Vocabulary and Word Meanings

Bedraggled means wet, dirty, and hanging limp, so 'wet thoroughly' captures the core meaning. The word comes from 'draggle' (to drag in wet or dirt). Neither 'trifle', 'idly', nor 'wobble' relates to being soaked.

To bandy means to exchange (words) lightly or casually, as in 'bandy words'. It can also mean to toss back and forth. 'Bright', 'belt', and 'prohibited' are unrelated meanings.

Baleful means threatening, menacing, or sinister in appearance. While 'deadly' is related, baleful specifically conveys an evil or harmful intent/atmosphere. 'Trifle' is completely unrelated.

As a noun, attribute means a quality or characteristic feature of something. While 'testify' is a verb meaning to give evidence, the noun form 'attribute' refers to inherent qualities.

Auscultation is the medical term for listening to sounds of the heart, lungs, or other organs using a stethoscope. It comes from Latin 'auscultare' meaning 'to listen'. Neither 'study of stars' nor 'astrology' is correct.

To belabor means to attack verbally, criticize harshly, or insist on repeatedly at tedious length. It's not about cheating or being noisy - it's about excessive verbal punishment or argument.

To avow means to declare openly, acknowledge, or admit something boldly and publicly. It's a formal term for openly stating one's position or belief, not about being greedy, solemn, or wondering.

Authoritative means commanding, domineering, or dictatorial - having or showing confidence in one's authority. While 'stern' and 'bold' are related, 'dictatorial' best captures the overbearing exercise of authority.

Belated means coming late, overdue, or delayed past the expected time. It's commonly used for greetings or apologies that arrive after the occasion has passed. Neither 'beat' nor 'mild' captures this meaning.

To bicker means to quarrel, argue, or engage in petty disputes about trivial matters. It implies continuous, nagging arguments. 'Body', 'mild', and 'calm' are all unrelated to conflict.

 Belittle means to disparage or criticize harshly.

Betroth means to promise to marry someone or engage someone to be married. It's a formal term used when two people commit to a future marriage.

Blunder means a serious mistake or error, often made through carelessness or stupidity. It refers to clumsy or foolish actions that result in problems.

 Blither is similar to blather as both describe long winded speech. Both these words are synonymous to jabber.

Bolster means to support, strengthen, or reinforce something. It can refer to providing physical support or giving encouragement to improve a situation.

Benison is an archaic or literary term meaning a blessing or benediction. It refers to something that brings good fortune or divine favor.

Bullion refers to gold or silver in bulk form, typically in the form of bars or ingots. It's precious metal valued by weight rather than as currency.

Braggadocio means boastful or arrogant behavior. It can also refer to a person who boasts excessively, often about exaggerated or nonexistent achievements.

Bravado refers to bold or swaggering behavior intended to impress others. It's often a show of false courage or confidence to mask insecurity.

Babble means to talk rapidly and incoherently, or to chatter idly without purpose. It can refer to meaningless speech or excited, confused talking.

Bastion originally meant a fortified projection in a castle wall. In modern usage, it means something that protects or defends a particular belief, condition, or institution.

Barterer refers to a person who trades goods or services without using money. Barterers exchange items directly, negotiating what they believe is fair value.

Balmy means mild, gentle, or soothing in temperature or temperament. It can describe pleasant weather or refer to someone slightly eccentric or foolish in a harmless way.

Atheistic means relating to or characterized by atheism - the denial or disbelief in the existence of God or deities. It describes someone who holds atheistic views.

To augment means to make something greater in size, amount, or degree. The word comes from Latin 'augmentare' meaning to increase. Therefore, 'Increase' is the correct synonym.