Vocabulary Test 7

Catharsis refers to the purification or purgation of emotions - specifically through art, providing emotional release. 'Outlet for strong emotions' captures this meaning of emotional expression and release.

An acronym is a word formed from the initial letters of a name, such as NATO or NASA. 'Word formed from an abbreviation' best describes this formation process.

Arcane means understood by few; mysterious or secret. 'Secret' is the closest synonym among the options, capturing the sense of hidden or specialized knowledge known only to initiates.

Antiquated means something that is outdated, old-fashioned, or no longer useful because of its age. Obsolete is the closest synonym, meaning no longer produced or used; out of date.

A deterrent is something that discourages or prevents action, often by creating fear or doubt. Restraint of action captures this meaning best - something that holds back or prevents action.

Extinct means no longer in existence or having died out completely. The term is most commonly used for species that have no living members, but applies broadly to anything that has ceased to exist.

Bowdlerize means to remove material that is considered objectionable, offensive, or improper from a text or work. Named after Thomas Bowdler who published expurgated versions of Shakespeare's works.

Coeval means originating or existing during the same time period. Of the same age is the most direct synonym - two people or things that are contemporaries, born or created at approximately the same time.

Braggadocio means boastful or arrogant talk about one's achievements or abilities. Boasting is the correct synonym - it refers to the act of speaking with excessive pride and self-satisfaction.

Prowess means exceptional skill or ability, especially in a particular field or activity. While often associated with martial courage, bravery is the best fit among the options as it captures the courage aspect that prowess commonly implies.

A damp squib is something that fails to meet expectations or has much less impact than was hoped for. The phrase comes from fireworks - a squib that is damp will fizzle instead of exploding impressively. An unsuccessful attempt is the closest meaning.

Bigamy is the practice of having two spouses simultaneously - being married to two people at the same time. This is legally prohibited in most jurisdictions. The answer correctly captures the core meaning.

Credence means acceptance of something as true or credible - giving credit or belief to a claim. While related to belief, credit is more precise here as it implies accepting something as worthy of belief or trust.

Slake means to satisfy or quench, especially thirst or desire. Quench is the most direct synonym - to satisfy a thirst, literally or metaphorically. It can also mean to reduce the intensity of something.

Attrition means the process of gradually reducing something through wearing down, erosion, or continuous pressure. Decline is the best synonym here - a gradual reduction in strength, numbers, or quality over time.

Appellation means a name, title, or identifying designation. Option B correctly identifies this as a nickname or title. A ghost is unrelated, C refers to a solution, and D means a start.

Bovine means relating to cows or oxen. Option B captures this perfectly as like an ox. An expert is unrelated, meat extract is beef (not bovine), and dim-witted is slang not the primary meaning.

Baffle means to confuse, perplex, or disconcert someone. Option A is correct. To tease is to annoy playfully, strike means to hit, and send away means to dismiss.

Credence means belief in or acceptance of something as true. Option B correctly captures reliance on truth. Religion or gullible are too specific, simplicity is unrelated.

Amalgamate means to combine or unite into one organization or structure. Option A is correct as unite. Gather is less precise, astonish means amaze, frustrate means to thwart.

Acumen refers to the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions. Option B correctly identifies quickness of insight. Bitterness, abundance, and deficit are unrelated meanings.

Apathy means lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. Option D correctly identifies indifference. Anger is an emotion, lack of confidence is insecurity, odd behaviour is eccentricity.

Divulge means to make private information known or reveal. Option D is correct. Strip means remove, conceal is the opposite, and explore means to investigate.

Avocation means a hobby or side interest pursued apart from one's main occupation. Option D correctly identifies a side interest. Legal pleading is advocacy, contradiction is disagreement, main occupation is vocation (opposite).

Fastidious means very attentive to detail, careful, or fussy about accuracy. Option C correctly identifies finicky. Overfed refers to eating, overconfidence is arrogance, overaspiring is ambitious.