communication Online Quiz - 91

Pristine means in original, unspoiled condition - literally in its earliest or ancient state. The definition characteristics of earlier times captures this meaning of something from an earlier period that has remained unchanged. The other options are unrelated.

Retribution means punishment given in return for a wrong committed - essentially vengeance or revenge for a perceived injury. The other options are unrelated: prohibit means forbid, permanent means lasting, and science of sound is acoustics.

A hummock is a small hill or mound of earth, often found in marshy or swampy areas. It describes a slight elevation in the landscape. The other options (muddle, careful, cautious) are unrelated to the geographical meaning.

Dross refers to waste matter, impurities, or worthless material that is separated from metal during smelting. It can also mean anything worthless or trivial. The other options (copy, shrink of fear, winding) do not match this meaning.

Insurrection means a rebellion or uprising against established authority or government. It refers to an organized act of revolt. The other options (untidy, annoyed/vexed, imitate) are unrelated to this meaning of armed resistance.

As a verb, to grill means to question severely or interrogate relentlessly, like grilling a witness. This is distinct from the cooking meaning. The other options (complain/fuss, slavery, parsimonious) are unrelated definitions.

Deplore means to regret deeply, to feel strong disapproval of something, or to condemn. It expresses sorrow or strong disapproval about a situation or action. The other options (trifling, urgent situation, vein) are not meanings of deplore.

A pittance is a very small amount of money, especially a meager allowance or wage. It refers to an inadequately small sum. The other options (confirm/ratify, curved/hooked, change in direction) are unrelated definitions.

A junket refers to a trip, excursion, or celebration, often one funded by public money for government officials. The key meaning is a journey or festive outing, not related to negative traits like devilish, blunt, or success-oriented.

Wily describes someone who is skilled at gaining an advantage, especially through deceit or evasion. It means cunning, crafty, or artful in character. The other options refer to concepts like ineffability, broad-mindedness, and revelation, which are unrelated.

Gregarious fundamentally means enjoying the company of others, sociable, or fond of forming groups. It describes people who thrive in social situations. Options like obscene, harmony, or agreement either have negative connotations or represent related but distinct concepts.

As a noun, stint means a fixed amount of work, a specified period of time, or an allotted portion. It can also mean one's share or quota. The other options refer to different concepts entirely: pacifying, verbal abuse, or displaying knowledge pretentiously.

Dally means to waste time through indecision or to engage in flirtatious, playful behavior. The option 'to flirt; trifle with' accurately captures this dual meaning. Options like 'imprison' and 'lowest point' are completely unrelated to the word's definition.

Schism refers to a formal split or division within an organization or group, especially in religious, political, or social contexts. The option 'split; division' directly matches this definition. The other options describe qualities like certainty or respectability, which are unrelated to schism.

A tureen is a deep, covered dish used for serving soup, stew, or other liquid-based foods. This option correctly identifies the specific culinary purpose. 'Pistol case' and 'painting on plaster' refer to entirely different objects (a holster and fresco, respectively).

Belabor means to attack verbally, criticize repeatedly, or explain at tedious length. 'Assail verbally' captures this meaning of persistent verbal attack. 'Nourish', 'lower', and 'foster' are positive or neutral actions unrelated to belabor's negative, critical connotation.

An altercation is a noisy, heated argument or quarrel, often in public. 'Noisy quarrel' directly matches this definition. The other options are incorrect: 'put on' means to don clothing, and 'substance that dissolves another' describes a solvent.

Decrepitude refers to a state of physical deterioration, weakness, or collapse caused by advanced age or long illness. This option accurately describes the condition. 'Seize, commandeer' means to appropriate by force, and 'abnormal or deviant' refers to atypical behavior.

Nepotism is the practice of favoritism granted to relatives or friends, especially in business or politics, without regard for merit. 'Favoritism' directly matches this core meaning. 'Neophyte' means a beginner, 'like to try new stuff' describes novelty-seeking, and 'purify' means to cleanse.

Vulpine means fox-like, describing characteristics associated with foxes such as cunning, craftiness, or cleverness. This option correctly identifies the animal reference. 'Like a vampire', 'like a cat', and 'like a crow' are incorrect animal associations.