Vocabulary and Synonyms

Ancillary means providing necessary support to the primary activities or operation of something. Option C correctly identifies it as serving as an aid or accessory, subordinate to something else.

An anecdote is a short amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person. Option C correctly defines it as a short story of an amusing or interesting event, typically shared to illustrate a point.

Anguish refers to severe mental or physical pain or suffering. Option C correctly identifies it as acute pain or distress, often used to describe intense emotional suffering or torment.

Angular literally means having angles or sharp corners. Option C correctly defines it as sharp-cornered, referring to something that is not smooth or rounded in shape.

Animadversion refers to a critical or hostile remark or criticism. Option C correctly identifies it as a critical remark, capturing the essence of the word as formal criticism or censure.

An analogy is a comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification. It highlights similarities between different things to help understand a concept. Option A 'pleasantly fat' refers to 'corpulent', and option D 'smooth and shining' refers to 'hale' or 'healthy'.

Amiable describes someone who is friendly, pleasant, and good-natured in their disposition. The word comes from the Latin 'amare' meaning 'to love', and an amiable person is someone who is easy to like and get along with. Option A 'ability to be molded' refers to 'malleable', and option D 'sceptic' refers to someone who doubts.

Amicable means friendly and peaceable, especially in contexts involving potential conflict like agreements or relationships. An amicable divorce or settlement is one reached without hostility or bitterness. Option A 'trite remark' refers to a 'platitude', and option D 'small light boat' refers to a 'skiff'.

Amiss means wrong, faulty, or not quite right - often used in phrases like 'something is amiss'. It suggests that something is not as it should be or expected to be. The prefix 'a-' can mean 'away from' or 'not', and 'miss' relates to missing the mark or target.

Amity refers to friendship and peaceful harmony between people or nations. It suggests a relationship characterized by goodwill and the absence of conflict. The word is related to 'amicable' and comes from the Latin 'amicitia' meaning friendship.

Animated means lively, spirited, or full of energy and activity. An animated person is enthusiastic and expressive in their behavior. It can also refer to cartoons or films where drawings are made to appear to move. Option A refers to 'polygamist', and option B 'protest' is unrelated.

Animosity refers to active hostility, strong dislike, or bitter resentment toward someone or something. It goes beyond simple dislike to suggest an ongoing feeling of ill will or enmity. Option A 'speaking several languages' is 'multilingual', option B 'deep regret' is 'contrition' or 'remorse'.

Animus means a hostile feeling or intent, often deep-seated or motivated by prejudice. It can refer to an animating spirit or motivation, but more commonly describes strong ill will or antagonism toward someone. Option D refers to a 'sluice' or 'canal'.

Annals are chronological records of historical events, typically arranged year by year. They are official records documenting the events of a year or the history of an institution. The word comes from Latin 'annalis' meaning 'yearly'.

Annealing is a metallurgical process where metal or glass is heated and then slowly cooled to reduce brittleness and increase toughness, making the material less prone to fracture. The other options (pertaining to clergy, giving, or being cunning) are unrelated to the term's meaning in materials science.