Vocabulary in context

In the sentence 'The committee reached a consensus after hours of debate,' the word 'consensus' most nearly means:

• ADisagreement
• BGeneral agreement✓
• CA formal vote
• DA long delay

Answer: Consensus means a general or widespread agreement, which fits reaching it after debate.

In 'Despite the setback, she remained resolute and refused to give up,' the word 'resolute' most nearly means:

• AUncertain
• BDetermined✓
• CExhausted
• DCheerful

Answer: Resolute means firmly determined, consistent with refusing to give up.

In 'The report was so verbose that readers struggled to find the key points,' the word 'verbose' most nearly means:

• AUsing too many words✓
• BClearly written
• CVery short
• DHighly accurate

Answer: Verbose means using more words than needed, which explains why readers struggled to find key points.

In 'His tactful reply avoided offending anyone in the room,' the word 'tactful' most nearly means:

• ARude
• BSensitive and diplomatic✓
• CLoud
• DConfusing

Answer: Tactful means showing sensitivity and diplomacy, which fits avoiding offence.

In 'The ancient manuscript was remarkably well preserved despite its age,' the word 'preserved' most nearly means:

• ADecayed
• BKept in good condition✓
• CTranslated
• DHidden

Answer: Preserved means maintained in good condition, contrasting with what age might do.

In 'The evidence was inconclusive, so the jury could not reach a verdict,' the word 'inconclusive' most nearly means:

• ADecisive
• BNot leading to a firm conclusion✓
• CIllegal
• DLengthy

Answer: Inconclusive means not producing a definite result, which is why no verdict was reached.

In 'She gave a candid account of what had really happened,' the word 'candid' most nearly means:

• AHonest and frank✓
• BMisleading
• CHesitant
• DDetailed but false

Answer: Candid means truthful and straightforward, fitting an account of what really happened.

In 'The instructions were ambiguous, leaving staff unsure of what to do,' the word 'ambiguous' most nearly means:

• AOpen to more than one interpretation✓
• BExtremely detailed
• CStrictly forbidden
• DPerfectly clear

Answer: Ambiguous means having more than one possible meaning, which left staff unsure.

In 'The drought had a detrimental effect on the harvest,' the word 'detrimental' most nearly means:

• ABeneficial
• BHarmful✓
• CTemporary
• DSurprising

Answer: Detrimental means causing harm or damage, which a drought would do to a harvest.

In 'The negotiator's conciliatory tone helped calm the angry crowd,' the word 'conciliatory' most nearly means:

• AAggressive
• BIntended to soothe or reconcile✓
• CIndifferent
• DConfusing

Answer: Conciliatory means intended to pacify or win goodwill, consistent with calming the crowd.

In 'The new policy was met with widespread apathy from staff,' the word 'apathy' most nearly means:

• AStrong enthusiasm
• BLack of interest or concern✓
• COpen hostility
• DCareful planning

Answer: Apathy means a lack of interest or concern, the opposite of strong reaction.

In 'His arguments were so cogent that even his critics were persuaded,' the word 'cogent' most nearly means:

• AWeak
• BClear and convincing✓
• CLengthy
• DOffensive

Answer: Cogent means clear, logical, and convincing, which explains why critics were persuaded.