Word Power: Test Your Knowledge of These Evocative Adjectives
Updated: Apr. 27, 2021Whether we seek precision, beauty or both, much of the subtlety of language comes from its adjectives. Here are some 10-dollar examples to add polish to your proclamations.
Answer: B—Gradual but harmful
As in, “The insidious effects of eating too much sugar began to show themselves in Arjun’s weight gain and lack of energy.”
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Answer: A—Unpredictable
As in, “Greer’s whimsical personality meant she couldn’t necessarily be counted upon to remain at a job for long.”
These words from the first dictionary no longer exist.
Answer: B—Cunning
As in, “Well aware of the suspected drug lord’s vulpine intelligence, the police kept a close eye on all of his activities.”
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Answer: A—Foggy and wintry
As in, “Knowing night would bring even colder and darker conditions, Ezekiel set out immediately to cross the brumous valley.”
Can you guess which famous authors coined these common words?
Answer: C—Thrifty
As in, “Having seen that Carita was organized and frugal, Hélène gave her budgeting responsibilities for the entire conference.”
Here are the everyday phrases with offensive origins.
Answer: A—Habitual and unlikely to change
As in, “An inveterate worrier, Roone had learned how to get by on very little rest.”
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Answer: B—Shabby and barely adequate
As in, “Despite their threadbare uniforms, the tiny school’s track team dominated the meet.”
You’ll never look at these palindrome words the same way again!
Answer: A—Beneficial
As in, “The difficult but salutary two-week training session turned Adham into a first-rate salesman.”
Admit it: you’re probably guilty of uttering these redundant phrases.
Answer: B—Stubbornly disobedient
As in, “Portia’s contumacious behaviour left her daycare workers little choice but to call her parents.”
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Answer: B—Ineffectual and irresponsible
As in, “Boonsri complained about her feckless brother who never seemed to get anything done.”
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Answer: C—Tending to cause delay
As in, “It appeared to Henry that the airport’s customs had been set up in the most dilatory way possible.”
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Answer: A—Attentive to detail
As in, “Raoul’s fastidious reporting won high praise from his demanding editor.”
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Answer: B—Exhibiting hostility
As in, “The school principal’s belligerent behaviour toward parents led to her removal.”
These slang words from the 1920s are worth bringing back!
Answer: A—Serious and sincere
As in, “Wei took an earnest approach to each and every issue raised by workers.”
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