PSAT/NMSQT PSAT/NMSQT Vocabulary in Context 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The word 'tenacious' in 'Despite repeated failures, the researcher remained *tenacious* in her pursuit of a cure' most nearly means:
- Easily discouraged
- Holding firmly to a purpose (Correct answer)
- Methodically cautious
- Overly ambitious
Correct answer: Holding firmly to a purpose
Tenacious means holding fast to a goal or principle, not giving up despite obstacles.
Question 2: As used in 'The diplomat offered only *ambiguous* answers, leaving reporters confused,' the word 'ambiguous' most nearly means:
- Thoughtful and measured
- Open to more than one interpretation (Correct answer)
- Direct and honest
- Politically charged
Correct answer: Open to more than one interpretation
Ambiguous means open to multiple interpretations, creating uncertainty or confusion.
Question 3: In 'The critic called the performance *mediocre*, neither inspiring nor offensive,' the word 'mediocre' most nearly means:
- Exceptionally poor
- Of only ordinary or moderate quality (Correct answer)
- Technically skilled
- Highly praised
Correct answer: Of only ordinary or moderate quality
Mediocre means of only average quality — not bad enough to condemn but not good enough to praise.
Question 4: The word 'arduous' in 'The *arduous* trek up the mountain tested every climber's endurance' most nearly means:
- Scenic and pleasant
- Involving great effort (Correct answer)
- Dangerous and unpredictable
- Requiring special equipment
Correct answer: Involving great effort
Arduous means requiring a great deal of effort or labor; hard and tiring.
Question 5: As used in 'The new policy was met with *vehement* opposition from community members,' the word 'vehement' most nearly means:
- Quiet and reserved
- Showing strong feeling (Correct answer)
- Logically structured
- Broadly supported
Correct answer: Showing strong feeling
Vehement means showing strong, intense feeling or conviction, often expressed forcefully.
Question 6: In 'The committee chose to *defer* the decision until more data was available,' the word 'defer' most nearly means:
- Cancel permanently
- Put off to a later time (Correct answer)
- Make quickly
- Delegate to another person
Correct answer: Put off to a later time
In this context, defer means to postpone or delay an action until a more appropriate time.
PSAT/NMSQT PSAT/NMSQT Vocabulary in Context 2
The word 'tenacious' in 'Despite repeated failures, the researcher remained *tenacious* in her pursuit of a cure' most nearly means: