Vocabulary and Synonyms

Catapult can refer to a prank or mischievous behavior, derived from the device that launches objects suddenly. This is a less common definition of the word beyond the mechanical launching device.

An escapade is defined as a reckless, adventurous, or prankish activity that involves breaking away from accepted or expected behavior. The word perfectly captures the meaning of both a prank and flighty, unpredictable conduct, making it the correct answer for this vocabulary question.

'Intermittent' means occurring at irregular intervals, matching the definition 'periodic; occasional'. Options A (impenitent - unrepentant), C (curmudgeon - grumpy person), and D (exhume - dig up) are incorrect parts of speech or meanings.

Dowdy is an adjective that describes something or someone as unfashionable, shabby, or plain in appearance. It's commonly used to describe clothing or personal style that looks outdated, frumpy, or neglected.

Malinger means to pretend to be ill or injured in order to avoid work or duty. It is often used in contexts where someone is accused of faking sickness to shirk their responsibilities.

A contusion is the medical term for a bruise - an injury to the underlying tissue and blood vessels without breaking the skin. Abstinence means self-denial, glib means fluent but insincere, and precipitate means to cause suddenly or rash. Contusion comes from Latin 'contusio' meaning bruise.

This is an analogy: Fold is a milder form of Tear (you can fold paper without tearing it, but tearing is more destructive). Similarly, Alter is a milder form of Eradicate (you can alter something without completely eradicating it). Reprobate, Assess, and Verve don't fit this relationship.

The analogy pattern is synonym pairs: 'affable' and 'amiable' are synonyms meaning friendly/easygoing. Similarly, 'candid' and 'frank' are synonyms meaning honest/direct in speech. 'Shy', 'reserved', and 'contrived' are antonyms or unrelated to candid in this context. The correct answer maintains the synonym relationship.

Capricious describes behavior that is unpredictable, impulsive, or given to sudden changes without reason. 'Whimsical' best captures this sense of arbitrary or fanciful behavior. The other options (practical, pragmatic) suggest stability and logic, which are opposite qualities.

Abject means most unfortunate, miserable, or wretched, often used to describe conditions or circumstances. It conveys extreme hopelessness or degradation, as in 'abject poverty' or 'abject failure.' The other options (lovely, hopeful) are antonyms, not the correct meaning.

Surmise means to suppose or conjecture about something without having complete evidence - essentially to make an educated guess or inference. It derives from Latin 'sumere' (to take) and suggests forming an opinion based on limited information.

Intrinsic refers to something that belongs naturally or essentially to a thing - it's inherent, innate, or originating from within. In anatomy, it describes structures (like muscles or nerves) that are situated within or belong solely to a particular body part.

Lassitude means a state of exhaustion, weariness, or lack of energy. Option A correctly defines this (with minor typos: 'torpot' should be 'torpor'). The other options define different words: B describes 'infringe', C describes 'grandiloquent', and D describes 'intrinsic'.

Aplomb means self-confidence and composure, especially in a difficult situation. It describes someone who handles challenges with poise and assurance. The other options refer to different concepts: pompous is negative arrogance, violate means to break, and inherent means natural.