In each of the following questions, out of the given alternatives,choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the given word.
Humane
Answer: A
It is kind-hearted.
Humane means showing compassion, particularly towards those who cannot protect themselves. Unsympathetic and disagreeable are its opposites; destitute describes want, not temperament.
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Hypothetical
Answer: B
It is based on supposition.
Hypothetical means assumed for the sake of argument, from the Greek hypothesis. Factual is its opposite.
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Bountiful
Answer: C
It is generous.
Bountiful means giving freely, and also existing in plenty. Meagre, scarce and wanting are its opposites.
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Desolate
Answer: E
It is deserted.
Desolate means empty and abandoned, from the Latin for left alone, and by extension wretchedly unhappy. Inhabited and cherished are its opposites; gloomy shares the second sense but not the first.
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Obscene
Answer: D
It is indecent.
Obscene means offensive to accepted standards of decency, especially in sexual matters. Nice and friendly are its opposites, and dirty is a colloquial near-miss.
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Bovine
Answer: A
It is like an ox.
Bovine means of cattle, from the Latin bos, and figuratively slow and dull. Dim-witted is that second sense, but the word's primary meaning is the literal one.
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Arcane
Answer: D
It is secret.
Arcane means known only to a few, from the Latin arca, a chest - the same root as ark. Commonplace and normal are its opposites.
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Exacerbate
Answer: C
It is to aggravate.
To exacerbate is to make something worse, from the Latin for embittering. Placate and appease are its opposites.
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Habitat
Answer: B
It is dwelling place.
A habitat is the natural home of a plant or animal. Routine belongs to habit, the similar-looking word from the same Latin root of having and holding.
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Redundant
Answer: D
It is superfluous.
Redundant means more than is needed. Necessary is its opposite; plentiful describes a supply without implying it is excessive.
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