AFCT Word Knowledge 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: "Alleviate" most nearly means:
- Worsen
- Relieve (Correct answer)
- Investigate
- Complicate
Correct answer: Relieve
Alleviate means to make something less severe or to relieve suffering or a problem.
Alleviate comes from the Latin 'alleviare' meaning to lighten. It means to reduce the severity of pain, suffering, or a burden. For example, 'The medic worked to alleviate the soldier's pain.' It is synonymous with relieve, ease, and mitigate.
Question 2: "Scrutinize" most nearly means:
- Ignore
- Examine closely (Correct answer)
- Praise
- Damage
Correct answer: Examine closely
Scrutinize means to inspect or examine something very carefully and thoroughly.
Scrutinize means to examine or inspect closely and thoroughly. It implies careful, critical observation. In a military context, a commanding officer might scrutinize a soldier's uniform for any deficiency. Synonyms include inspect, study, and analyze.
Question 3: The word "resilient" most nearly means:
- Fragile
- Able to recover quickly (Correct answer)
- Aggressive
- Dormant
Correct answer: Able to recover quickly
Resilient describes the ability to recover quickly from difficulties or setbacks.
Resilient comes from the Latin 'resilire' meaning to spring back. It describes something or someone that can withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions. Military personnel are trained to be resilient in the face of adversity. Synonyms include tough, hardy, and adaptable.
Question 4: "Mandate" most nearly means:
- Suggestion
- Official order (Correct answer)
- Mistake
- Retreat
Correct answer: Official order
A mandate is an official order or commission to do something; an authoritative command.
A mandate is an authoritative command or instruction that must be followed. In military usage, a mandate from higher command requires compliance. It differs from a suggestion because it carries the force of authority. Synonyms include directive, decree, and edict.
Question 5: "Precarious" most nearly means:
- Stable
- Dangerous and uncertain (Correct answer)
- Generous
- Relaxed
Correct answer: Dangerous and uncertain
Precarious means not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse.
Precarious describes a situation that is dangerously uncertain, unstable, or insecure. A soldier in a precarious position on a cliff face is at risk. The word comes from Latin 'precarius' meaning 'obtained by prayer' implying dependence on uncertain factors. Synonyms include perilous, risky, and insecure.
Question 6: "Collaborate" most nearly means:
- Compete against
- Work together (Correct answer)
- Withdraw from
- Criticize
Correct answer: Work together
Collaborate means to work jointly with others on an activity or project.
Collaborate means to work together with one or more people to produce or create something. In military operations, units collaborate to achieve mission objectives. It comes from the Latin 'collaborare' meaning to labor together. Synonyms include cooperate, team up, and partner.
AFCT Word Knowledge 2
"Alleviate" most nearly means: