If you’re a fan of expanding your vocabulary while challenging yourself with a range of advanced words, then you’re likely familiar with the Merriam-Webster’s “Challenging Standardized Test Words Quiz Vol. 3.” Whether you’re preparing for an exam or just love learning new words, this quiz offers an excellent opportunity to test your language skills. The questions can be tough, but don’t worry! We’ve got the answers you need, along with some explanations to help you understand each word’s meaning and usage.
In this article, we’ll walk through each question and provide the correct answer, along with a quick explanation that makes it easier to remember these words for your next quiz or standardized test.
1. Oscar’s directions to the vacation house were circuitous.
Answer: Difficult to follow
Explanation: Circuitous refers to something that is indirect or roundabout. When Oscar’s directions are circuitous, they are hard to follow or navigate due to unnecessary twists and turns.
2. Duncan’s reasons for moving out of the house were manifold.
Answer: Varied
Explanation: Manifold means many and varied. Duncan’s reasons for moving out of the house were numerous and different from one another, showing a wide range of considerations.
3. Helena took a cursory glance at the study material.
Answer: Hasty
Explanation: A cursory glance is a quick, superficial look, usually without much detail. It means Helena didn’t take the time to thoroughly examine the study material.
4. Cynthia had some trepidation when it came to her new job.
Answer: Fear
Explanation: Trepidation refers to a feeling of fear or anxiety. Cynthia felt uncertain and fearful about her new job, unsure of what to expect.
5. Bill noticed his younger brother had a furtive look on his face.
Answer: Sly
Explanation: Furtive describes something done in secret or stealthily, usually because of guilt or a desire to hide something. Bill’s younger brother’s sly look suggests he was trying to hide something.
6. Sarah dithered over which laptop to buy.
Answer: Was indecisive
Explanation: To dither means to be indecisive or unable to make a decision. Sarah couldn’t choose which laptop to buy because she was unsure.
7. One week into her retirement, Rebecca began to have a sense of ennui.
Answer: Boredom
Explanation: Ennui is a French word that refers to a feeling of boredom or dissatisfaction, often caused by a lack of excitement or purpose.
8. Donna had three precocious children.
Answer: Mature for their age
Explanation: Precocious is used to describe children who show abilities or qualities at an earlier age than usual. Donna’s kids were unusually mature for their age, showing advanced intelligence or behavior.
9. When Phillip opened the door to his hotel room, he saw it was commodious.
Answer: Spacious
Explanation: Commodious refers to something that is spacious or roomy. Phillip’s hotel room had plenty of space, making it a comfortable place to stay.
10. Dylan responded to the criticism with several fatuous remarks.
Answer: Foolish
Explanation: Fatuous refers to something that is silly or foolish, showing a lack of intelligence or thought. Dylan’s response was not helpful or thoughtful.
11. Every day after eating lunch, Danielle felt somnolent.
Answer: Drowsy
Explanation: Somnolent describes a state of sleepiness or drowsiness. Danielle felt tired and ready for a nap after lunch.
12. The road to Amanda’s house was quite tortuous.
Answer: Winding
Explanation: Tortuous means full of twists and turns, or something that is complex and difficult to navigate. The road to Amanda’s house was winding and convoluted, making it harder to drive.
13. After their dinner date, the couple agreed the food was quotidian.
Answer: Commonplace
Explanation: Quotidian refers to something that is ordinary or commonplace, often lacking in excitement. The couple found the food to be just average or unremarkable.
14. Ross found the new dress code at work inimical to creativity.
Answer: Hostile
Explanation: Inimical means harmful or hostile. Ross thought the dress code at work was stifling and against the free expression of creativity.
15. The actions of the company’s board of directors showed real cupidity.
Answer: Greed
Explanation: Cupidity is another word for greed, particularly an excessive desire for wealth or material gain. The board’s actions were driven by a desire for profit.
16. During the riding tour of the countryside, Donna’s horse was quite restive.
Answer: Stubborn
Explanation: Restive refers to something that is difficult to control, often because of impatience or anxiety. Donna’s horse was stubborn and hard to manage during the ride.
17. The district attorney found exculpatory evidence.
Answer: Clearing from guilt
Explanation: Exculpatory refers to evidence that can prove someone’s innocence. The district attorney found evidence that cleared the defendant of any wrongdoing.
18. After graduating from business school, Carlos thought this was a propitious time to start a company.
Answer: Favorable
Explanation: Propitious means favorable or likely to lead to success. Carlos believed the timing was right for starting his own business.
19. The new art installation at the park met with public approbation.
Answer: Praise
Explanation: Approbation refers to approval or praise. The art installation was well-received, earning positive feedback from the public.
20. Many reviews for the Caribbean resort mentioned its limpid water.
Answer: Clear
Explanation: Limpid means clear or transparent, especially in relation to water. The reviews praised the resort for having crystal-clear water, perfect for swimming and relaxation.
Conclusion
This quiz offers an excellent opportunity to test your knowledge of advanced vocabulary, and the words covered in Merriam-Webster’s Challenging Standardized Test Words Quiz Vol. 3 are essential for anyone looking to master the English language, particularly for standardized tests. By understanding these words and their meanings, you’re well on your way to expanding your vocabulary and improving your test-taking abilities. If you found these answers helpful, keep practicing with similar quizzes to build your word bank and excel in your exams!
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