Vocabulary and Synonyms

Something that moves away from the planned or correct course is astray. The context refers to plans that do not move along in the planned manner and have moved away from the course. Thus, this is the correct synonym in the given context.

To allay is to alleviate or lessen fears. In this context, the press conference was held to alleviate or lessen the myths of Ebola virus. Thus, this is the correct synonym of the word dispel according to the given context.

To be scrupulous is to be punctiliously or minutely careful regarding something. To be punctilious is to be very careful. The context refers to being very careful about completing your work and thus, this is the correct synonym in the given context. 

Conveyed means communicated or expressed. The sentence describes how a letter communicated happiness: 'Her letter clearly conveyed how happy she felt.' 'Crammed' means stuffed tightly, 'coped' means managed, 'crawled' means moved slowly, and 'covered' means placed over something. Only 'conveyed' fits expressing feelings through writing.

When lectures or classes deal with a subject thoroughly, we say they 'cover' it. 'Conveyed' means communicated, 'crammed' means packed, 'coped' means managed, and 'crawled' means moved slowly - only 'covered' fits treating a topic thoroughly.

'Cringed' means to feel embarrassed or ashamed and physically shrink away, perfectly matching the reaction to having a personal letter read publicly. 'Crouched' means bent down, 'curbed' means restrained, 'crept' means moved slowly, 'creaked' means made a sound - only 'cringed' captures the shame reaction.

 Tentative means 'experimental' or 'provisional'.

 Privation means lack of the usual comforts of life.

 Valour means 'heroic courage'.

 Zealous means 'very active, full of zeal or energy to do something'.

 Scrupulous means very careful, precise and exact. 

Sericulture is the agricultural practice of breeding and raising silkworms for the production of raw silk. It involves caring for silkworms, harvesting their cocoons, and processing silk fibers. Chromology studies color, Phrenology reads skull shapes, Numerology uses number mysticism, and Neurology treats nervous system disorders.

Cryogenics is the branch of physics and engineering that deals with the production, control, and application of very low temperatures, typically below -150°C. It's used for preserving biological materials and superconducting materials. Arboriculture grows trees, Astrophysics studies stars, Acoustics studies sound, and Agronomy manages crops.

Inert means lacking the ability to move or react, chemically or physically. Passive describes someone or something that accepts things happening without active response or resistance. Both words convey lack of action or reactivity, making them synonyms in this context.

Sheer can mean pure, absolute, or unmitigated when used as an adjective. For example, sheer delight means pure delight. Pure means unmixed or absolute. Both words convey completeness without any dilution or qualification in this usage.