Vocabulary Development Flashcards

Which pair of words are homophones?

Answer: principle / principal

'Principle' and 'principal' are homophones — they sound identical but have different spellings and meanings.

What does the word 'ubiquitous' mean?

Answer: found everywhere

'Ubiquitous' describes something that seems to be present everywhere at the same time.

Which sentence demonstrates correct use of a connotation difference between 'slender' and 'scrawny'?

Answer: 'Slender' has a positive tone while 'scrawny' has a negative one.

Though both mean thin, 'slender' carries a positive, attractive connotation, while 'scrawny' implies unhealthy thinness.

The word 'tenacious' most nearly means:

Answer: holding firmly to a purpose

'Tenacious' means persistent, determined, and not giving up easily.

What does the prefix 'inter-' mean in words like 'international' and 'interact'?

Answer: between or among

The prefix 'inter-' means 'between' or 'among,' so 'international' means between nations.

Choose the word that correctly fills the blank: 'The scientist made an _____ discovery that changed her field.'

Answer: pivotal

'Pivotal' means of critical importance, fitting a discovery that significantly changed a field.

In vocabulary study, what is an 'etymology'?

Answer: the history and origin of a word

Etymology is the study of a word's origin and how its form and meaning have changed over time.