In each of the following questions, out of the given alternatives,choose the one which best expresses the meaning of the given word.
Obstreperous
Answer: D
It is noisy.
Obstreperous means noisily and aggressively unruly, from the Latin for making a noise against. Calm is its opposite; obstinate, which it resembles, is a fault of will rather than of noise.
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Flagging
Answer: B
It is growing weak.
Flagging means losing strength or enthusiasm - flagging spirits. Energized and refreshed are its opposites.
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Wreak
Answer: C
It is to inflict.
To wreak is to cause or inflict, chiefly in wreak havoc and wreak vengeance. It is not connected with reek, which means to smell strongly - the trap this question sets.
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Expertise
Answer: A
It is skill.
Expertise is expert knowledge or skill in a particular field. Inadequacy is its opposite.
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Elated
Answer: E
It is extremely happy.
Elated means in high spirits, from the Latin for lifted up. Disappointed and miserable are its opposites.
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Subjugate
Answer: A
It is conquer.
To subjugate is to bring under domination, from the Latin for bringing under the yoke. Liberate and surrender are its opposites.
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Compound
Answer: B
It is to put together.
To compound is to combine elements into a whole, from the Latin for putting together, and by extension to make worse - compounding the problem. Division and separation are its opposites.
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Composure
Answer: D
It is tranquillity.
Composure is calmness of mind, especially under strain. Agitation and instability are its opposites; an assumed attitude is a pose, which composure need not be.
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Exhort
Answer: E
It is urge.
To exhort is to urge strongly, from the Latin for encouraging. Discourage and leave alone are its opposites.
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Mottled
Answer: B
It is having splotches of colour.
Mottled means marked with patches of different colours. Plain and unflecked are its opposites; dirty describes a cause rather than the pattern.
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