In each of the following questions, out of the given alternatives,choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the given word.
Attrition
Answer: D
It is decline.
Attrition is the gradual wearing down of strength, from the Latin for rubbing against - a war of attrition. Strengthening is its opposite, and attraction merely resembles it.
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Malediction
Answer: B
It is a curse against someone.
Malediction means a curse, from the Latin male dicere, to speak ill - the exact opposite of benediction. An omen is a sign of what is to come, which may be good or bad and involves no speaker.
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Incidence
Answer: D
It is the range of occurrence.
Incidence means the rate or extent at which something occurs - the incidence of malaria. It is not the same as incidents, which are the individual events.
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Meddle
Answer: D
It is interfere.
To meddle is to involve oneself in what is not one's business. Stay out of and overlook are its opposites.
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Viaduct
Answer: B
It is bridge.
A viaduct is a long bridge carrying a road or railway across a valley, from the Latin via, way, on the model of aqueduct. A railroad may run on one, but is not one.
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Reminiscent
Answer: B
It is remembrance.
Reminiscent means calling something to mind. Forgetful and oblivious are its opposites; deserving to be remembered is memorable, which is a different word.
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Placate
Answer: C
It is to pacify.
To placate is to make someone less angry, from the Latin placare. Aggravate and irritate are its opposites.
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Deplete
Answer: C
It is to exhaust.
To deplete is to reduce a supply greatly, from the Latin for emptying. Augment, expand and make greater are all its opposites.
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Cryptic
Answer: D
It is mysterious.
Cryptic means having a hidden or obscure meaning, from the Greek kryptos, hidden - the same root as crypt. Straightforward and obvious are its opposites.
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Prone
Answer: B
It is thrown forward.
Prone means lying face down, and by extension liable to something - accident-prone. Upright and straight are its opposites; supine is the word for lying face up.
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