In each of the following questions, out of the given alternatives,choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the given word.
Osmosis
Answer: B
It is gradual acceptance.
Osmosis is the passage of a solvent through a membrane, and figuratively the gradual, unconscious taking in of ideas - learning by osmosis. Abrupt ending is its opposite in manner.
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Vanguard
Answer: C
It is pioneer.
The vanguard is the foremost part of an advancing army, from the French avant-garde, and by extension those leading a movement. A flag bearer carries a standard, which is a narrower and more literal role.
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Contentment
Answer: B
It is satisfaction.
Contentment is a quiet satisfaction with what one has. Craving is its opposite - wanting what one has not.
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Eventually
Answer: B
It is ultimately.
Eventually means in the end, after a time. Suddenly, quickly and abruptly all describe speed, and initially is at the other end of the sequence.
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Cease
Answer: B
It is stop.
To cease is to come to an end, from the Latin cessare. Begin and create are its opposites.
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Haggle
Answer: C
It is bargain.
To haggle is to dispute over a price. Accept and reject are the two ways of ending a haggle rather than the haggling itself.
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Paltry
Answer: A
It is insignificant.
Paltry means petty and worthless - a paltry sum. Average is a middle rather than a low value, and slovenly describes untidiness.
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Recuperate
Answer: B
It is recover.
To recuperate is to get better after illness, from the Latin recuperare. Reimburse is to repay money, rehabilitate to restore to a former state, and relocate to move - three near-misses built on the same prefix.
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Defer
Answer: D
It is postpone.
To defer is to put off to a later time. The other defer, meaning to yield to another's opinion, is a separate word from a different Latin root. Differ and defy merely resemble it.
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Bitterness
Answer: C
It is acrimony.
Bitterness of feeling is acrimony, from the Latin acer, sharp. Sourness is bitterness of taste, and an aspersion is a damaging remark.
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