Vocabulary Quiz - Words Beginning with B

Bourgeois is a French-origin word referring to the middle class, particularly in Marxist and sociological contexts. Option C correctly identifies this as meaning 'middle class'. The distractors are unrelated: A means interfering, B means peaceful, and D means submissive.

Bout can mean a match or contest, particularly in sports or competitive contexts (like a boxing bout). Option C correctly identifies this meaning. The other options are incorrect: A means to look with desire, B refers to composure, and D means microscopic.

Bovine is an adjective meaning relating to cows or cattle, or having cow-like characteristics (such as being slow, dull, or stolid). Option C 'cowlike' is the correct definition. The distractors are unrelated: A refers to olfactory, B is an equestrian term, and D means minute.

Bowdlerize means to expurgate or remove material considered offensive or inappropriate from a text or work, named after Thomas Bowdler who cleaned up Shakespeare. Option C 'expurgate' is the correct synonym. The other options are incorrect: A refers to oligarchy, B means equilibrium, and D describes trivialities.

Brackish refers to water that is slightly salty, typically a mixture of fresh and saltwater as found in estuaries. Option C 'somewhat saline' correctly captures this meaning. The distractors are unrelated: A means menacing, B refers to equine, and D describes an illusion.

Brag means to boast or talk with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about oneself or one's achievements. Option C 'boast' is the correct definition. The distractors are incorrect: A means omnipotent, B refers to equinox, and D means to entangle.

Braggadocio refers to boasting or arrogant behavior; it can also refer to a boastful person. Option C 'boasting' correctly captures this meaning. The other options are incorrect: A means omnipresent, B is a noun for equilibrium, and D means gaiety.

Braggart is a noun meaning a person who boasts or brags excessively about their abilities or achievements. Option C 'boaster' is the correct definition. The distractors are unrelated: A means omniscient, B means just, and D refers to misfortune.

Braid means to interweave three or more strands of hair, fabric, or other material to create a plait. Option C 'plait' is the correct synonym, particularly in British English. The other options are incorrect: A describes omnivorous eating habits, B refers to justice, and D means a misanthrope.

A brand is a distinctive name, symbol, mark, or design that identifies a product or company - essentially a trademark. 'Brand' refers to the identifying mark itself, not something burdensome or ambiguous.

To brandish means to wave or flourish something, typically a weapon, in a threatening or showy manner. This is the correct meaning - it describes the physical action of waving something around, especially as a threat or display.

Bravado refers to a confident or arrogant display of boldness, often used to impress or intimidate others - essentially swaggering or showing off. It describes behavior meant to appear tough or fearless, not an assault or mixture.

As a verb, to brave means to face or endure something with courage - for example, 'brave the storm' or 'brave the criticism.' This is the correct meaning of facing courageously, not a burden or luck.

A brawl is a rough, noisy, or violent fight or quarrel, typically in a public place. 'Noisy quarrel' correctly captures this meaning - it's about loud, chaotic fighting, not slow flow or wandering.

Brawn refers to physical strength and muscular power - it means human muscle or physical strength. This is often contrasted with 'brains' in the phrase 'brains and brawn.' It has nothing to do with iridescence or oddness.

Bluster can mean both loud, arrogant talk AND wind blowing in heavy gusts or bursts. Option C 'blow in heavy gusts' correctly captures this meteorological meaning of the word. It doesn't mean volcanic rock or pleading.

To bode means to be an omen or sign of something that will happen in the future - to foreshadow. For example, 'this bodes well' means it's a good sign for what's coming. It doesn't mean outdated or entrance.

Bookish means fond of reading and studying, associated with books and scholarship. A bookish person is someone who loves reading and intellectual pursuits. It doesn't mean an eye doctor or believing in pleasure.

A boon is something beneficial or helpful - a blessing, advantage, or benefit. For example, 'This scholarship is a boon for the student.' It doesn't mean chances or witty sayings.

Boorish means rude, ill-mannered, or lacking in refinement and social grace. A boorish person behaves badly in social situations. It doesn't mean hatred or loosely connected stories.