Vocabulary in Context Flashcards

Read the sentence: 'The general was a brilliant tactician, but his inability to delegate tasks and his mercurial temperament made him a difficult leader to work for.' What is the meaning of the word 'mercurial' as it is used in the sentence?

Answer: Unpredictable and changeable

The context describes the general as a 'difficult leader.' A 'mercurial' temperament contributes to this difficulty, suggesting it is not a stable or predictable quality. It means subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind.

Read the passage: 'While her older sister was a social butterfly, always surrounded by friends, Maria was more introverted and taciturn, preferring a quiet evening with a book.' Based on the context, what does 'taciturn' mean?

Answer: Saying little; reserved

The sentence creates a contrast between Maria and her 'social butterfly' sister. Since her sister is outgoing, Maria is the opposite. The phrase 'preferring a quiet evening with a book' further supports the idea that she is reserved and doesn't talk much.

Read the sentence: 'The new CEO's plan to revitalize the company was audacious, involving risks that made the board members nervous but also offered the potential for huge rewards.' What is the best meaning of 'audacious' in this context?

Answer: Bold and daring

The plan involved 'risks that made the board members nervous,' which indicates it was not a safe or conventional plan. This suggests the plan was daring and bold, which is the meaning of 'audacious.' The potential for 'huge rewards' also supports this interpretation.

Read the passage: 'The city's infrastructure—its roads, bridges, and water systems—was antiquated and in desperate need of modernization. Decades of neglect had taken their toll.' As used in the passage, what does 'antiquated' mean?

Answer: Old-fashioned and out-of-date

The passage states the infrastructure was in 'desperate need of modernization,' which is the opposite of being antiquated. The examples of 'roads, bridges, and water systems' and the mention of 'decades of neglect' point to the infrastructure being old and out-of-date.

Read the sentence: 'The politician's speech was filled with platitudes about unity and progress, but it offered no concrete solutions to the nation's problems.' What is the meaning of 'platitudes'?

Answer: Remarks or statements that are unoriginal and overused

The sentence contrasts 'platitudes' with 'concrete solutions.' This implies that platitudes are remarks that lack substance or originality. They are common, overused statements that sound good but don't mean much in practice.

Read the sentence: 'Despite the initial setbacks, the team remained resilient, quickly adapting their strategy and ultimately achieving their goal.' What does 'resilient' mean in this context?

Answer: Able to recover quickly from difficulties

The team faced 'setbacks' but was able to 'quickly adapt' and 'ultimately achieve their goal.' This shows an ability to recover from difficulties. Therefore, 'resilient' means being able to withstand or recover quickly from tough conditions.

Read the passage: 'The documentary did not equivocate. It clearly and forcefully presented evidence of the environmental damage, leaving no doubt about the company's responsibility.' Based on the context, what does it mean to 'equivocate'?

Answer: To use ambiguous language to conceal the truth

The passage states the documentary did *not* equivocate, and then describes what it did instead: it was 'clear and forceful' and left 'no doubt.' This means that to equivocate is the opposite—to be unclear or use ambiguous language to conceal the truth or avoid commitment.