Word Meanings

'Prevalent' means ''widespread in a particular area or at a particular time'.
'Common' means 'occurring, found, or done often'. 

'Inclination' in the given sentence means 'a preference or liking'.
'Desire means 'to wish or long for; want'. 

'Afford' means 'to be able to pay for something'.

To elucidate means to explain or make something clear by providing details and clarification. In the context, the teacher wants the boy to explain his point clearly, not just repeat it, enlarge upon it, or give examples.

To ponder means to think about something carefully, usually for some time. 'Thought over' is the closest synonym - to consider or reflect deeply on something.

In this context, 'conviction' refers to a firmly held belief or principle, not legal convictions or will power alone. A man of strong conviction is someone who holds firm beliefs that guide their actions.

'Hesitate' means 'to be slow to act, speak, or decide'.
'Waver' means 'to tremble or quaver in sound'. 

In this context, 'ideals' refers to standards of perfection or exemplary principles that someone aspires to, not just regular beliefs or opinions. An ideal represents an idea looked upon as perfect or a model to follow.

 Vibrate means to move forward and backward rapidly and continuously.

 Nonplussed means surprised or not sure of how to act. So, puzzled is the correct option here.

Hugely in this context means to smile very much. None of the other options is meaningful according to the sentence.

 To endeavour means to make effort for something.

Glare means to shine in a dazzling way.

Innocent means 'not guilty'.

To be dazed means to be unable to think clearly.

Disposition means a person's inherent qualities of mind and character. 

Mute means quiet; silent.

The phrase 'figure out' means 'to come to understand someone or something better'. 

'Orthodox' means 'following the traditional or generally accepted rules or beliefs of a religion, philosophy or practice'. So, option 4 is the correct answer.

'Amateur' is someone who 'engages in an activity as a pastime'. Thus, option (3) is the correct answer.

'Perish' means 'to die or be destroyed/extremely cold'. But in the context of the sentence, the word/phrase which is closest in meaning to 'perish' is 'very severe'.

It is used to refer to something 'characterised by the use of many or too many words; wordy'.

'Sophiscated' means something 'developed to a high degree of complexity'. Thus, option (3) is the closest in meaning to it. 

It means to leave completely or forsake.

It means having or showing great warmth or intensity of spirit, feeling, enthusiasm, etc.