In each of the following questions, out of the given alternatives,choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the given word.
Fictitious
Answer: C
It is false.
Fictitious means invented and not real. Truthful and genuine are its opposites. Note it is not the same as fictional, which describes literature without implying deceit.
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Rookie
Answer: C
It is a new recruit.
A rookie is a beginner, especially in sport or the forces. The word is probably a corruption of recruit. Expert and professional are its opposites.
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Penchant
Answer: D
It is like.
A penchant is a strong liking for something, from the French for leaning. Impartiality is its opposite; eagerness describes energy rather than preference.
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Remorse
Answer: C
It is repentance.
Remorse is deep regret for a wrong done, from the Latin for biting back - conscience gnawing. A good conscience is its opposite.
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Damp squib
Answer: C
It is an unsuccessful attempt.
A damp squib is something that fails to produce the effect intended. The squib was a firework, which will not go off if it has got wet.
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Fiasco
Answer: B
It is failure.
A fiasco is a complete and humiliating failure. Triumph and accomplishment are its opposites. The Italian word means a flask, and how it came to mean a failure is not settled.
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Spew
Answer: C
It is to come forth in a flush.
To spew is to pour or vomit out in a stream. Taking up liquids is the opposite direction of flow.
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Ravish
Answer: A
It is misuse.
To ravish is to seize and carry off by force, and so to violate. The adjective ravishing, meaning delightful, comes from the other sense of being carried away - the same root pulling in opposite directions.
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Estrange
Answer: A
It is alienate.
To estrange is to make someone hostile or indifferent where there had been affection, from the Latin for making strange. Engage and combine are its opposites.
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Devoid
Answer: D
It is lacking.
Devoid means entirely without - devoid of interest. Filled and complete are its opposites.
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