Vocabulary and Spelling Quiz

The correct spelling is 'embarrassing' with double 'r' and double 's'. Option B triples 'b', C drops one 'r' and one 's', and D drops one 's'. The verb 'embarrass' already has double 'r' and double 's', and adding '-ing' preserves that.

The correct spelling is 'supersede' with 'sede' at the end, not 'cede' like similar words. Option B incorrectly uses 'cede', C uses 'seed', and D wrongly claims no correct option. This is an exception to the '-cede' pattern (like precede, recede).

The correct spelling is 'committee' with double 'm', double 't', and double 'e'. Options A and B each miss one double letter, while D drops the final 'e'. The pattern is consistent: m-m-t-t-e-e in that order.

'Flair' means a distinctive style or elegance in doing something - an instinctive talent or distinctive touch. Option A confuses it with advantage, B with disadvantage, and D with hard work. It specifically refers to style, panache, or natural talent.

'Resilient' means tough, flexible, or able to recover quickly from difficulties - not easily broken or defeated. Option B (brittle) is the opposite, C is unrelated, and D refers to speed, not toughness. Resilience is about bouncing back.

'Plucky' means brave, courageous, or having spirit - especially in difficult situations. Option A is the opposite, B refers to work ethic, and D means lazy. Pluck is about courage and determination.

'Sublime' means something of such excellence or grandeur that it inspires awe or admiration - inspirational, majestic, or elevated. Options A, B, and C are incorrect. Sublime describes things that are elevated, excellent, or awe-inspiring.

'Pushover' means someone easily defeated, influenced, or taken advantage of - an easy target. Options B and C are opposite traits, and D refers to size. A pushover is someone who offers little resistance.

The word 'effete' describes something that has lost its vitality, power, or effectiveness over time. It's commonly used to describe institutions, traditions, or individuals that were once strong but are now weak, exhausted, or past their prime. The other options describe effective ability (A), removal (B), and feminine traits (D), which are unrelated to the meaning.

'Effulgent' comes from the Latin meaning 'shining forth' and describes something radiating brilliant light. It's often used in poetic or elevated contexts to describe the sun, stars, or something metaphorically brilliant. The other options describe causing fear (B), noxious smells (C), and emotional expression (D), which are unrelated to brightness.

'Egregious' means conspicuously bad, notorious, or shockingly terrible. Interestingly, the word originally meant 'distinguished' or 'remarkably good,' but modern usage has completely flipped to mean the opposite - remarkably bad. The other options refer to self-esteem (A), physical exits (C), and exclamations (D).

An 'elixir' is a mythical or medicinal substance believed to cure all ills or extend life. In alchemy, it was the legendary potion that could transform base metals into gold and grant immortality. Today, it's used metaphorically for any perceived cure-all or something that invigorates. The other options describe emotions (A), adding detail (B), and flexibility (C).

'Elusive' describes something difficult to grasp, catch, or understand - something that tends to avoid or escape. It can refer to physical things (like an elusive animal) or abstract concepts (like an elusive memory or idea). The other options refer to eloping (A), explaining (B), and expressiveness (D).

'Embezzlement' is the theft or misappropriation of funds or property placed in one's trust or belonging to one's employer. It differs from ordinary theft because it involves a breach of trust or fiduciary duty - the person had legal access to the money but used it for unauthorized personal purposes. The other options refer to embedding (B), weakening (C), and prohibitions (D).

An 'emissary' is a person sent on a mission to represent another's interests - essentially an agent or messenger. Emissaries are commonly used in diplomacy, business, or personal contexts where someone needs to represent another party's position, negotiate, or deliver messages. The other options refer to causing trouble (A), elevation (B), and self-interest (C).

An 'epicure' is a person with refined taste, especially in food and drink - essentially a gourmet or connoisseur of fine dining. The term comes from Epicurus, a Greek philosopher, though modern usage focuses on culinary appreciation rather than his philosophical teachings. The other options refer to time periods (A), entrepreneurs (C), and attendants (D).

'Expostulation' is a strong protest or remonstrance - reasoning with someone to dissuade them from an action or correct their behavior. It's more formal than simple objection and involves reasoned argument rather than just emotional opposition. The other options refer to explanatory quality (B), detailed explanation (C), and profanity (D).