Vocabulary and Synonyms

Hallowed means holy, sacred, or blessed, often used to describe places or things that are revered due to religious or spiritual significance. Sacred is the correct synonym as both terms refer to something deserving of reverence and respect.

Apposite means appropriate, suitable, or well-suited to a particular purpose or situation. Appropriate is the correct synonym as both terms describe something that fits well or is relevant to the context at hand.

Irk means to annoy, irritate, or cause discomfort to someone. To annoy is the correct synonym as it captures the meaning of causing mild irritation or frustration to another person. Option C appears to be a typo for it urge or is urge.

Compound as a verb means to combine, mix, or put together multiple elements to form something new. To put together is the correct synonym as it captures the essence of combining elements into a whole.

Bald can describe something plain, unadorned, or lacking decoration - not just lacking hair. Unadorned is the correct synonym as it captures the broader meaning of something without decoration or embellishment.

A parasite is an organism that lives on or in another organism (the host) and gets its food from or at the expense of the host. The term 'one that clings' accurately captures this relationship, as parasites attach themselves to their hosts. Option A 'disease' is what a parasite may cause but not its meaning. Option B 'a loss of motion' describes paralysis. Option D 'exterminator' is someone who eliminates parasites, opposite in meaning.

Embroil means to involve someone in a difficult situation, argument, or conflict. Option D 'to involve in dissension or strife' is the precise definition. Option A 'to anger' is a possible effect but not the meaning. Option B 'to bring to boiling point' is literal. Option C 'to encompass' means to surround, which is different.

Wreak means to inflict or cause damage, harm, or punishment. The most common usage is 'wreak havoc' or 'wreak vengeance.' Option C 'to inflict' correctly captures this causative meaning. Option A 'to twist' describes distortion. Option B 'to emit an unpleasant odour' is not related. Option D 'to sweat' has no connection.

Glean means to gather information or collect things gradually and carefully in small amounts. Option A 'to gather bit by bit' accurately describes this slow, careful collection process. Option B 'speak' and C 'to discover' are unrelated. Option D 'to polish' means to smooth or shine, which is different.

Wield means to hold and use a weapon, tool, or power effectively and with full control. Option B 'to use with full effect' correctly captures this meaning of skillful handling. Options A, C, and D describe specific actions (throw, inflict, cut) but miss the broader sense of effective handling or control.

Cryptic means having a hidden or ambiguous meaning that is mysterious or difficult to understand. Option C 'mysterious' directly captures this quality. Option A 'a puzzle' is what something cryptic might resemble but not the meaning. Option B 'silence' and D 'vault' are unrelated.

Elude means to escape from or avoid something or someone, typically through cleverness or speed. Option A 'to evade' is an exact synonym. Option B 'to omit or leave out' means to exclude, which is different. Option C 'to make mention' is to refer to. Option D 'to deceive' is to mislead, which is related but not the same.

Drab describes something lacking brightness, color, or interest. Option A 'dull or colourless' accurately captures this meaning. Options B 'tired' and C 'discouraged' describe emotions. Option D 'shabby' means worn or torn, which is different from lacking color.

Barge means to move forcefully or roughly, often colliding with something. The phrase 'barge into' implies forceful entry that results in collision. Option D 'to collide' is acceptable as barge into something means to collide with it forcefully. Option A 'to thrust forward' is closer in meaning but 'collide' captures the impact aspect of barging.

Submerge means to put or sink something below the surface of water or another liquid. Option B 'to sink' correctly captures this meaning. Option A 'to walk on' is opposite. Option C 'to appear' is opposite. Option D 'to join together' means to connect, which is unrelated.