Vocabulary Flashcards

The prince abdicated the crown and returned to his castle. Abdicated means…

Answer: Gave up.

To abdicate means to relinquish or give up a throne, power, right, or responsibility. It does not mean to sell, reinvest in, or auction.

The convicted criminal absconded prior to the sentencing phase of the trial. Absconded means…

Answer: Departed secretly.

To abscond means to flee or escape secretly and hide. It can also connote making off with something (e.g. “He absconded with the treasure.”) It does not mean to touch anyone, to report immediately-an opposite-or to leave after some discussion, but to break out/take off quickly.

The aural component of balance is critical for postural control during ambulation. Aural means related to the…

Answer: Ear.

Aural refers to the ears or hearing. A corresponding adjective referring to the eyes is visual; to the nose is nasal; and to the mouth is oral.

The old man was benevolent with his fortune. Benevolent means…

Answer: Kind.

Benevolent means kind or good. It does not mean secretive, i.e. keeping secret. In this sentence, stingy is an antonym for “benevolent with his fortune.” Benevolent does not mean careful or cautious.

The extra dirt was a key buttress to the foundation. Buttress means…

Answer: Support.

A buttress (noun) and to buttress (verb) mean support. Buttress is not a limiting factor, an overwhelming condition, or an obstacle or barrier.

The cathode of a battery was removed. Cathode means…

Answer: Negative pole.

In electrolysis and electrophoresis, for example, electrons (negatively charged particles) come from a power supply along a negatively charged electrode, the cathode. Electrons return to the power supply via a positively charged electrode, the anode. Therefore, the cathode is not the positive, neutral, or opposite electrode, or pole.

The doctor was known as a charlatan over the years of his practice. Charlatan means…

Answer: Quack.

Quack and charlatan are synonyms meaning phony, fraud, or faker. A doctor known as a charlatan or quack is not a knowledgeable physician or a procedural physician. A medical examiner is a specific job title for a licensed physician who is also a government-appointed officer conducting autopsies to investigate and determine cause of death, not a synonym for a fake.

The wound exhibited signs of copious drainage requiring medical intervention. Copious means…

Answer: Maximal.

Copious means profuse or abundant, i.e. maximal, not minimal, an antonym. This meaning is not related to, and does not mean, clear, or foul.

The attorney accused the witness of defaming the defendant. Defaming means…

Answer: Slandering.

To defame means to slander, libel, or otherwise disparage the reputation or actions of another. It does not mean to kill, badger or harass; or to suffocate or smother.

The detective was able to derive the facts of the case. Derive means…

Answer: Deduce.

To derive means to deduce; i.e. to draw from or arrive at through deduction, or to determine via reasoning. It does not mean to desist, i.e. cease; to deter, i.e. prevent or discourage; or to devise, i.e. design or invent.

The scientist was able to evoke powerful emotions from her audience. Evoke means…

Answer: Call forth.

To evoke means to call forth, elicit, or draw out, as emotions. It does not mean to sell, calm, or exaggerate.