Vocabulary in Context Flashcards

In the passage, the author uses the word 'dearth' in: 'There was a dearth of evidence to support the claim.' What does dearth mean?

Answer: scarcity

Dearth means a scarcity or lack of something.

A character is described as 'gregarious — always surrounded by friends and the first to introduce himself to strangers.' What does gregarious mean?

Answer: sociable and outgoing

Gregarious means fond of company; sociable.

Read this sentence: 'The pundit's caustic review of the film left the director feeling deeply wounded.' What does caustic mean in this context?

Answer: sharply critical

Caustic means bitterly sarcastic or severely critical.

In the poem, the speaker uses the word 'ephemeral' to describe a sunset: 'Its beauty was ephemeral, lasting only moments before darkness fell.' What does ephemeral mean?

Answer: short-lived

Ephemeral means lasting for a very short time.

A student encounters the word 'ameliorate' in a health article: 'Regular exercise can ameliorate symptoms of anxiety.' What does ameliorate mean?

Answer: improve

Ameliorate means to make something bad or unsatisfactory better.

In the sentence 'The soldiers showed remarkable fortitude, enduring hardship without complaint,' what does fortitude mean?

Answer: courage and endurance

Fortitude means mental and emotional strength in facing adversity.

A text describes a leader who 'placated the angry crowd with promises of reform.' What does placated mean?

Answer: calmed or appeased

To placate means to make someone less angry or upset, usually by giving in to their demands.