Vocabulary and Synonyms

Impetus refers to the force or energy that makes something happen or progress - a driving force. Option C 'moving force' captures this meaning well. 'Decision' or 'communal' are unrelated.

Conducive means contributing to or helping bring about a result. Option C 'contributory' is the closest synonym. 'Misleading' and 'dependent' have different meanings entirely.

Niche means a suitable or comfortable position, place, or role for someone or something. Option A 'suitable position' captures this meaning accurately. The other options are nonsensical or unrelated.

Stygian refers to something dark, gloomy, or dismal - from the river Styx in Greek mythology associated with the underworld. Option A 'gloomy' is correct. Other options are verbs with different meanings.

Drone can mean a continuous low humming sound, which is how option C interprets it. This is the primary meaning when used as a noun describing sound. Other options describe different concepts entirely.

Balmy means mild, pleasant, or soothing - typically used to describe air or weather. Option A 'mild' is correct. 'Eccentric' describes personality, not weather conditions.

Propensity means an inclination, tendency, or natural tendency to behave in a particular way. Option B 'tendency' is the direct synonym. 'Prediction' and 'assertion' have different meanings.

Augury refers to a sign of something future, an omen. Option A 'omen' is the correct synonym. While 'hint' is related, augury specifically refers to predicting future events through signs.

Pecking order means a social hierarchy or ranking system, especially among animals. Option D 'hierarchy' is the correct synonym. The other options are unrelated distractors playing on the word 'peck'.

To 'avail' means to be of use, advantage, or benefit to someone. When we say 'to avail oneself of an opportunity,' we mean to take benefit from it. The other options don't capture this meaning of being useful or advantageous.

'Duck soup' is an American idiom that means something extremely easy to accomplish or requiring minimal effort. The phrase suggests simplicity, similar to how making soup might be considered straightforward. A confused situation or dilemma would be the opposite of easy.

To 'induce' means to cause, bring about, or produce something - to make something happen. We often speak of inducing sleep, inducing labor, or inducing a particular behavior. The other options don't relate to causing or bringing about results.

'Searing' refers to something extremely hot, burning, or scorching - so intense it feels like it could burn right through something. We describe searing heat or a searing criticism that burns emotionally. Ragged means torn, not burned.

To 'maunder' means to wander aimlessly, either physically or in speech, moving without purpose or energy. It captures the sense of listless, directionless movement without determination. Meander means to follow a winding path, which is different from wandering without purpose.

'Competent' means having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully. A competent person is capable and qualified. Stellar means excellent (related but not the same meaning), while coeval means of the same age.