Nelson-Denny Reading Test Meaning from Context Vocabulary 2

Question 1

The scientist's findings were so ESOTERIC that only a handful of specialists in the field could fully comprehend them. What does 'esoteric' mean?

Accepted Answer

Understood by only a select few

Answer

'Esoteric' means understood by or meant for only a small group with specialized knowledge, as indicated by 'only a handful of specialists.'

Question 2

After weeks of drought, the farmers were relieved when COPIOUS rains finally arrived and soaked the parched fields. What does 'copious' mean?

Accepted Answer

Abundant and plentiful

Answer

'Copious' means plentiful or large in quantity, supported by the context of ending a drought and soaking dry fields.

Question 3

The ambassador's CONCILIATORY speech surprised the delegates, as they had expected a hostile confrontation. What does 'conciliatory' mean?

Accepted Answer

Intended to reduce hostility and make peace

Answer

'Conciliatory' means intended to make peace or reduce conflict, contrasted here with the expected 'hostile confrontation.'

Question 4

The child's INCESSANT chatter made it impossible for her father to concentrate on the important phone call. What does 'incessant' mean?

Accepted Answer

Continuing without pause

Answer

'Incessant' means continuing without interruption, which explains why it made concentration impossible.

Question 5

The politician's AMBIGUOUS statement left voters unsure whether he supported or opposed the new tax bill. What does 'ambiguous' mean?

Accepted Answer

Open to more than one interpretation

Answer

'Ambiguous' means open to multiple interpretations, as shown by voters being unsure of the politician's actual position.

Nelson-Denny Reading Test Practice Test