrupulous.149. a.Perdition (n.) the most modern use of the word meanseternaldamnation, or a hell.150. b. Lissome (adj.) means lithe orlithesome, usually related to thebody; moving or bending easily orlimber.

151. When we first meet Romeo, he is ______ over his unrequitedlovefor Rosaline.a. brooding b. ogling c. meandering d.embellishing e. groveling

152. Because it had been worn and washed so often, Linussfavoritetshirtwas tattered and ______ with holes.a. salvaged b.circulated c. riddled d. emulated e. congregated

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153. Henleys ______ remarks about my presentation did not bothermebecause I knew Id done a good job.a. derogatory b. voracious c.tactile d. capricious e. amiable

154. Eels swim using a rapid ______ motion that propels themthroughthe water.a. dissipating b. undulating c. eradicating d.objurgating e. irritating

155. Sick and tired of her boring job, Cecilia began to ______what itwould be like to quit.a. ponder b. disengage c. negate d.relinquish e. alleviate

156. The way my father likes to ______with any salesperson tosee if hecan bargain for a lower price is embarrassing.a. striateb. variegate c. capitulate d. teem e. wrangle

157. The ______ construction crew built large new buildings allover theEast Coast, wherever the demand for qualified workers tookthem.a. laconic b. irresolute c. itinerant d. parietal e.peremptory

158. The CEOs large expense accounts proved she was a______spender with the companys money.a. injurious b. ineffectualc. liberal d. malignant e. insolvent

159. Daniela found the unchanging rhythm of the musical piece tobeannoyingly ______.

a. recusant b. monotonous c. irreverent d. coherent e.redolent

160. The young, thin boy surprised his wrestling opponent withhis______ strength.a. fraudulent b. wiry c. frolicsome d.pretentious e. endemic

151. a.To brood(v.) is to be in deep thought, to think moodilyoranxiously about something; to cover over, as with wings, in ordertoprotect; to hang over, as of something threatening, dark, ormenacing,to loom; to be silent or sullen, sulk; to sit on or hatcheggs.152. c.To riddle (v.) means to pierce with many holes.

153. a. Derogatory(adj.) means tending to lessen in value, todetractor diminish; disparaging, belittling, injurious.154. b.Undulating (adj.) means characterized by a wavelike motion.155.a.Toponder(v.) is to weigh carefully in the mind.156. e.To wrangle(v.) means to bicker, dispute, create a noisyargument.157. c.Itinerant(adj.) means traveling from one place to another,usuallyon a planned course; working in one place for a short while

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before moving onto another place to work; wandering.158. c.Liberal (adj.) means characterized by generosity or awillingness togive freely in large amounts; untraditional or broad-minded inbeliefs.159. b. Monotonous (adj.) means tediously lacking invariety;

unvarying; repetitious.160. b. Wiry(adj.) means thin, but toughand sinewy.

161. The new actresss talents were severely ______ by the localcritics;she went on to be a distinguished member of awell-respected actingcompany.a. underrated b. berated c. placatedd. dissuaded e. interred

162. To hide his insecurity, Barton often acted like a ______ sothat hecould make people laugh.a. buffoon b. martyr c. neophyte d.plebian e. wraith

163. When Arnolds grandmother began to complain abouttheexcruciating pain in her knees and legs, she was referred to an______specialist for a diagnosis.a. optical b. oral c.archeological d. osteopathic e. psychological

164. Charlies ______ behavior made it clear that he had beenhighlyeducated in matters of etiquette.a. decorous b. surreptitiousc. erratic d. caustic e. irksome

165. Staring at the ______ crystal blue water of the sea, Eileenthought

she had never seen anything so beautiful.a. flamboyant b.appalling c. devious d. pristine e. fiery

166. Wearing the designers latest fashions, the ______ clothingmodelsashayed down the runway.a.jaunty b. tranquil c. fanatical d.recessive e. contemplative

167. Given his ______ nature, it was appropriate that he decidedto be atrial lawyer after law school.a. lackluster b. engrossed c.penitent d. litigious e. obsolete

168. After her relationship ended, Patty, feeling ______,insisted onplaying sad love songs repeatedly.a. infallible b.plausible c. formative d. mawkish e. persuasive

169. Sanji went abroad as a ______ young man; when he returnedtwoyears later, he seemed like an experienced man of the world.a.sardonic b. egalitarian c. reticent d. callow e. loquacious

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170. Normally distinguished and reserved, Robert would act______when he joined his friends to cheer for their old high schoolteam atannual the homecoming game.a. indignant b. oafish c.poignant d. reputable e. obdurate

161. a. Underrated(adj.) means undervalued.162. a. A buffoon(n.) is a ludicrous or bumbling person, a fool;someone given toclowning and amusing others through ridiculousbehavior; a clown orjester.163. d. Osteopathic (adj.) means a system of medicinepertaining tothe bone and skeletal system.164. a. Decorous (adj.)means characterized by good taste in mannersand conduct, exhibitingpropriety or decorum, proper.165. d. Pristine (adj.) means pure,fresh and clean, as if new; originalor primitive.166.a.Jaunty(adj.) means sprightly in manner; stylish or smart in

dress.167. d. Litigious (adj.) means inclined to disagree ordispute,especially in lawsuits; argumentative.168. d. Mawkish(adj.) means characterized by excessivesentimentality; overlyemotional.169. d. Callow (adj.) means lacking maturity orexperience; immature,nave.170. b. Oafish (adj.) means actingstupid, goofy, or clumsy.