IEO Vocabulary and Word Meanings 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the meaning of the word 'BENEVOLENT'?
- Kind and generous (Correct answer)
- Cruel and harsh
- Lazy and idle
- Proud and arrogant
Correct answer: Kind and generous
Benevolent means well-meaning and kindly; showing goodwill or charity towards others.
'Benevolent' comes from Latin 'bene' (well) + 'volent' (wishing). A benevolent person wishes others well and acts generously. Example: The benevolent king distributed food among the poor. It is the opposite of 'malevolent', which means wishing harm.
Question 2: Which word means 'to make something less severe or harsh'?
- Aggravate
- Mitigate (Correct answer)
- Intensify
- Provoke
Correct answer: Mitigate
Mitigate means to make something less severe, serious, or painful.
'Mitigate' is commonly used in legal and formal contexts. For example, 'The judge mitigated the sentence due to good conduct.' It comes from Latin 'mitigare' meaning to soften. Aggravate is its antonym — meaning to make worse.
Question 3: The word 'LUCID' most nearly means:
- Confusing
- Clear and easy to understand (Correct answer)
- Dark and gloomy
- Loud and boisterous
Correct answer: Clear and easy to understand
Lucid means expressed clearly; easy to understand. It can also mean a state of mental clarity.
'Lucid' derives from Latin 'lucidus' meaning bright or clear. In writing, a lucid explanation is one that is easy to follow. In medicine, a 'lucid interval' refers to a period of mental clarity in a patient who is otherwise confused.
Question 4: What does the word 'ELOQUENT' mean?
- Fluent and persuasive in speech (Correct answer)
- Silent and reserved
- Rude and impolite
- Confused and disoriented
Correct answer: Fluent and persuasive in speech
Eloquent describes speech or writing that is fluent, forceful, and persuasive.
The word 'eloquent' comes from Latin 'eloqui' meaning to speak out. An eloquent person expresses ideas effectively and persuasively. Example: Martin Luther King Jr. was known for his eloquent speeches that inspired millions.
Question 5: Choose the correct meaning of 'TENACIOUS':
- Weak and fragile
- Holding firmly to a purpose (Correct answer)
- Generous and giving
- Anxious and worried
Correct answer: Holding firmly to a purpose
Tenacious means holding fast or being persistent in achieving goals.
'Tenacious' comes from Latin 'tenax' meaning holding fast. It describes someone who perseveres through difficulties. Example: Her tenacious effort allowed her to win the gold medal despite obstacles. In common use, we say 'tenacity' to describe this quality.
Question 6: What is the meaning of the word 'OBSOLETE'?
- Modern and new
- No longer in use (Correct answer)
- Popular and trendy
- Useful and functional
Correct answer: No longer in use
Obsolete means no longer produced, used, or needed; out of date.
'Obsolete' refers to things that have been replaced or are no longer in use. For example, typewriters became obsolete after computers were invented. In biology, obsolete features are vestigial organs that have lost their original function over evolution.
IEO Vocabulary and Word Meanings 1
What is the meaning of the word 'BENEVOLENT'?