Vocabulary Quiz on Key Terms

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of an anodyne?

To relieve pain or discomfort (correct)

To stimulate appetite

To induce sleep

To enhance brain function

What does it mean to anoint someone?

To put oil on in a religious ceremony (correct)

To criticize severely

To declare someone guilty

To honor someone with a gift

Which term best describes an anomaly?

A regular occurrence

A common trait

An irregularity or deviation from the norm (correct)

A predictable pattern

Which of the following best defines antagonism?

Hostility or active opposition Signup and view all the answers

What does 'asylum' refer to?

A place providing safety or shelter Signup and view all the answers

What is the closest meaning of the term apocalypse?

A cataclysm or revelation of destruction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'asymmetric'?

Not identical on both sides Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to 'attest'?

To bear witness or testify Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a synonym for anodyne?

Stimulating agent Signup and view all the answers

What does 'austere' imply about a person's lifestyle?

It is forbiddingly stern and devoid of comfort. Signup and view all the answers

Why might someone undergo an anointing?

To mark a spiritual or ceremonial blessing Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a gradual decrease in numbers or strength?

Attrition Signup and view all the answers

Identifying an anomaly often requires understanding what?

Standard norms and behaviors Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the term 'audacious'?

Daring and bold Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a mechanism that imitates human actions?

Automaton Signup and view all the answers

What does 'aversion' denote?

A firm dislike. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'atrophy' refer to in a biological context?

Wasting away of muscles and tissue Signup and view all the answers

Which term means to prevent or avoid something?

Avert Signup and view all the answers

What does 'astute' mean?

Wise and shrewd Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'atemporal'?

Independent of time Signup and view all the answers

What does 'august' typically refer to?

An impressive or majestic quality. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean if a situation is 'auspicious'?

It favors success and indicates future positive outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

Which word describes someone who is eager or greedy for something?

Avid Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of 'authenticate'?

To prove genuine. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Annul

Make void, or to cancel.

Elope

To run away secretly with the intention of getting married.

Anodyne

A drug that relieves pain or trouble.
Can also be used as an adjective to describe a statement that is bland or inoffensive, for example, "His speech was anodyne and avoided all controversial issues."

Anoint

To consecrate, especially in a religious ceremony, by putting oil on someone.
An example is to anoint a king or a priest.

Anomalous

Abnormal, irregular, or deviating from what is standard.
For example, "The scientist found an anomalous result in the data that required further investigation."

Anomaly

An irregularity or deviation from the norm.
Can also be used to describe something unusual, for example, "The discovery of a dinosaur fossil in Antarctica is an anomaly."

Anonymity

The state of being nameless or anonymous.
Adjective: Anonymous

Antagonism

Hostility or active opposition.
Verb: Antagonize - To cause someone to become an enemy.
There are many examples of antagonism in politics and in social movements.

Antecede

To precede or come before something else.

Antecedents

Preceding events that influence what comes later.
Can also refer to one's ancestors or early background.

Antediluvian

Antiquated or extremely ancient, dating back to a time before the biblical flood.
An example is "The old man's views on technology were antediluvian."

Anthem

A song of praise or patriotism, for example: "The national anthem."

Anthology

A collection of literary selections by various authors.
An example is "This anthology features poems by a number of American poets from the 20th century."

Anthropoid

Manlike, resembling a human being.

Anthropologist

A student of the history and science of humankind.

Anthropomorphic

Having human form or characteristics.
An example is "The ancient Greeks often portrayed their gods in anthropomorphic forms."

Anticlimax

A letdown in thought or emotion, something unexciting that happens after something important or exciting.
For example, “The party started off with a bang, but ended in an anticlimax when the DJ quit early.”

Antidote

A remedy for a poison or disease.
Can also be used metaphorically to describe something that counteracts a negative effect, for example: "After a day of stress, a hot bath is an antidote to my worries."

Antipathy

A strong aversion or dislike.

Antiquated

Obsolete or old-fashioned, no longer relevant.
For example, an antiquated computer system.

Antiseptic

A substance that prevents infection in a wound.
It can also be used as an adjective, for example: “Use an antiseptic wipe to clean the surface.”

Antithesis

A contrast or direct opposite of or to something else.
For example: "Love is the antithesis of hate."
Adjectives: Antithetic or antithetical

Anvil

An iron block used in hammering out metals.

Apathy

Lack of caring, indifference, or lack of concern or interest in important matters.
For example: "The apathy of the students towards the election was disappointing."
Adjective: Apathetic

Ape

To imitate or mimic someone's behavior or manner.
For example, “The child was aping his father's mannerisms."

Aperture

An opening, hole or an adjustable opening in a camera to limit the amount of light that enters.

Apex

The tip, summit, climax or the highest point of something.
For example: “The company reached the apex of its success in the 1990s.”

Aphasia

Loss of speech due to injury or illness.

Aphorism

A pithy maxim or saying.
For example: "The early bird gets the worm."

Assurance

A firm statement that something is certainly true.
It can be a promise or a pledge.
It also means certainty; confidence in one's own ability.
An example is “I gave you my assurance that I would be there.”
Verb: Assure, to tell firmly with confidence, to ensure something will happen, or to make someone feel confident.
Adjective: Assured, meaning self-assured or confident in one's ability.

Asteroid

A small planet, or a rocky body orbiting the sun.

Astigmatism

An eye defect that prevents proper focus.

Astral

Relating to the stars.
An example is "The astronaut was fascinated by the astral bodies she observed from space."

Astringent

Binding, causing contraction.
An example is “an astringent solution to stop bleeding.”
Can also be used to describe something harsh or severe, for example: "The reviewer's astringent criticism of the film was brutal."

Astronomical

Enormously large or extensive, for example: “The company’s profits were astronomical.”

Astute

Wise, shrewd, or keen.
This means to quickly see something that is to one's advantage.
An example is “The astute investor made millions from the stock market crash.”

Asunder

Into parts or apart.
Verb: Sunder, to separate or divide.
For example: “The family was torn asunder by the scandal.”

Asylum

A place of refuge or shelter, or protection (religious or political).

Asymmetric

Not identical on both sides of a central line.

Atavism

A resemblance to remote ancestors rather than to parents. It can also be a reversion to an earlier type, also known as a throwback.
Adjective: Atavistic.

Atheistic

Denying the existence of God.
Noun: Atheism

Atone

To make amends for something bad that has been done.

Atrocity

A brutal deed, especially in war or acts of inhumanity.
Adjective: Atrocious

Atrophy

Wasting away.

Attentive

Alert and watchful, listening carefully, paying attention.
It can also be considerate or thoughtful.
An example is "The nurse was very attentive to the patient's needs."
Noun: Attentions, acts of courtesy and consideration, examples include: "He paid her many attentions." "He showered her with attentions"

Attenuate

To make thin or weaken something.

Attest

To testify or bear witness to something.

Attribute

An essential quality or characteristic of someone or something.
Verb: To ascribe; to explain.

Attrition

Rubbing away by friction.
It can also mean a gradual decrease in numbers or strength, for example: "The company is experiencing attrition due to high turnover."

Atypical

Not normal, not typical.

Audacious

Daring, bold, or recklessly brave.
For example: "The artist’s work was audacious and challenged traditional norms."
Noun: Audacity

Audit

An examination of accounts of a business or an official examination.
Verb: Audit.

Augment

To increase or add to something, for example: “The teacher augmented his salary by working extra hours.”

Augury

An omen or prophecy, a sign of coming events.
Verb: Augur, to predict or foretell, to be a sign of (something in the future).
For example: “Many people interpret the sighting of a shooting star as an augury of good fortune.”

August

Impressive, majestic, or dignified, meaning inspiring respect, for example: “The king's procession was attended by an august assembly of dignitaries."

Aureole

The sun's corona, halo, or a bright circle of light that surrounds the head of a holy figure.

Auroral

Pertaining to the aurora borealis.
It can also be used to describe the aurora australis, a similar phenomenon in the Southern Hemisphere.

Auspicious

Favoring success, giving signs of future success.
It is often used to describe the beginning of something, for example: "The couple had an auspicious start to their marriage."
Cf: Auspices (meaning, under the protection or sponsorship of).

Austere

Forbiddingly stern.
It means without comfort or enjoyment, or severely simple and unornamented.
It can also be used to describe a person's personality: "He was an austere figure, with a stern expression and a gruff manner."
Noun: Austerity - a period of harsh economic conditions, characterized by a lack of material comforts and resources.

Authenticate

To prove genuine; to verify the authenticity of something.

Authoritarian

Subordinating the individual to the state.
It means completely dominating another's will, or having a style of government that enforces strict obedience to authority.
For example: "The country was ruled by an authoritarian regime."

Authoritative

Having the weight of authority, regarded as providing knowledge that can be trusted.
The word also means reliable, peremptory and dictatorial.
For example: "The professor’s lecture was authoritative and informative."
Cf: Definitive

Autocratic

Having absolute unchecked power, dictatorial.
Noun: Autocrat, a person who rules with absolute power.
Noun: Autocracy, a government ruled by a single person with absolute power.

Automaton

A mechanism that imitates actions of humans, a machine that works by itself.

Autonomous

Self-governing, independent.
Noun: Autonomy

Autopsy

Examination of a dead body, a postmortem.
Verb: Autopsy

Auxiliary

Offering or providing help, additional or subsidiary.
Noun: Helper or assistant.

Avalanche

A great mass of falling snow and ice.

Avarice

Greediness for wealth.

Avenge

To take vengeance for something or on behalf of someone.
For example: “The family sought to avenge the death of their loved one.”

Aver

To state confidently, an example is, "I aver that I have never seen the man before."

Adverse

Reluctant, disinclined, or not liking or opposed.
It can also refer to something unfavorable or harmful.
For example: “He was averse to taking risks," or "The adverse effects of the drug were severe."

Aversion

A firm dislike, or strong feeling of repugnance.

Avert

To prevent, to avoid, to turn away (eyes or thought).
An example is, “The driver managed to avert the accident by swerving quickly.”

Aviary

An enclosure for birds or a large cage.

Avid

Greedy, extremely eager for something.
For example: “He was an avid reader, devouring books at an astonishing rate.”
Noun: Avidity - enthusiasm, eagerness.

Avocation

A secondary or minor occupation or hobby.

Avow

To declare openly, confess, or admit to.
Noun: Avowal: a declaration of one’s feelings, intentions, or beliefs.

Avuncular

Of or like an uncle; characterized by kindness and concern.

Awe

Solemn wonder, a feeling of respect mixed with wonder and fear.
Verb: Awe - to fill with awe.
Adjective: Awesome, awe-inspiring.

Awful

Terrible or very bad.

Awl

A pointed tool used for piercing.

Awry

Distorted, crooked, bent or wrong.
An example is: “His plans went awry.”

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Description

Test your understanding of essential vocabulary terms including annul, anoint, and anomaly. This quiz will challenge your knowledge of definitions and examples, helping you expand your word skills effectively.