Select the meaning of the word 'undulate' in the sentence: 'Each shiver made his muscles undulate beneath his skin.'
- A. Ripple
- B. Shake
- C. Flatten
- D. Unknot
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this context, 'undulate' means to move in a smooth, wave-like motion. An undulation of muscles is a subtle, continuous rippling or rolling movement, making 'ripple' the most appropriate synonym in this sentence. 'Shake' (Choice B) is incorrect as it implies a more abrupt and irregular movement. 'Flatten' (Choice C) and 'Unknot' (Choice D) are unrelated to the smooth, wave-like motion described in the sentence.
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What is the meaning of venal?
- A. Vibrant
- B. Savage
- C. Greedy
- D. Fortunate
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The word 'venal' means susceptible to corruption, especially by bribery. It is often used to describe individuals who are willing to do dishonest or immoral acts in exchange for money or favors. Therefore, the most appropriate synonym for 'venal' among the given choices is 'greedy.' 'Vibrant' means full of energy and life, 'savage' refers to fierce or violent behavior, and 'fortunate' means having good luck or being favored by fortune, none of which capture the meaning of 'venal.'
Select the meaning of the word 'spurious' in the sentence: 'The researcher's spurious argument confused even the experts.'
- A. Bogus
- B. Obscure
- C. Baffling
- D. Outrageous
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The word 'spurious' in this sentence means something that is false or not genuine. In this context, the researcher's argument was misleading or deceitful, confusing even the experts. 'Bogus' means not genuine or false, which aligns closely with the intended meaning of 'spurious.' The other choices, 'obscure,' 'baffling,' and 'outrageous,' do not capture the essence of being false or deceitful, making them incorrect in this context.
If a patient is especially obdurate, she is ___________.
- A. very large
- B. quite stubborn
- C. easily upset
- D. ready to go home
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'quite stubborn.' The word 'obdurate' means stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action. Therefore, if a patient is especially obdurate, it indicates that she is likely very stubborn in her behavior or beliefs. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the meaning of 'obdurate.' Being 'very large' (Choice A), 'easily upset' (Choice C), or 'ready to go home' (Choice D) does not directly relate to being stubborn and unwilling to change.
To take umbrage at something is to ___________.
- A. reprimand it
- B. stand beneath it
- C. speak well of it
- D. be offended by it
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: To take umbrage at something means to feel offended or resentful by it. It implies feeling upset or insulted by someone's words or actions. The correct answer is D, 'be offended by it,' as it best captures the meaning of the phrase 'take umbrage.'
Choice A, 'reprimand it,' is incorrect as it suggests scolding or rebuking something, which is the opposite of feeling offended by it.
Choice B, 'stand beneath it,' is unrelated and does not convey the meaning of being offended or resentful.
Choice C, 'speak well of it,' is also incorrect as it means to praise or approve of something, which is contrary to feeling offended.
If you are at the zenith of your career, you are ___________.
- A. just getting started
- B. preparing for retirement
- C. at the pinnacle of success
- D. having trouble with your superiors
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When someone is at the zenith of their career, it means they have reached the highest point or peak of success in their professional life. This suggests that they have achieved their utmost potential and are enjoying the height of their career accomplishments. Choice A, 'just getting started,' is incorrect as it implies the beginning of a career rather than the peak. Choice B, 'preparing for retirement,' is incorrect because being at the zenith of one's career usually signifies the prime of one's professional success, not the preparation for retirement. Choice D, 'having trouble with your superiors,' is incorrect as it is unrelated to the concept of reaching the peak of success in one's career.