Reading: Vocabulary in Context Flashcards

The city council's decision to build a new library was a momentous one, celebrated by residents who had been campaigning for it for years. In this sentence, 'momentous' most nearly means:

Answer: very important

The context that residents had been 'campaigning for it for years' and 'celebrated' the decision indicates that it was a very significant and important event. 'Momentous' means having great importance or significance.

Despite the initial challenges, the team was diligent in their efforts to complete the project ahead of schedule, often staying late to double-check their work. What does 'diligent' mean in this context?

Answer: showing care and effort

The phrase 'often staying late to double-check their work' is a clear example of being diligent. It describes someone who is careful, hardworking, and conscientious in their tasks.

The instructions for assembling the furniture were ambiguous, leaving my father confused about which screws to use for the different parts. Which of the following is the best definition for 'ambiguous'?

Answer: unclear or having more than one meaning

The fact that the father was 'confused about which screws to use' shows that the instructions were not clear. 'Ambiguous' means open to more than one interpretation or not having one obvious meaning.

In an attempt to alleviate the traffic congestion downtown, the mayor proposed building a new subway line. The word 'alleviate' is used to mean:

Answer: make less severe

Building a new subway line is an action taken to solve the problem of traffic congestion. Therefore, 'alleviate' means to make the problem (the congestion) less severe or more bearable.

Scenario: A company discovered that a popular product had a minor defect. To maintain its reputation for quality, the managers decided it was crucial to recall all the items and offer customers a free replacement. Why was the recall considered 'crucial'?

Answer: It was extremely important for protecting the company's image.

The context explains that the company wanted to 'maintain its reputation for quality.' This makes the recall an action of decisive importance, or 'crucial,' to achieving that goal. The other options misinterpret the company's motivation.

Many scientists believe that, without significant global intervention, the extinction of certain endangered species is inevitable. In this sentence, 'inevitable' means:

Answer: certain to happen and unavoidable

The sentence structure 'without significant...intervention...is inevitable' implies that if no action is taken, the outcome is certain. 'Inevitable' means something that cannot be avoided or is sure to occur.