Word Meanings

Berate means to scold or criticize harshly and angrily. 'Scold' is the exact synonym. 'Extol' means praise highly (opposite), 'laud' also means praise, and 'approve' means agree with - all are the opposite of berating.

Benevolent means serving a charitable rather than a profit-making purpose. So, option 1 is correct.

Bombastic means using high-sounding language with little meaning, pretentious, showy. 'Pompous' means pretentious, arrogant, or showy - perfect match. 'Middle' and 'Showing' are unrelated. 'Loudly' refers to volume, not pretentiousness.

Bogus means fake, false, not genuine. 'Counterfeit' means made to look genuine but is fake - precise synonym. 'Joyous' means happy, 'Authentic' and 'Genuine' are opposites of bogus.

Bountiful means abundant, plentiful, or generous in giving. 'Generous' captures the giving aspect well. 'Rude' means impolite, 'Trader' is a person who buys/sells, and 'None of these' is incorrect since 'Generous' works.

Slander...i.e making defamatory statements about someone

Cantankerous means bad-tempered, quarrelsome, or easily annoyed. It describes someone who is consistently irritable and difficult to deal with. Options A (Arrange), C (Sharpness), and D (Freedom) are unrelated to the meaning.

Casualty refers to a person killed or injured in a war or accident, or more broadly to any serious incident or loss. It emphasizes the victim or the damaging effect. Options A (Punish), B (Suitable), and C (Marked) are incorrect meanings.

Both mean removing passages considered offensive.

Cataract literally means a high waterfall or steep rapids (from Latin cataracta). It is also used medically for an eye condition, but 'A high waterfall' is the primary literal meaning. Options A (Burn), B (Banker), and C (Anemia) are incorrect.

Carrion specifically refers to the decaying flesh of dead animals. It's used to describe dead animals that become food for scavengers like vultures. Options B (Blame), C (Mythical figure), and D (Alive) are completely incorrect meanings.

Bloated means swollen or puffed up, often due to fluid retention, gas, or overeating. It describes an unnatural distension. Options A (Shrunken), B (Flaccid), and D (Contracted) all describe opposite states of being reduced or diminished.

Catharsis means the purging or cleansing of emotions, often through art or dramatic expression. It originally referred to medical purgation but now describes emotional release. Options A (Yielding), C (Prohibit), and D (Restrict) are incorrect.

Censor means to examine and suppress unacceptable material, or to prohibit/ban something. A censor examines books, films, etc. and removes offensive content. Options A (Punish), B (Drunken), and C (Small waterfall) are incorrect meanings.

Cede means to give up, yield, or transfer (rights, territory, or power) to another. It's often used in diplomatic contexts like 'ceding territory.' Options A (Not formal), B (Allotment), and D (Map-maker) are incorrect.

Braggart means a boastful person who excessively talks about their achievements or abilities. It describes someone with excessive pride in themselves. Options A (Ridiculous), C (Modest), and D (Humble) describe opposite qualities.

Cipher can mean a zero, a nonentity, or someone of no importance. It describes a person or thing with no value or influence. Options A (Crucial), C (Contradict), and D (Important) all suggest significance, which is the opposite of cipher.

Charisma originally meant a divine gift or favor, and has evolved to mean a compelling charm or personal magnetism that inspires devotion in others. Option A captures the original/etymological meaning. Options B (Burning), C (Slingshot), and D (Forked) are unrelated.

Chasm means a deep opening, crack, or abyss in the earth's surface. It describes a markedly deep gap or fissure. Options A (Crooked), C (Spacious), and D (Continous - note the typo) are incorrect meanings.

Cherubic describes someone resembling a cherub - an angelic being. It means innocent, childlike, or sweet in appearance or manner, not negative or angry.

To cite means to quote or reference a source as evidence for an argument. Writers cite books, articles, and other materials to support their claims.

Canny means prudent, shrewd, or showing good judgment. A canny person makes careful decisions and avoids risks, especially in business or practical matters.

Clamor refers to a loud, confused noise or uproar from a crowd. It can also mean a strong public demand or outcry about something.

Choleric means hot-tempered or easily angered. It comes from the ancient medical theory of four 'humors' - choleric people were believed to have excess yellow bile, making them quick-tempered.