Understanding Vocabulary in Context Flashcards
6 cards from real SELT practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Understanding Vocabulary in Context flashcards as text
Read the following sentence: 'Despite the initial challenges, the team decided to press on with the project.' What is the meaning of the phrasal verb 'press on' in this context?
Answer: To continue with determination
In this context, 'to press on' means to continue doing something in a determined way, despite difficulties or opposition. The team is choosing to move forward with the project even though they faced challenges.
In a conversation, your colleague says, 'I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, so I might leave early.' What does your colleague mean?
Answer: They are feeling slightly ill.
The idiom 'under the weather' is a common expression in English that means feeling unwell or sick. It does not literally refer to the weather conditions.
Which of the following sentences uses the word 'accountable' correctly?
Answer: He is accountable for his actions and must face the consequences.
'Accountable' means being responsible for something and expected to explain your actions. Sentence B correctly shows that the person is responsible for what they have done.
Read the following passage: 'The manager was explicit in her instructions. She provided a detailed, step-by-step guide and made sure everyone knew their specific tasks.' What is the best synonym for 'explicit' in this context?
Answer: Clear and direct
The context shows that the manager gave a 'detailed, step-by-step guide' and ensured everyone 'knew their specific tasks'. This indicates her instructions were very clear and direct, which is the meaning of 'explicit'.
Your friend is telling you about a recent argument. She says, 'I had to bite my tongue when he made that comment.' What did your friend do?
Answer: She stopped herself from saying something.
The idiom 'to bite your tongue' means to make a desperate effort to avoid saying something that you want to say, perhaps because it would be rude, inappropriate, or cause an argument.
The company had to make a pragmatic decision about its budget, focusing on essential spending rather than desirable but unnecessary projects. The word 'pragmatic' in this sentence means...
Answer: Practical and sensible
A pragmatic decision is one that is based on practical considerations rather than theoretical or idealistic ones. The sentence contrasts 'essential spending' with 'unnecessary projects,' indicating a practical and sensible approach.