English Vocabulary Test (U.S. Version)

Question: 1
Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

Alicia, who loved both men equally and wanted to hurt neither, found herself in quite a QUANDARY over which one she should choose.

1. Happy circumstance
2. Puzzling predicament
3. Easy Decision

Answer is:   Puzzling predicament

Question: 2
Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.

The coach was absolutely disgusted by his team’s INDOLENCE and nasty attitude.

1. Violent behavior
2. Odorousness
3. Laziness
4. Disappearance

Answer is:   Odorousness

Question: 3

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.
We fully expect Elizabeth to FOIST her work on us and disappear for the weekend as usual.

1. Force upon; palm off
2. Take away; take off one's hands 
3. Keep for oneself

Answer is:    Take away; take off one's hands        

Question: 4
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.
She hastened to _________ me that she intends to pay the bill, and that she will _________ that the check is mailed today.   

1. Assure/Ensure
2. Ensure/Assure
3. Insure/Assure
4. Ensure/Assure

Answer is:    Ensure/assure        

Question: 5
Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.
adj. Narrow-minded; limited in scope

1. Hermetic 
2. Foreseeable
3. Sporadic 
4. Sectarian

Answer is:    Sporadic

Question: 6
Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.
The WIZENED old woman gave Jack a handful of beans and some good advice.

1. Sage
2. Shriveled
3. Creepy 
4. Jocular

Answer is:    Shriveled
      
Question: 7
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below.
This experiment was designed to  ___________ certain behaviors from the test subjects.

1. Illicit
2. Elicit

Answer is:    Illicit

Question: 8
Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym of the word below.
NONCHALANT

1. Courageous 
2. Unnerved
3. Unperturbed 
4. Lethargic

Answer is:    Unperturbed

Question: 9
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of homophones from the options below.
Rachel knew that she'd soon be living in ___________ circumstances unless she got her financial problems ____________ out immediately.

1. Straightened/Straitened
2. Straitened/Straightened

Answer is:    Straightened/straitened

Question: 10
Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.
adj. Similar to something else in certain respects, as in form, function, or meaning

1. Abject
2. Agrarian
3. Analogous 
4. Amalgam

Answer is:    Analogous
        
Question: 11
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below.
Oscar, who did not possess a discerning __________, preferred hotdogs to steak.

1. Palette
2. Pallet
3. Palate 

Answer is:    Palate
        
Question: 12
Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.
Marilyn conveyed a BLITHE indifference to the troubles that mounted around her.

1. Carefree; heedless 
2. Cruel; heartless 
3. Catastrophic

Answer is:    Cruel; heartless
        
Question: 13
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.
I can _________ all the terms of the apartment lease _________ the one about not allowing pets.

1. Except/Accept 
2. Except/Except
3. Accept/Accept
4. Accept/Except

Answer is:    Accept/except

Question: 14
Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.
LASSITUDE

1. Simplicity of Speech
2. Leniency
3. Philanthropy
4. Vigor

Answer is:    Vigor

Question: 15
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.
Although _________ wanted to keep the boat all to _________, I knew it would be used extensively by both Susan and _________.

1. I/Myself/Myself
2. I/Me/I
3. I/Myself/I
4. I/Myself/Me

Answer is:    I/me/I 
       
Question: 16
Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.
Her MELLIFLUOUS voice is perfectly suited to lullabies and never fails to put us all to sleep. 

1. Smoothly Flowing; Sweet-Sounding
2. Dull; Tiresome
3. Cacophonous

Answer is:    Smoothly flowing; sweet-sounding
        
Question: 17
Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.
adj. Sluggish; apathetic; dull

1. Turbid 
2. Torpid
3. Turgid
4. Tepid

Answer is:    Tepid

Question: 18
Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.
adj. Understood by or intended for only a select few or a particular group

1. Esoteric
2. Eccentric
3. Narcissistic
4. Languid

Answer is:    Esoteric

Question: 19
Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.
PRETENTIOUS

1. Modest
2. Understanding
3. Uneasy
4. Pleasant

Answer is:    Understanding
        
Question: 20
Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.
The exchange student was disheartened by the rather BRUSQUE welcome she received from her host family.

1. Clamorous; Disorderly
2. Gracious; Kind
3. Blunt  or Rude in Manner of Speech

Answer is:    Blunt or rude in manner of speech

Question: 21
Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.
These artists really IMBUE their work with a spirit of profound freedom.

1. Spoil
2. Detract from; Debase
3. Fill or Permeate with a Particular Feeling of Quality

Answer is:    Fill or permeate with a particular feeling or quality

Question: 22
Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.
Poverty is RIFE in the rural areas of our county, where one in three families receives some state assistance.

1. Prevalent
2. Unavoidable
3. Saddening

Answer is:    Prevalent

Question: 23
Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.
Running around barefoot in the snow will only EXACERBATE your flu symptoms.

1. Eliminate
2. Aggravate; Worsen
3. Exhaust; Drain of Strength

Answer is:    Aggravate; worsen

Question: 24
Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.
The community theater troupe faced one problem after another, so it was no surprise that their season ended in a DEBACLE.

1. Conundrum
2. Spectacle; Display
3. Complete Failure; Breaking Up

Answer is:    Complete failure; breaking up

Question: 25

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.
The journalist denied that he had any PRURIENT interest in the politician’s private life, but his titillating articles seemed to indicate otherwise.

1. Mercenary; Venal
2. Overly Curious About The Sexual Behavior of Other
3. Characterized by Profound Insight

Answer is:    Overly curious about the sexual behavior of others

Question: 26

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.
It would BEHOOVE you to show a little more respect to the judge and jury who are deciding your case.

1. Be Too Much Trouble To
2. Be Detrimental To
3. Be Worthwhile or Proper for; Be Incumbent Upon

Answer is:    Be worthwhile or proper for; be incumbent upon

Question: 27

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word inCAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.
The mysterious message Claude received could be a HARBINGER of what’s in store for him and his family.

1. Downfall
2. Omen; Forerunner
3. Unequivocal Proff

Answer is:    Omen; forerunner

Question: 28

Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.
v. To issue a vehement verbal attack; to denounce explosively

1. Vituperative
2. Litigant
3. Fulminate
4. Exhume

Answer is:    Fulminate

Question: 29
Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.
adj. Easily provoked to anger; irritable

1. Sapid
2. Irascible
3. Jocund
4. Incorrigible

Answer is:    Irascible

Question: 30
Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.
adj. Hardhearted; unmoved by pity

1. Apologetic
2. Parsimonious
3. Obdurate
4. Abdicated

Answer is:    Obdurate

Question: 31
Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.
adj. Tending to create ill will or give offense

1. Labyrinthine
2. Invidious
3. Titillating
4. Envious

Answer is:    Invidious

Question: 32
Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.
n. Capacity for producing a desired result; effectiveness

1. Contumacy
2. Defenestration
3. Conversion
4. Efficacy

Answer is:    Efficacy

Question: 33
Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.
n. Local or provincial dialect

1. Invective
2. Patois
3. Neopagainsm
4. Polyarchy

Answer is:    Patois

Question: 34
Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.
Agatha RUMINATED for weeks about the consequences of telling Arthur about the affair.

1. Pondered
2. Worried
3. Neglected
4. Laughed

Answer is:    Pondered

Question: 35
Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.
She entered the ballroom on the arm of a DEBONAIR young man.

1. Imprudent and Unrefined
2. Cheerful and Clumsy
3. Selfish and Dissipated
4. charming and Elegant

Answer is:    Charming and elegant

Question: 36
Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.
His son’s group of friends had a DELETERIOUS effect on his schoolwork.

1. Influential
2. Positive
3. Hysterical
4. Harmful

Answer is:    Harmful

Question: 37

Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.
The soldier’s EXEMPLARY conduct did not go unnoticed by his sergeant.

1. Erratic
2. Apathetic
3. Admirable
4. Meticulous

Answer is:    Admirable

Question: 38
Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.
It seems we’ve reached an IMPASSE in our negotiations.

1. Favorable Compromise
2. Monetary Amount
3. Total Agreement
4. Stalemate

Answer is:    Stalemate

Question: 39
Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.
RILE

1. Placate
2. Annoy
3. Waste
4. Construct

Answer is:    Placate

Question: 40
Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.
MITIGATE

1. Abate
2. Conceal
3. Intensify
4. Allow

Answer is:    Intensify

Question: 41
Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.
ADVERSE

1. Moody
2. Poetic
3. Favorable
4. Twisted

Answer is:    Twisted

Question: 42
Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.
REFUTE

1. Expose
2. Support
3. Garbage
4. Safe Place

Answer is:    Support

Question: 43
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below.
The company is __________ committed to developing educational television programs for children.

1. Holey
2. Holy
3. Wholly

Answer is:    Wholly

Question: 44
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of homophones from the options below.
The skillful candidate’s____________ speech was delightful to listen to, but failed to explain how he would achieve the ___________ goals of peace and prosperity.

1. Illusive/Elusive
2. Allusive/Elusive
3. Elusive/Allusive
4. Allusive/Illusive

Answer is:    Illusive/Elusive

Question: 45
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of homophones from the options below.
The _________ poet, knowing his death was _________, struggled to finish his final ode.

1. Imminent/Eminent
2. Eminent/Immanent
3. Immanent/Imminent
4. Eminent/Imminent

Answer is:    Eminent/imminent

Question: 46
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.
The proposed after-school tutoring program promises _______________ benefits to the students and the community.

1. Innumerable
2. Enumerable

Answer is:    Enumerable

Question: 47
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.
If you insist on eating more cotton candy _________ a kid at a carnival, __________ don’t come crying to me when you’ve gained a few pounds!

1. Then/Than
2. Than/Then
3. Then/Then
4. Than/Than

Answer is:    Than/Then

Question: 48
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.
It’s a good thing you’re so _________ at paperwork, because you’ll need to fill out hundreds of forms to __________ a child.

1. Adapt/Adapt
2. Adept/Adopt
3. Adapt/Adopt
4. Adopt/Adept

Answer is:    Adept/Adopt

Question: 49
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.
Our lawyers have informed us that while the new tax laws will not __________ our business directly, they may have an adverse _________ on the spending power of our customers.

1. Effect/Affect
2. Affect/Affect
3. Effect/Effect
4. Affect/Effect

Answer is:    Affect/Effect

Question: 50
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.
Mr. Winkle was dismayed to discover that his willful young wife __________ her wealth and __________ the law at every opportunity.

1. Flouted/Flouted
2. Flouted/Flaunted
3. Flaunted/Flouted
4. Flaunted/Flaunted

Answer is:    Flaunted/Flouted

Question: 51
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.
The workers were allowed to ___________ down once they’d ________ the brick, but the foreman himself has not yet ___________ down.

1. Lay/Lain/Laid
2. Lie/Laid/Lain
3. Lie/Lain/Lain
4. Lay/Laid/Laid

Answer is:    Lay/Laid/Laid

Question: 52

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in Capital Letter as it is used in the sentence below.
The publicist was surprised by the INUNDATION of fan letters for her top client.

1. Deluge
2. Dearth
3. Hindrance

Answer is:    Deluge

Question: 53

Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below.
Sally was greatly __________ when I said I didn't like redheads.

1. Piqued
2. Peeked
3. Peaked

Answer is:    Peaked

Question: 54

Complete Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.
n. The act or fact of lessening; reduction


Answer is:     Diminution

Question: 55

Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in Capital Letters in the following sentence.
The coach was absolutely by his team's INDOLENCE and nasty attitude.

1. Violent Behavior
2. Odorousness
3. Laziness
4. Disappearance

Answer is:    Laziness

Question: 56
Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below. 
n. A mass or crowd; multitude

1. Reprieve
2. Malady
3. Horde
4. Indulgence

Answer is:    Horde

Question: 57
Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below. 
The recent shenanigans in the town square went against all PRECEPTS of decency.

1. Rules for Action or Behavior
2. Vague Ideas; Abstractions
3. Significance

Answer is:    Rules for action or behavior

Question: 58

Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.
n. A position that entails little work but provides a salary.

1. Quiescence
2. Theocracy
3. Swindle
4. Sinecure

Answer is:    Sinecure

Question: 59

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in Capital Letters as it is used in the sentence below.
The diplomats, who have been accused of DUPLICITY by their respective countries, have been removed from their posts.

1. Bad Taste
2. Deceitfulness; Double-Dealing
3. Embezzlement

Answer is:    Deceitfulness; Double-Dealing

Question: 60

Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in Capital Letters in the following sentence.
She always got a VICARIOUS thrill from watching her father skydive.

1. Empathetic
2. Dangerous
3. Pathetic
4. Sickening

Answer is:    Empathetic

Question: 61

Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.
The crafty spy gave a _____ name to the hotel clerk.

1. Fictive
2. Fictional
3. Fictitious

Answer is:    Fictitious

Question: 62

Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.
I screamed as the monstrous presence snaked toward me on the dark and _____ path.

1. Tortious
2. Tortuous
3. Torturous

Answer is:    Tortuous

Question: 63

Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below.
That grueling competition really tested the _____ of the gymnastics team.

1. Meddle
2. Metal
3. Medal
4. Mettle

Answer is:    Mettle

Question: 64

Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.
Inordinate

1. Reasonable
2. On a Waiting List
3. Unprepared
4. Immense

Answer is:    Reasonable

Question: 65

Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.
v. To impose with authority; urge strongly

1. Enjoin
2. Prevalent
3. Dissonance
4. Relegate

Answer is:    Enjoin

Question: 66

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in Capital Letters as it is used in the sentence below.
Maude managed to sweep up the broken dishes without a word of REPROOF to her children.

1. Expression of Disapproval or Blame
2. Expression of Affection or Blame
3. Expression of Apology or Regret

Answer is:    Expression of Disapproval or Blame

Question: 67
Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.
Now that the festivities have ended, perhaps we can return to some SEMBLANCE of normality.

1. Sentiment; Emotion
2. Agreement
3. Outward Appearance

Answer is:    Outward Appearance
   
Question: 68
Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.
Dan was a nice guy, but he was far too GARRULOUS and tended to monopolize people at parties.

1. Gluttonous
2. Quarrelsome; Contentious
3. Excessively Talkative About Trivial Topics

Answer is:    Excessively Talkative About Trivial Topics


Question: 69
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.
We expected the waiter to show us out of that snooty restaurant in a hurry, but he turned out to be quite jolly and __________.

1. Complacent
2. Compliant
3. Complaisant

Answer is:    Compliant

Question: 70
Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.
ITINERANT

1. Permanent
2. Flexible
3. Transient
4. Dissatisfied

Answer is:      Flexible

Question: 71

Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.
The only ________________ difference between the twins is the shape of their noses.

1. Distinctive
2. Distinguished
3. Distinguishable

Answer is:      Distinguishable

Question: 72
Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below.
Who has the power to _________ out justice to the citizens of this country?

1. Meet
2. Mete
3. Meat

Answer is:      c.         Meat

Question: 73

Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.
It's a good thing you're so________ at paperwork, because you'll need to fill out hundreds of forms to________ a child.

Answer is:      c. Adapt/Adopt

Question: 74

Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.
n. Flair; style; a flamboyant manner

Answer is:      c.         Resonance


Question: 75

Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.
Roger might be more AMENABLE to your ideas if you presented them without sneering.

Answer is:      b.         Willing to accept

Question: 76

Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.
The coach was absolutely disgusted by his team's INDOLENCE and nasty attitude. wizened

Answer is:      c.         Laziness

Question: 77

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.
The plots of all her novels just seem to MEANDER along, to the point where I can't follow the storyline or figure out who's who.

Answer is:      a.         Purposely confuse

Question: 78

Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.
Alec has always been CONTEMPTUOUS of his fellow writers.

Answer is:      a.         Disdainful


Question: 79

Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.
The despot's MINIONS were only too eager to tout his edicts and report any unrest among his subjects.

Answer is:      a.         Sycophants; servile followers


Question: 80

Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.
AVARICE

Answer is:      d.         Generosity

Question: 81

Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below.
We all remarked on how well the spray of begonias____________ her hair color.

Answer is:      a.         Complimented

Question: 82

Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.
She launched her new line of handbags________ a fanfare of publicity.

1. Between
2. Amid
3. Among

Answer is:      c.         Among