Vocabulary and Synonyms

Fervent means having or displaying a passionate intensity; showing strong enthusiasm or devotion. Raja Ram Mohan Roy's 'fervent desire' to change society indicates his passionate, burning commitment to social reform, making 'enthusiastic' the correct meaning.

Anguished means experiencing or showing severe mental or physical suffering; distressed and tormented. The context of a poor child appearing before President Lincoln suggests a situation of extreme emotional distress, making 'sad' the closest option, though it understates the intensity of true anguish.

Pretentious means attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, or wealth than is actually possessed; showy or affected. Being 'completely overdressed' with hair done up at a casual party demonstrates trying to appear more sophisticated than warranted, making 'showy' the correct contextual meaning.

Supercilious means behaving or looking as though one thinks they are superior to others; arrogant and condescending. The context of someone being 'not very well-liked' despite their prominence and wealth, due specifically to their attitude toward everyone, directly indicates arrogance and superiority, making 'arrogant' the perfect match.

 Temperate means neither hot nor cold, i.e. mild.

Ecstatic means experiencing or showing overwhelming happiness or joy. In the context of scoring a first goal, 'elated' (overjoyed/exultantly happy) best captures this intense positive emotion. 'Blissful' suggests peaceful happiness rather than the excited joy of achievement.

 Based on the word choices, anxious is most closest in meaning to perturbed, which means to become upset and/or very anxious.

Astute means sharp, keen, or having good judgment. 'Shrewd' means showing sharp powers of judgment or astute. The sentence contrasts the detective's messy appearance with his keen, analytical mind, making 'shrewd' the perfect match.

 Agile in this context means quick-witted as someone who has a quick and resourceful mind.

Diligent means having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties. 'Careful' means exercising care and showing attention to detail. A detective who investigates all clues thoroughly demonstrates both qualities.

Obscene means offensive or disgusting by accepted standards of morality and decency, especially relating to sexual matters. 'Indecent' means not conforming with accepted standards of behavior or morality, making it the closest match for inappropriate content.

Congenial means pleasant, friendly, or agreeable in nature or personality. A host who actively ensures guests' comfort and enjoyment demonstrates being 'friendly' and pleasant to be around, which is the essence of congenial.

Decorous means showing good taste, propriety, or proper behavior in speech or conduct. Members of diplomatic corps are expected to behave politely and respectfully. 'Well behaved' best captures this sense of proper conduct.

Headstrong and stubborn are synonymous.

Relinquish means voluntarily give up, surrender, or abandon a right, claim, or possession. In divorce contexts, one party may choose to 'forsake' (give up/abandon) their rights to property. 'Forsake' is a strong synonym for relinquish.