Vocabulary and Synonyms

An adage is a traditional saying or proverb that expresses a general truth or piece of wisdom. Option C 'wise saying' is the correct definition. The other options are incorrect: 'dreamily or deeply thoughtful' describes a pensive state, 'story-teller' refers to a narrator, and 'enhance the flavor' refers to seasoning food.

Addle means to confuse, muddle, or make unclear in thinking. Option C 'make or become confused' is correct. The other options are incorrect: 'striking objects together' is clanging, 'clothing' refers to garments, and 'isolation' means separation from others.

As a verb, address means to direct speech or communication toward someone or something. Option C 'direct a speech to' is correct. The other options are incorrect: 'damnation' means condemnation, 'immoral person' describes a libertine, and 'conceal' means to hide.

Adept means thoroughly proficient, expert, or highly skilled in something. Option C 'expert at' is correct. The other options are incorrect: 'journey' is a trip, 'jaunty' means cheerful and lively, and 'separate religious body' is a sect.

Accoutre means to equip or outfit with clothing or equipment, especially for a specific purpose or duty. Option C 'equip' is correct. The other options are incorrect: 'bookish' means devoted to reading, 'vow' is a solemn promise, and 'laugh at' means to mock.

Accretion means growth or increase by gradual successive addition, like layers building up over time. Option C is correct. The other options are incorrect: 'travel about selling wares' is peddling, 'offensive word' is a slur, and 'sear' means to scorch or burn.

Accrue means to come to one as a gain, accumulate, or increase over time - often used with interest, benefits, or advantages. Option C is correct. The other options are incorrect: 'support for statue' is a pedestal, 'long wave' is a swell, and 'number of points' is a score.

Acerbity means bitterness of speech, temper, or disposition - a harsh, sour quality in expression or mood. Option C is correct. The other options are incorrect: 'ordinary' means common, 'suffer oppressive heat' is swelter, and 'stamp out' means to suppress.

Adapt means to make suitable for a specific use or situation, to adjust or modify for new conditions. Option C is correct. The other options are incorrect: 'extreme poverty' is destitution, 'scrap of cloth' is a rag, and 'of particular season' means seasonal.

To advocate means to publicly support or recommend, so 'speak in favor of' is correct. Attractive personality is 'engaging,' less dense gas is 'rarefied,' and devoted to sensory pleasures is 'sensual.'

Aegis means protection or sponsorship, so 'shield' is correct. Representing objects as persons is 'anthropomorphize,' a grating sound is 'jarring,' and pleasing to senses is 'aesthetic.'

An aerie is a bird of prey's nest, typically built high on a cliff or mountaintop. Having insight is 'discerning,' harsh noise is 'discordant,' and pithy means 'concise and meaningful.'

Affable means friendly, good-natured, or 'easily approachable'. 'Plainly expressed' is explicit, and 'swayed by sentiment' is sentimental.

Affinity means a natural liking, kinship, or attraction. Disturbing greatly is 'agitate,' making rational is 'rationalize,' and isolate is 'segregate.'

Affirmation is a positive assertion or declaration. Reading carefully is 'peruse,' harsh voice is 'strident,' and sear means 'burn' or 'char.'