In each of the following questions, out of the given alternatives,choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the given word.
Bald
Answer: D
It is unadorned.
Bald means hairless, and figuratively plain and without embellishment - a bald statement. Hirsute, meaning hairy, is its literal opposite.
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Rigid
Answer: B
It is hard.
Rigid means stiff and unbending, from the Latin rigere, to be stiff. Irresolute is its opposite in the figurative sense of firmness of will.
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Consummation
Answer: A
It is ultimate completion.
Consummation is the bringing of something to its perfect conclusion, from the Latin summus, highest. Commencement and unfulfilment are its opposites.
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Catharsis
Answer: C
It is outlet for strong emotions.
Catharsis is the purging of emotion, a term Aristotle used of the effect of tragedy on its audience. Its Greek root means cleansing, which is why dirtying is exactly wrong.
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Carcass
Answer: D
It is dead body.
A carcass is the dead body of an animal, and by extension the framework of a structure. Soul and mind are what a carcass lacks.
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Abjure
Answer: E
It is renounce.
To abjure is to renounce on oath, from the Latin for swearing away. Allow is its opposite; to run off secretly is to abscond, the word most often confused with it.
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Cache
Answer: B
It is hiding place.
A cache is a store of things hidden away, from the French cacher, to hide. In computing the sense is the same - data kept close at hand.
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Hallowed
Answer: C
It is sacred.
Hallowed means made holy, from the same root as holy and Halloween, the eve of All Hallows. Unsanctified and irreligious are its opposites.
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Infamous
Answer: D
It is notorious.
Infamous means well known for something bad. Righteous and magnificent are its opposites; the word is not simply the negative of famous, though it looks like it.
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Prowess
Answer: A
It is bravery.
Prowess means outstanding ability or courage, especially in battle, from the Old French for valiant. Cowardice and incapacity are its opposites.
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