Vocabulary and Synonyms

Carping means characterized by excessive or petty criticism or fault-finding, perfectly matching the clue. Windfall is unexpected money, intangible means not tangible, and decimate means to destroy a large portion.

Jostle means to push, elbow, or bump against someone, matching both 'shove' and 'bump'. Apostate is someone who abandons religion, luster is shine, and catastrophe is disaster.

Pan as a verb means to criticize harshly, especially in a review of a performance or work. Dilemma is a difficult situation, viand is food, and incoherent means unclear - unrelated.

Invulnerable means incapable of being harmed or injured, which directly matches the definition provided. Paucity means scarcity or lack, diverge means to move in different directions, and vortex refers to a whirling mass of fluid or air.

Baleful means menacing, threatening, or deadly, often used to describe something that causes harm or misfortune. Archaic means very old or outdated, scuttle means to deliberately sink or abandon, and ostracize means to exclude from a society or group.

Distrait is a French-derived word meaning absentminded, distracted, or inattentive due to daydreaming or preoccupation. Imbalance refers to lack of equilibrium, exertion means physical or mental effort, and flair refers to a natural talent or distinctive style.

Astronomical means enormously large or extensive, originally referring to astronomical distances but now used for any huge scale. Shimmer means to shine with flickering light, sinewy means tough and muscular, and raucous describes harsh, discordant sounds.

Stigma refers to a mark of disgrace or shame associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person. Cabal means a secret political clique, celerity means speed or swiftness, and natty means neatly or smartly dressed.

Disingenuous means not naive or sincere; it describes someone who is insincere, calculating, or sophisticated in their manipulation. Seemly means proper or appropriate, mores refers to social customs, and carat is a unit for measuring gem weight.

'À la carte' is a French phrase meaning 'according to the menu' - you can choose individual items as desired rather than a fixed set meal. It literally translates to 'on the card' (menu). In dining, it means ordering specific dishes separately rather than a pre-determined meal package.

In Japanese, the word for 'four' (shi) is a homophone for the word for 'death'. Consequently, the number is often avoided in hospitals, elevators, and gift-giving, similar to the Western superstition regarding thirteen.

Various longitudinal health studies suggest that married men tend to live longer than unmarried men. Factors include better social support, improved lifestyle habits, and better mental health, potentially adding years to life expectancy.

Crucio is the correct spell - it's the Cruciatus Curse, one of the Unforgivable Curses used to torture victims with extreme pain. Diffindo cuts objects, Expecto Patronum produces a protective Patronus, and Aparecium reveals invisible ink.

Supriya (or Supriyā) is a Sanskrit name meaning 'beloved' or 'dear one'. It derives from the prefix 'su' (good, well) and 'priya' (loved, dear). Option A correctly identifies this meaning.

Nisha is a Sanskrit name meaning 'night' or 'darkness'. It is derived from the Sanskrit word 'nisa' which refers to the night. The name is commonly given to girls born at night. Option C is correct.