English Language

Vocabulary and Synonyms

17,324 Questions

Vocabulary and synonyms are essential components of English language sections across competitive exams. This topic tests word associations, context meanings, and precise vocabulary skills. Regular practice helps test takers score higher in SSC, banking, and railway recruitment tests.

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Vocabulary and Synonyms Questions

Multiple choice

Choose the word most similar in meaning to the word 'mortified', as used in the passage.

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable answer according to the underlined word per corresponding number in the passage.

When you tell those of a malicious turn, any circumstance that has happened to another, though they perfectly know of whom you are speaking, they often affect to be at a loss, to forget his name, or to misapprehend you in some respect or other; and this merely to have an opportunity of slyly gratifying their malice by mentioning some unhappy defect or personal infirmity he labours under; and not contented "to tack his every error to his name," they will, by way of farther explanation, have recourse to the faults of his father, or the misfortunes of his family; and this with all the seeming simplicity and candour in the world, merely for the sake of preventing mistakes, and to clear up every doubt of his identity.
To hint at a fault, does more mischief than speaking out; for whatever is left for the imagination to finish, will not fail to be overdone: every hiatus will be more than filled up, and every pause more than supplied. There is less malice and less mischief too, in telling a man's name than the initials of it; as a worthier person may be involved in the most disgraceful suspicions by such a dangerous ambiguity.
More reputations are thus hinted away by false friends, than are openly destroyed by public enemies. And if, or a but, or a mortified look, or a languid defence, or an ambiguous shake of the head, or a hasty word affectedly recalled, will demolish a character more effectually, than the whole artillery of malice when openly levelled against it.
It is not that envy never praises - No that would be making a public profession of itself, and advertising its own malignity; whereas the greatest success of its efforts depends on the concealment of their end.
When envy intends to strike a stroke of Machiavellian policy, it sometimes affects the language of the most exaggerated applause; though it generally takes care, that the subject of its panegyric shall be a very indifferent and common character, so that it is well aware none of its praises will stick.
It is the unhappy nature of envy not to be contented with positive misery, but to be continually aggravating its own torments, by comparing them with the felicities of others. Perhaps envy, like lying and ingratitude, is practiced with more frequency, because it is practiced with impunity; but there being no human laws against these crimes, is so far from an inducement to commit them, that this very consideration would be sufficient to deter the wise and good, if all others were ineffectual; for of how heinous a nature must those sins be, which are judged above the reach of human punishment, and are reserved for the final justice of God!

  1. Victorious

  2. Limpid

  3. Embarrassed

  4. Disconsolate

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

In the passage, 'mortified look' is listed among things that can demolish a character. In this context, mortified means embarrassed or ashamed - a look of embarrassment or humiliation that reveals vulnerability. The word describes someone's visible emotional state when their character is under attack.

Multiple choice

Choose the word most similar in meaning to the word 'misapprehend', as used in the passage.

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable answer according to the underlined word per corresponding number in the passage.

When you tell those of a malicious turn, any circumstance that has happened to another, though they perfectly know of whom you are speaking, they often affect to be at a loss, to forget his name, or to misapprehend you in some respect or other; and this merely to have an opportunity of slyly gratifying their malice by mentioning some unhappy defect or personal infirmity he labours under; and not contented "to tack his every error to his name," they will, by way of farther explanation, have recourse to the faults of his father, or the misfortunes of his family; and this with all the seeming simplicity and candour in the world, merely for the sake of preventing mistakes, and to clear up every doubt of his identity.
To hint at a fault, does more mischief than speaking out; for whatever is left for the imagination to finish, will not fail to be overdone: every hiatus will be more than filled up, and every pause more than supplied. There is less malice and less mischief too, in telling a man's name than the initials of it; as a worthier person may be involved in the most disgraceful suspicions by such a dangerous ambiguity.
More reputations are thus hinted away by false friends, than are openly destroyed by public enemies. And if, or a but, or a mortified look, or a languid defence, or an ambiguous shake of the head, or a hasty word affectedly recalled, will demolish a character more effectually, than the whole artillery of malice when openly levelled against it.
It is not that envy never praises - No that would be making a public profession of itself, and advertising its own malignity; whereas the greatest success of its efforts depends on the concealment of their end.
When envy intends to strike a stroke of Machiavellian policy, it sometimes affects the language of the most exaggerated applause; though it generally takes care, that the subject of its panegyric shall be a very indifferent and common character, so that it is well aware none of its praises will stick.
It is the unhappy nature of envy not to be contented with positive misery, but to be continually aggravating its own torments, by comparing them with the felicities of others. Perhaps envy, like lying and ingratitude, is practiced with more frequency, because it is practiced with impunity; but there being no human laws against these crimes, is so far from an inducement to commit them, that this very consideration would be sufficient to deter the wise and good, if all others were ineffectual; for of how heinous a nature must those sins be, which are judged above the reach of human punishment, and are reserved for the final justice of God!

  1. Mistake

  2. Misaccentuate

  3. Misconstrue

  4. Misuse

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

In the passage, malicious people 'misapprehend you in some respect or other' - they deliberately misunderstand or misinterpret what you're saying. Misapprehend means to misconstrue, misunderstand, or interpret incorrectly. The context shows people pretending to be confused as an excuse to gossip about others' faults.

Multiple choice

Choose the word most similar in meaning to the word 'infirmity', as used in the passage.

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable answer according to the underlined word per corresponding number in the passage.

When you tell those of a malicious turn, any circumstance that has happened to another, though they perfectly know of whom you are speaking, they often affect to be at a loss, to forget his name, or to misapprehend you in some respect or other; and this merely to have an opportunity of slyly gratifying their malice by mentioning some unhappy defect or personal infirmity he labours under; and not contented "to tack his every error to his name," they will, by way of farther explanation, have recourse to the faults of his father, or the misfortunes of his family; and this with all the seeming simplicity and candour in the world, merely for the sake of preventing mistakes, and to clear up every doubt of his identity.
To hint at a fault, does more mischief than speaking out; for whatever is left for the imagination to finish, will not fail to be overdone: every hiatus will be more than filled up, and every pause more than supplied. There is less malice and less mischief too, in telling a man's name than the initials of it; as a worthier person may be involved in the most disgraceful suspicions by such a dangerous ambiguity.
More reputations are thus hinted away by false friends, than are openly destroyed by public enemies. And if, or a but, or a mortified look, or a languid defence, or an ambiguous shake of the head, or a hasty word affectedly recalled, will demolish a character more effectually, than the whole artillery of malice when openly levelled against it.
It is not that envy never praises - No that would be making a public profession of itself, and advertising its own malignity; whereas the greatest success of its efforts depends on the concealment of their end.
When envy intends to strike a stroke of Machiavellian policy, it sometimes affects the language of the most exaggerated applause; though it generally takes care, that the subject of its panegyric shall be a very indifferent and common character, so that it is well aware none of its praises will stick.
It is the unhappy nature of envy not to be contented with positive misery, but to be continually aggravating its own torments, by comparing them with the felicities of others. Perhaps envy, like lying and ingratitude, is practiced with more frequency, because it is practiced with impunity; but there being no human laws against these crimes, is so far from an inducement to commit them, that this very consideration would be sufficient to deter the wise and good, if all others were ineffectual; for of how heinous a nature must those sins be, which are judged above the reach of human punishment, and are reserved for the final justice of God!

  1. Propitious

  2. Robustness

  3. Frailty

  4. Moribund

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

In 'personal infirmity he labours under', infirmity means weakness, frailty, or defect. The passage refers to someone's personal weaknesses or flaws that malicious people exploit. Infirmity describes any physical, mental, or character weakness that makes someone vulnerable to criticism or attack.

Multiple choice

Choose the word most similar in meaning to the word 'malicious', as used in the passage.

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable answer according to the underlined word per corresponding number in the passage.

When you tell those of a malicious turn, any circumstance that has happened to another, though they perfectly know of whom you are speaking, they often affect to be at a loss, to forget his name, or to misapprehend you in some respect or other; and this merely to have an opportunity of slyly gratifying their malice by mentioning some unhappy defect or personal infirmity he labours under; and not contented "to tack his every error to his name," they will, by way of farther explanation, have recourse to the faults of his father, or the misfortunes of his family; and this with all the seeming simplicity and candour in the world, merely for the sake of preventing mistakes, and to clear up every doubt of his identity.
To hint at a fault, does more mischief than speaking out; for whatever is left for the imagination to finish, will not fail to be overdone: every hiatus will be more than filled up, and every pause more than supplied. There is less malice and less mischief too, in telling a man's name than the initials of it; as a worthier person may be involved in the most disgraceful suspicions by such a dangerous ambiguity.
More reputations are thus hinted away by false friends, than are openly destroyed by public enemies. And if, or a but, or a mortified look, or a languid defence, or an ambiguous shake of the head, or a hasty word affectedly recalled, will demolish a character more effectually, than the whole artillery of malice when openly levelled against it.
It is not that envy never praises - No that would be making a public profession of itself, and advertising its own malignity; whereas the greatest success of its efforts depends on the concealment of their end.
When envy intends to strike a stroke of Machiavellian policy, it sometimes affects the language of the most exaggerated applause; though it generally takes care, that the subject of its panegyric shall be a very indifferent and common character, so that it is well aware none of its praises will stick.
It is the unhappy nature of envy not to be contented with positive misery, but to be continually aggravating its own torments, by comparing them with the felicities of others. Perhaps envy, like lying and ingratitude, is practiced with more frequency, because it is practiced with impunity; but there being no human laws against these crimes, is so far from an inducement to commit them, that this very consideration would be sufficient to deter the wise and good, if all others were ineffectual; for of how heinous a nature must those sins be, which are judged above the reach of human punishment, and are reserved for the final justice of God!

  1. Malevolent

  2. Kindled

  3. Fallacious

  4. Scurvy

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

In the passage, 'malicious turn' means having harmful, spiteful, or malevolent intentions. Malicious people derive pleasure from causing harm to others through gossip and character attacks. The entire passage describes how malicious individuals operate by exploiting others' weaknesses and destroying reputations.

Multiple choice

Choose the word most similar in meaning to the word 'ambiguity', as used in the passage.

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable answer according to the underlined word per corresponding number in the passage.

When you tell those of a malicious turn, any circumstance that has happened to another, though they perfectly know of whom you are speaking, they often affect to be at a loss, to forget his name, or to misapprehend you in some respect or other; and this merely to have an opportunity of slyly gratifying their malice by mentioning some unhappy defect or personal infirmity he labours under; and not contented "to tack his every error to his name," they will, by way of farther explanation, have recourse to the faults of his father, or the misfortunes of his family; and this with all the seeming simplicity and candour in the world, merely for the sake of preventing mistakes, and to clear up every doubt of his identity.
To hint at a fault, does more mischief than speaking out; for whatever is left for the imagination to finish, will not fail to be overdone: every hiatus will be more than filled up, and every pause more than supplied. There is less malice and less mischief too, in telling a man's name than the initials of it; as a worthier person may be involved in the most disgraceful suspicions by such a dangerous ambiguity.
More reputations are thus hinted away by false friends, than are openly destroyed by public enemies. And if, or a but, or a mortified look, or a languid defence, or an ambiguous shake of the head, or a hasty word affectedly recalled, will demolish a character more effectually, than the whole artillery of malice when openly levelled against it.
It is not that envy never praises - No that would be making a public profession of itself, and advertising its own malignity; whereas the greatest success of its efforts depends on the concealment of their end.
When envy intends to strike a stroke of Machiavellian policy, it sometimes affects the language of the most exaggerated applause; though it generally takes care, that the subject of its panegyric shall be a very indifferent and common character, so that it is well aware none of its praises will stick.
It is the unhappy nature of envy not to be contented with positive misery, but to be continually aggravating its own torments, by comparing them with the felicities of others. Perhaps envy, like lying and ingratitude, is practiced with more frequency, because it is practiced with impunity; but there being no human laws against these crimes, is so far from an inducement to commit them, that this very consideration would be sufficient to deter the wise and good, if all others were ineffectual; for of how heinous a nature must those sins be, which are judged above the reach of human punishment, and are reserved for the final justice of God!

  1. Meandering

  2. Vagueness

  3. Disconcert

  4. Nebulous

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

In the passage, 'dangerous ambiguity' refers to vagueness or unclearness that causes harm. The context explains that revealing only initials creates ambiguity that can damage reputations because people might guess the wrong person. Ambiguity here means lack of clarity that leads to misunderstanding or false suspicions.

Multiple choice

Choose the word most similar in meaning to the word 'slyly', as used in the passage.

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable answer according to the underlined word per corresponding number in the passage.

When you tell those of a malicious turn, any circumstance that has happened to another, though they perfectly know of whom you are speaking, they often affect to be at a loss, to forget his name, or to misapprehend you in some respect or other; and this merely to have an opportunity of slyly gratifying their malice by mentioning some unhappy defect or personal infirmity he labours under; and not contented "to tack his every error to his name," they will, by way of farther explanation, have recourse to the faults of his father, or the misfortunes of his family; and this with all the seeming simplicity and candour in the world, merely for the sake of preventing mistakes, and to clear up every doubt of his identity.
To hint at a fault, does more mischief than speaking out; for whatever is left for the imagination to finish, will not fail to be overdone: every hiatus will be more than filled up, and every pause more than supplied. There is less malice and less mischief too, in telling a man's name than the initials of it; as a worthier person may be involved in the most disgraceful suspicions by such a dangerous ambiguity.
More reputations are thus hinted away by false friends, than are openly destroyed by public enemies. And if, or a but, or a mortified look, or a languid defence, or an ambiguous shake of the head, or a hasty word affectedly recalled, will demolish a character more effectually, than the whole artillery of malice when openly levelled against it.
It is not that envy never praises - No that would be making a public profession of itself, and advertising its own malignity; whereas the greatest success of its efforts depends on the concealment of their end.
When envy intends to strike a stroke of Machiavellian policy, it sometimes affects the language of the most exaggerated applause; though it generally takes care, that the subject of its panegyric shall be a very indifferent and common character, so that it is well aware none of its praises will stick.
It is the unhappy nature of envy not to be contented with positive misery, but to be continually aggravating its own torments, by comparing them with the felicities of others. Perhaps envy, like lying and ingratitude, is practiced with more frequency, because it is practiced with impunity; but there being no human laws against these crimes, is so far from an inducement to commit them, that this very consideration would be sufficient to deter the wise and good, if all others were ineffectual; for of how heinous a nature must those sins be, which are judged above the reach of human punishment, and are reserved for the final justice of God!

  1. Impetuously

  2. Fugitively

  3. Cautiously

  4. Deviously

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

In the passage, 'slyly' describes how malicious people secretly gratify their malice by mentioning someone's defects while pretending to be confused or forgetful. Deviously means in a deceitful or cunning manner, which perfectly captures this underhanded behavior. Impetuously means rashly, fugitively means fleetingly, and cautiously means carefully - none of which capture the cunning, secretive nature of slyly gratifying malice.

Multiple choice

Choose the word most similar in meaning to the word 'panegyric', as used in the passage.

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable answer according to the underlined word per corresponding number in the passage.

When you tell those of a malicious turn, any circumstance that has happened to another, though they perfectly know of whom you are speaking, they often affect to be at a loss, to forget his name, or to misapprehend you in some respect or other; and this merely to have an opportunity of slyly gratifying their malice by mentioning some unhappy defect or personal infirmity he labours under; and not contented "to tack his every error to his name," they will, by way of farther explanation, have recourse to the faults of his father, or the misfortunes of his family; and this with all the seeming simplicity and candour in the world, merely for the sake of preventing mistakes, and to clear up every doubt of his identity.
To hint at a fault, does more mischief than speaking out; for whatever is left for the imagination to finish, will not fail to be overdone: every hiatus will be more than filled up, and every pause more than supplied. There is less malice and less mischief too, in telling a man's name than the initials of it; as a worthier person may be involved in the most disgraceful suspicions by such a dangerous ambiguity.
More reputations are thus hinted away by false friends, than are openly destroyed by public enemies. And if, or a but, or a mortified look, or a languid defence, or an ambiguous shake of the head, or a hasty word affectedly recalled, will demolish a character more effectually, than the whole artillery of malice when openly levelled against it.
It is not that envy never praises - No that would be making a public profession of itself, and advertising its own malignity; whereas the greatest success of its efforts depends on the concealment of their end.
When envy intends to strike a stroke of Machiavellian policy, it sometimes affects the language of the most exaggerated applause; though it generally takes care, that the subject of its panegyric shall be a very indifferent and common character, so that it is well aware none of its praises will stick.
It is the unhappy nature of envy not to be contented with positive misery, but to be continually aggravating its own torments, by comparing them with the felicities of others. Perhaps envy, like lying and ingratitude, is practiced with more frequency, because it is practiced with impunity; but there being no human laws against these crimes, is so far from an inducement to commit them, that this very consideration would be sufficient to deter the wise and good, if all others were ineffectual; for of how heinous a nature must those sins be, which are judged above the reach of human punishment, and are reserved for the final justice of God!

  1. Melancholy

  2. Ostentation

  3. Rancour

  4. Laudation

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

In the passage, 'panegyric' refers to exaggerated praise or applause that envy sometimes uses as a disguise. The author states that envy takes care to choose an indifferent subject for its panegyric so the praises won't stick. Laudation means high praise or eulogy, which matches perfectly. Melancholy means sadness, ostentation means showy display, and rancour means bitterness - none related to praise.

Multiple choice

Choose the word most similar in meaning to the word ‘torments’, as used in the passage.

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable answer according to the underlined word per corresponding number in the passage.

When you tell those of a malicious turn, any circumstance that has happened to another, though they perfectly know of whom you are speaking, they often affect to be at a loss, to forget his name, or to misapprehend you in some respect or other; and this merely to have an opportunity of slyly gratifying their malice by mentioning some unhappy defect or personal infirmity he labours under; and not contented "to tack his every error to his name," they will, by way of farther explanation, have recourse to the faults of his father, or the misfortunes of his family; and this with all the seeming simplicity and candour in the world, merely for the sake of preventing mistakes, and to clear up every doubt of his identity.
To hint at a fault, does more mischief than speaking out; for whatever is left for the imagination to finish, will not fail to be overdone: every hiatus will be more than filled up, and every pause more than supplied. There is less malice and less mischief too, in telling a man's name than the initials of it; as a worthier person may be involved in the most disgraceful suspicions by such a dangerous ambiguity.
More reputations are thus hinted away by false friends, than are openly destroyed by public enemies. And if, or a but, or a mortified look, or a languid defence, or an ambiguous shake of the head, or a hasty word affectedly recalled, will demolish a character more effectually, than the whole artillery of malice when openly levelled against it.
It is not that envy never praises - No that would be making a public profession of itself, and advertising its own malignity; whereas the greatest success of its efforts depends on the concealment of their end.
When envy intends to strike a stroke of Machiavellian policy, it sometimes affects the language of the most exaggerated applause; though it generally takes care, that the subject of its panegyric shall be a very indifferent and common character, so that it is well aware none of its praises will stick.
It is the unhappy nature of envy not to be contented with positive misery, but to be continually aggravating its own torments, by comparing them with the felicities of others. Perhaps envy, like lying and ingratitude, is practiced with more frequency, because it is practiced with impunity; but there being no human laws against these crimes, is so far from an inducement to commit them, that this very consideration would be sufficient to deter the wise and good, if all others were ineffectual; for of how heinous a nature must those sins be, which are judged above the reach of human punishment, and are reserved for the final justice of God!

  1. Convulsions

  2. Anguish

  3. Vehemence

  4. Distraught

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

In the passage, 'torments' refers to the sufferings or pains that envy continuously aggravates by comparing them with others' happiness. Anguish means severe mental or physical pain, which is the closest match. Convulsions are involuntary muscle contractions, vehemence means intensity of feeling, and distraught is an adjective meaning deeply upset - not a noun form of suffering.

Multiple choice

Choose the word most similar in meaning to the word 'impunity', as used in the passage.

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable answer according to the underlined word per corresponding number in the passage.

When you tell those of a malicious turn, any circumstance that has happened to another, though they perfectly know of whom you are speaking, they often affect to be at a loss, to forget his name, or to misapprehend you in some respect or other; and this merely to have an opportunity of slyly gratifying their malice by mentioning some unhappy defect or personal infirmity he labours under; and not contented "to tack his every error to his name," they will, by way of farther explanation, have recourse to the faults of his father, or the misfortunes of his family; and this with all the seeming simplicity and candour in the world, merely for the sake of preventing mistakes, and to clear up every doubt of his identity.
To hint at a fault, does more mischief than speaking out; for whatever is left for the imagination to finish, will not fail to be overdone: every hiatus will be more than filled up, and every pause more than supplied. There is less malice and less mischief too, in telling a man's name than the initials of it; as a worthier person may be involved in the most disgraceful suspicions by such a dangerous ambiguity.
More reputations are thus hinted away by false friends, than are openly destroyed by public enemies. And if, or a but, or a mortified look, or a languid defence, or an ambiguous shake of the head, or a hasty word affectedly recalled, will demolish a character more effectually, than the whole artillery of malice when openly levelled against it.
It is not that envy never praises - No that would be making a public profession of itself, and advertising its own malignity; whereas the greatest success of its efforts depends on the concealment of their end.
When envy intends to strike a stroke of Machiavellian policy, it sometimes affects the language of the most exaggerated applause; though it generally takes care, that the subject of its panegyric shall be a very indifferent and common character, so that it is well aware none of its praises will stick.
It is the unhappy nature of envy not to be contented with positive misery, but to be continually aggravating its own torments, by comparing them with the felicities of others. Perhaps envy, like lying and ingratitude, is practiced with more frequency, because it is practiced with impunity; but there being no human laws against these crimes, is so far from an inducement to commit them, that this very consideration would be sufficient to deter the wise and good, if all others were ineffectual; for of how heinous a nature must those sins be, which are judged above the reach of human punishment, and are reserved for the final justice of God!

  1. Privilege

  2. Imparity

  3. Indemnity

  4. Extortion

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

In the passage, 'impunity' means freedom from punishment or consequences. The author states that envy is practiced with impunity because there are no human laws against it. Privilege means special right or advantage, which is close but not precise - the context is about exemption from punishment, not having special rights. However, given the options, 'privilege' is the intended answer as the other options are clearly wrong: imparity is not a standard word, indemnity means protection or compensation for loss, and extortion means obtaining by force or threats.

Multiple choice

Choose the word most opposite in meaning to the word 'deter', as used in the passage.

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable answer according to the underlined word per corresponding number in the passage.

When you tell those of a malicious turn, any circumstance that has happened to another, though they perfectly know of whom you are speaking, they often affect to be at a loss, to forget his name, or to misapprehend you in some respect or other; and this merely to have an opportunity of slyly gratifying their malice by mentioning some unhappy defect or personal infirmity he labours under; and not contented "to tack his every error to his name," they will, by way of farther explanation, have recourse to the faults of his father, or the misfortunes of his family; and this with all the seeming simplicity and candour in the world, merely for the sake of preventing mistakes, and to clear up every doubt of his identity.
To hint at a fault, does more mischief than speaking out; for whatever is left for the imagination to finish, will not fail to be overdone: every hiatus will be more than filled up, and every pause more than supplied. There is less malice and less mischief too, in telling a man's name than the initials of it; as a worthier person may be involved in the most disgraceful suspicions by such a dangerous ambiguity.
More reputations are thus hinted away by false friends, than are openly destroyed by public enemies. And if, or a but, or a mortified look, or a languid defence, or an ambiguous shake of the head, or a hasty word affectedly recalled, will demolish a character more effectually, than the whole artillery of malice when openly levelled against it.
It is not that envy never praises - No that would be making a public profession of itself, and advertising its own malignity; whereas the greatest success of its efforts depends on the concealment of their end.
When envy intends to strike a stroke of Machiavellian policy, it sometimes affects the language of the most exaggerated applause; though it generally takes care, that the subject of its panegyric shall be a very indifferent and common character, so that it is well aware none of its praises will stick.
It is the unhappy nature of envy not to be contented with positive misery, but to be continually aggravating its own torments, by comparing them with the felicities of others. Perhaps envy, like lying and ingratitude, is practiced with more frequency, because it is practiced with impunity; but there being no human laws against these crimes, is so far from an inducement to commit them, that this very consideration would be sufficient to deter the wise and good, if all others were ineffectual; for of how heinous a nature must those sins be, which are judged above the reach of human punishment, and are reserved for the final justice of God!

  1. Suggest

  2. Impose

  3. Vilify

  4. Encourage

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

In the passage, 'deter' means to discourage or prevent someone from doing something. The author says the consideration would 'deter the wise and good' from committing sins. The opposite (most opposite in meaning) would be encourage, which means to give support, confidence, or hope. Suggest means to propose an idea, impose means to force something on others, and vilify means to speak critically of - none are true opposites of deter.

Multiple choice

Choose the word most similar in meaning to the word 'hiatus', as used in the passage.

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable answer according to the underlined word per corresponding number in the passage.

When you tell those of a malicious turn, any circumstance that has happened to another, though they perfectly know of whom you are speaking, they often affect to be at a loss, to forget his name, or to misapprehend you in some respect or other; and this merely to have an opportunity of slyly gratifying their malice by mentioning some unhappy defect or personal infirmity he labours under; and not contented "to tack his every error to his name," they will, by way of farther explanation, have recourse to the faults of his father, or the misfortunes of his family; and this with all the seeming simplicity and candour in the world, merely for the sake of preventing mistakes, and to clear up every doubt of his identity.
To hint at a fault, does more mischief than speaking out; for whatever is left for the imagination to finish, will not fail to be overdone: every hiatus will be more than filled up, and every pause more than supplied. There is less malice and less mischief too, in telling a man's name than the initials of it; as a worthier person may be involved in the most disgraceful suspicions by such a dangerous ambiguity.
More reputations are thus hinted away by false friends, than are openly destroyed by public enemies. And if, or a but, or a mortified look, or a languid defence, or an ambiguous shake of the head, or a hasty word affectedly recalled, will demolish a character more effectually, than the whole artillery of malice when openly levelled against it.
It is not that envy never praises - No that would be making a public profession of itself, and advertising its own malignity; whereas the greatest success of its efforts depends on the concealment of their end.
When envy intends to strike a stroke of Machiavellian policy, it sometimes affects the language of the most exaggerated applause; though it generally takes care, that the subject of its panegyric shall be a very indifferent and common character, so that it is well aware none of its praises will stick.
It is the unhappy nature of envy not to be contented with positive misery, but to be continually aggravating its own torments, by comparing them with the felicities of others. Perhaps envy, like lying and ingratitude, is practiced with more frequency, because it is practiced with impunity; but there being no human laws against these crimes, is so far from an inducement to commit them, that this very consideration would be sufficient to deter the wise and good, if all others were ineffectual; for of how heinous a nature must those sins be, which are judged above the reach of human punishment, and are reserved for the final justice of God!

  1. Ploy

  2. Lacuna

  3. Gap

  4. Paucity

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

In the passage, 'hiatus' refers to gaps or pauses that are left for imagination to fill. The author states that every hiatus will be more than filled up by imagination. Gap means a break or interruption in continuity, which perfectly matches. Ploy means a trick or strategy, lacuna also means gap (but less common), and paucity means scarcity or insufficiency - none directly mean a break or pause.

Multiple choice

Choose the word most similar in meaning to the word 'felicities', as used in the passage.

Directions: Read the following passage carefully and select the most suitable answer according to the underlined word per corresponding number in the passage.

When you tell those of a malicious turn, any circumstance that has happened to another, though they perfectly know of whom you are speaking, they often affect to be at a loss, to forget his name, or to misapprehend you in some respect or other; and this merely to have an opportunity of slyly gratifying their malice by mentioning some unhappy defect or personal infirmity he labours under; and not contented "to tack his every error to his name," they will, by way of farther explanation, have recourse to the faults of his father, or the misfortunes of his family; and this with all the seeming simplicity and candour in the world, merely for the sake of preventing mistakes, and to clear up every doubt of his identity.
To hint at a fault, does more mischief than speaking out; for whatever is left for the imagination to finish, will not fail to be overdone: every hiatus will be more than filled up, and every pause more than supplied. There is less malice and less mischief too, in telling a man's name than the initials of it; as a worthier person may be involved in the most disgraceful suspicions by such a dangerous ambiguity.
More reputations are thus hinted away by false friends, than are openly destroyed by public enemies. And if, or a but, or a mortified look, or a languid defence, or an ambiguous shake of the head, or a hasty word affectedly recalled, will demolish a character more effectually, than the whole artillery of malice when openly levelled against it.
It is not that envy never praises - No that would be making a public profession of itself, and advertising its own malignity; whereas the greatest success of its efforts depends on the concealment of their end.
When envy intends to strike a stroke of Machiavellian policy, it sometimes affects the language of the most exaggerated applause; though it generally takes care, that the subject of its panegyric shall be a very indifferent and common character, so that it is well aware none of its praises will stick.
It is the unhappy nature of envy not to be contented with positive misery, but to be continually aggravating its own torments, by comparing them with the felicities of others. Perhaps envy, like lying and ingratitude, is practiced with more frequency, because it is practiced with impunity; but there being no human laws against these crimes, is so far from an inducement to commit them, that this very consideration would be sufficient to deter the wise and good, if all others were ineffectual; for of how heinous a nature must those sins be, which are judged above the reach of human punishment, and are reserved for the final justice of God!

  1. Bliss

  2. Enamour

  3. Affluence

  4. Fallacy

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

In the passage, 'felicities' refers to happiness or good fortune that others possess, which envied people compare with their own torments. Bliss means perfect happiness or joy, which is the closest match. Enamour means to charm or fascinate, affluence means wealth, and fallacy means a false belief - none related to happiness or good fortune.

Multiple choice
  1. Peers

  2. Dignitaries

  3. Tycoons

  4. Aristocrats

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

In the context of railroad and business leaders, 'magnates' refers to wealthy, influential entrepreneurs and industrialists who control large enterprises. 'Tycoons' is the closest synonym, capturing both the wealth and business dominance implied by magnates.

Multiple choice
  1. Veraciously

  2. Ponderously

  3. Gallingly

  4. Prudently

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

'Tediously' means doing something in a slow, tedious, laborious manner requiring great effort and patience. 'Ponderously' (from ponderous) describes something heavy, slow-moving, and laborious, which matches the meaning.