Vocabulary and Synonyms

While 'rare' often means uncommon, in a scientific or atmospheric context, it means 'thin in density' (rarefied). 'Official periodical' is a gazette, and 'genuine' means authentic.

To "rusticate" means to send someone to the countryside, or to go to the countryside oneself - historically used for students suspended from university and sent home. "Banish to the country" captures this meaning perfectly. The other options are incorrect: "brawl" means quarreling, "reluctant" means unwilling, and "graze" refers to animal feeding.

A "traumatic" experience is one that causes deep emotional shock or distress. Option C correctly identifies this meaning. The other options define unrelated words: "viable" means capable of maintaining life, "accession" means addition, and "aqueduct" is a water channel.

"Prodigious" means extraordinarily large in size, extent, or amount - enormous or huge. This matches option D. The other options are unrelated: "carapace" is a shell, "abut" means border upon, and "vivid" describes bright colors. Think of "a prodigious achievement" or "prodigious talent" - something impressively large.

"Swarthy" describes a person's skin color or complexion as dark or dusky - typically used for someone with dark skin, often suggesting a weathered or outdoor appearance. Option C is correct. The other options are unrelated: "dainty" means delicate, "verisimilitude" is appearance of truth, and "fissure" is a crevice.

An "ordeal" is a severe trial, difficult experience, or painful affliction that tests someone's endurance or character. Option D correctly captures this meaning. The other options are unrelated: "wary" means cautious, "reimburse" means repay, and "swelter" means suffer from oppressive heat.

Paraphernalia refers to the miscellaneous articles or 'equipment' needed for a particular activity. 'Live together' is cohabitation, and 'marked by commotion' describes something tumultuous.

Hazardous means dangerous, risky, or involving potential harm. The distractors define unrelated concepts: people of rank (A), culinary arts (B), or being filled with sound (C).

Tempestuous describes something characterized by storms, turbulence, or violent outbursts. It's commonly used to describe weather, relationships, or behavior. The other options refer to restraint (A), ointment (B), or drying up (C).

Terse means using few words, often to the point of being blunt; 'concise' is the closest synonym. 'Bruise' is a physical injury, and 'indefensible' describes a position that cannot be protected.

Subjective means based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions rather than facts. 'Indefensible' refers to a weak argument (untenable), and 'contraband' refers to illegal goods.

Incoherent describes language or thinking that is confusing and lacks connection, making it 'unintelligible'. 'Grate on nerves' describes an annoying sound, and 'high sounding language' refers to bombast or grandiloquence.

While 'scurvy' is commonly known as a disease, as an adjective it means 'contemptible' or 'despicable'. This archaic usage is the only definition provided that matches the word's secondary meaning.

To 'propitiate' means to win or regain the favor of a god, spirit, or person by doing something that pleases them; 'appease' is a direct synonym. The other options define 'wanderlust', 'eclectic', and 'acuity'.

Gush means to flow out suddenly and profusely, typically referring to liquid. Option C correctly captures this meaning. The distractors refer to making sounds (A), refilling (B), or walking styles (D).