Vocabulary in Context Flashcards

Read the following sentence from a business report: 'In the quarterly meeting, the manager promised to **address** the staff's concerns about the new overtime policy.' What is the meaning of the word 'address' in this context?

Answer: Deal with or discuss

In a professional or formal context, 'to address' an issue, concern, or question means to deal with it or discuss it. The manager is committing to tackling the problem, not to providing a physical location or mailing something.

In an academic context, a research paper might state: 'The author failed to **substantiate** his claims with sufficient empirical evidence.' Which of the following is the closest in meaning to 'substantiate'?

Answer: Provide evidence to support

'To substantiate' means to provide evidence or proof to support a claim or statement. [2, 4, 7] The sentence indicates a lack of evidence, which is necessary to prove the author's claims.

A project manager sends an email saying: 'Before we proceed with the merger, it is crucial that both teams are **on the same page** regarding the key deliverables.' What does the phrase 'on the same page' imply?

Answer: That they are in full agreement

The idiom 'on the same page' means to be in agreement or to have a shared understanding of a situation. In this business scenario, it is essential for the teams to agree on the project goals before moving forward.

Which of the following words best completes the sentence? 'The unexpected resignation of the CEO will likely ______ a period of uncertainty for the company's investors.'

Answer: initiate

'Initiate' means to cause a process or action to begin, which fits the context of starting a 'period of uncertainty'. 'Fabricate' means to invent, 'renovate' means to restore, and 'elucidate' means to make clear; none of these fit the sentence's meaning.

Read the following sentence from a project update: 'The team's meticulous planning was **instrumental** in the successful and timely completion of the project.' What does the word 'instrumental' mean here?

Answer: It was a key factor in the success

In this context, 'instrumental' means that something was a very important factor in causing a result to happen. [1, 8, 10] The meticulous planning was a crucial reason for the project's success.

In a formal email to a client, a customer service representative writes: '**Regrettably**, we must inform you that the shipment will be delayed.' What tone does the word 'Regrettably' convey?

Answer: Apology and disappointment

'Regrettably' is a formal adverb used to express regret or disappointment about an unfortunate situation. It conveys an apologetic and sincere tone, acknowledging the negative impact on the client.