Vocabulary and Synonyms

Actuarial relates to the calculation and assessment of risk, particularly in insurance and finance. Actuaries perform complex mathematical calculations to determine insurance premiums and financial risk. The other options are unrelated.

Actuate means to put into action or motivate, often used as 'actuated by' meaning prompted or driven by something. It refers to causing someone or something to act. The other options are unrelated meanings.

Acuity refers to sharpness, particularly of the mind (mental acuity) or senses like sight (visual acuity) and hearing. It denotes the ability to perceive clearly and keenly. The other options are unrelated.

Acumen is the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, typically in a particular domain. It refers to mental keenness, shrewdness, and sharp insight. The other options are unrelated.

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.

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.'