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.'
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Choose the meaning of the word 'tremulous' in the following sentence: 'The patient held out a tremulous hand and grasped the paperwork.'
- A. Wrinkled and wizened
- B. Pale and lifeless
- C. Clenched and arthritic
- D. Quivering and weak
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In this sentence, the word 'tremulous' is used to describe the patient's hand. When someone's hand is described as tremulous, it means it is quivering or shaking, indicating weakness or distress. Therefore, the correct meaning of 'tremulous' in this context is quivering and weak. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not capture the specific meaning of 'tremulous' in this context. 'Wrinkled and wizened' refers to being old and withered, 'pale and lifeless' describes a lack of color and vitality, and 'clenched and arthritic' implies a tight grip and joint inflammation, none of which accurately represent the trembling or shaking nature of a tremulous hand.
What is the meaning of impugn?
- A. To instill with
- B. To instruct about
- C. To dispute the truth of
- D. To lament or complain about
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The word 'impugn' means to challenge or attack the truth, integrity, validity, or honesty of something. It is not related to instilling (A), instructing (B), lamenting, or complaining (D). Impugn specifically involves questioning the accuracy or validity of a statement or argument, making choice C the correct answer.
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.
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.
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.
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