Vocabulary Quiz - Advanced English Words

An alcove is a recess in a wall, often used for a bed or seating - essentially a small, sheltered nook. The other options are unrelated word meanings: A suggests a linguistic term, B describes a receptive attitude, and D refers to shearing sheep.

An alias is a false or assumed name used by someone, often to hide their true identity - commonly used by criminals or writers. A is incorrect as it describes 'phlegmatic', B refers to a pause in speech, and D means to encase something.

Alienate means to make someone unfriendly or hostile, often by causing them to feel isolated. A is 'phobia', B is too vague and could mean physical withdrawal, and D describes a shed or outbuilding.

Alimentary relates to nourishment or digestion, as in the 'alimentary canal' (digestive tract). A describes a mythical symbol, B is 'recidivism', and D simply means pure or clean.

Alleviate means to relieve or reduce something unpleasant, especially pain or suffering. A means spotted or patchy, B is to count items, and D refers to new plant growth.

Allocate means to assign or distribute resources for a particular purpose. A is 'pigment', B is a religious recluse, and D is an archaic term for a scolding woman.

An alloy is a mixture of metals, often combining a base metal with small amounts of other metals to improve properties. A is to 'pilfer', B is 'reconcile', and D means shrewd or resourceful.

Allude means to refer to something indirectly or suggestively, without explicitly stating it. A is to loot, B means difficult to understand, and D describes something shriveling.

Allure means to entice, attract, or tempt someone, often with charm or appeal. A is an archaic punishment, B is a military reconnaissance, and D means to tremble violently.

Alluvial refers to soil deposits, typically sediment left by flowing water, such as in river deltas or floodplains. A is to pinch, B means to recount, and D is to combine elements.

Alms are 'money or goods given to the poor' as charity. 'Long for' is to yearn, and 'keep away from' is to shun or avoid.

Aloft means upward, high up, or in the air. A refers to hobbling a bird, B is not loyal, and D is a railway switching operation.

Aloof means apart, distant, or reserved in manner - often keeping oneself at a distance from others. A is a small vessel, B means retaliatory accusations, and D is an unscrupulous lawyer.

An altercation is a noisy quarrel or heated argument between people. 'Peak' refers to a summit, 'set right' means to correct, and 'brother or sister' describes a sibling relation.

Altruistic means unselfishly generous or concerned for the welfare of others. 'Devout' means deeply religious, 'moral correctness' describes righteousness, and 'prophetic' refers to predicting the future.

An amalgam is a combination or mixture of different things. 'Pleasantly tart-tasting' describes a flavor, 'reclining' means lying down, and 'relating to stars' would be stellar or astronomical.

Amalgamate means to combine or unite, especially societies or organizations. 'Irritation' is annoyance, 'recover' means to get better, and switching a railroad car is 'sidetrack' or 'switch'.

Amass means to collect or gather gradually in large quantities. 'Pertaining to fishing' is piscatorial, 'occurring again' is recurrent, and separating with a sieve is 'sift' or 'strain'.

In classical mythology, an Amazon was a female warrior. 'Hidden danger' is better described by words like peril or trap, 'odorous' means having a smell, and 'expressing meaning' is semantic or significant.

Ambidextrous means able to use both hands with equal skill. 'Core or marrow' refers to the center, 'formidable' means impressive or intimidating, and sediment deposited by water is 'alluvium'.