Vocabulary and Synonyms

A dupe is someone who is easily fooled or deceived - the root connects to duplicity (double-dealing). A canter (B) is a slow gallop for horses, to underscore (C) means to emphasize, and a skirmish (D) is a minor fight. Dupe specifically refers to a person, not an action.

Duplicity means double-dealing or deceitfulness - intentionally misleading someone while appearing trustworthy. It comes from 'duplex' (double/twofold). Canto (B) refers to poem divisions, dissimulation (C) is hiding truth, and inconstant (D) means changeable - but duplicity specifically requires intentional deception, not just changeability.

Duration is the length of time something lasts or continues - a neutral time measurement. To poll (B) means to collect opinions, an undertaker (C) directs funerals, and turpitude (D) means depravity/wickedness. Only A describes time span.

Duress means forcible restraint or compulsion, especially unlawful constraint - being forced to act under threat. Roomy (B) means spacious, to undulate (C) means wavelike motion, and to sneak (D) means moving secretly. Duress specifically involves coercion against one's will.

Dutiful (variant spelling duteous) means showing respect, obedience, or care in fulfilling one's duties - conscientious behavior. Faculty (B) means ability, to dig (C) means excavate, and gradual (D) means slow. Dutiful describes how someone performs responsibilities.

Dwindle means to shrink, diminish, or gradually reduce in size, amount, or strength. Fine-bored (B) describes something thin ( unrelated), unearthly (C) means supernatural, and to slow up (D) means decelerate. Only A captures the sense of gradual reduction.

The prefix dys- means abnormal, impaired, difficult, or bad - seen in medical terms like dysentery, dyslexia, dysfunction. Mercurial (B) means unpredictable, acceptable (C) means satisfactory, and defamation (D) means damaging reputation. Only A matches the prefix meaning.

Effrontery means blatant boldness, rudeness, or impudence performed without any shame or embarrassment. The word combines 'ex-' (out) + 'frons' (forehead/boldness), suggesting brazen behavior.

Effulgent means shining brightly or radiant. It comes from 'ex-' (out) + 'fulgere' (to shine), describing something that brilliantly illuminates or glows.

Effusion literally means pouring forth or flowing out. It can refer to emotional expression, speech, or fluids flowing freely from a contained space.

Ego means one's sense of self-importance or self-esteem. In psychology, it's the part of the mind that mediates between reality and desires, but in general usage, it means how someone perceives themselves.

Egoism means excessive interest in oneself or self-centeredness. It describes the tendency to prioritize one's own interests above others, often at their expense.

Egotistical means conceited, self-centered, or characterized by excessive reference to oneself. It's synonymous with 'egotistic' - someone who constantly talks about themselves and their achievements.

Egregious means outstandingly bad, shocking, or notorious. It describes something so conspicuously bad or offensive that it stands out - like a blatant error or egregious violation.

Earmark means to set aside money, time, or resources for a specific purpose. It can also mean to designate or mark something for a particular use or recipient.