Spellings

Patronage is the correct spelling - support, encouragement, or financial aid given by a patron. The pattern is 'patron' + 'age' with 'ron' not 'rn'. It comes from 'patron' meaning a person who gives support.

Panacea is the correct spelling - a remedy for all diseases or problems. The word comes from Greek 'panakeia' with 'pan' meaning all and 'akos' meaning cure. The pattern is 'pan-a-ce-a' with 'ae' not 'ei' in the middle.

Politician is the correct spelling - a person who is professionally involved in politics. The pattern is 'poli-ti-cian' with 'ti' not 'te' or 'ic' before 'ian'. It comes from 'politics' with the 'c' changing to 't' before 'ician' (like 'magic' to 'magician').

 Predicament is the correct spelling.

Pretentious means attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, culture, etc., than is actually possessed. The word follows standard English spelling rules with 'ten' before 'tious' (similar to contententious, ostentatious). Option A omits the 'i', option C uses 'ous' instead of 'tious', and option D is completely unrelated.

Opulent means having a great deal of money or wealth, or showing great wealth. The correct spelling is 'opulent' with 'le' at the end (similar to turbulent, opulent). Options A and B incorrectly modify the ending, while option D introduces an unnecessary 'w'.

Pastoral relates to the keeping or grazing of sheep or cattle (rural simplicity). The correct spelling is 'pastoral' with 'or' in the middle (similar to adversary, historical). Option A uses 'a' instead of 'o', option C incorrectly spells it as 'pastreal', and option D is completely garbled.

Quota refers to a limited or fixed number or amount of things or people. The correct spelling begins with 'Qu' (required for this word sound). Options A, C, and D incorrectly substitute 'K' or 'C' for 'Qu', which is phonetically incorrect in standard English.

Querulous means complaining in a petulant or whining manner. The correct spelling is 'querulous' with 'ue' after 'q' and 'ous' ending. Option A substitutes 'ue' with 'eu', option C is incomplete, and option D incorrectly uses 'a' instead of 'e' in the second syllable.

Pantheism is a doctrine which identifies God with the universe, or the universe with God. The correct spelling includes 'the' in the middle and 'ism' suffix (pan + the + ism). Options B, C, and D incorrectly modify or omit parts of 'the' in the middle.

A pseudonym is a fictitious name, especially one used by an author (like a pen name). The correct spelling is 'pseudonym' with 'seudo' in the middle (Greek pseudo- meaning false). Options B, C, and D incorrectly omit letters from 'pseudo' or 'nym'.

Raillery refers to good-humored teasing, ridicule, or banter. The correct spelling is 'raillery' with 'ai' after 'r' and double 'l' before 'ery'. Option A uses 'i' instead of 'ai', option B is incomplete, and option D incorrectly uses 'a' instead of 'i' in the ending.

Pyorrhoea (also spelled pyorrhea) refers to pus discharge from the gums (periodontal disease). The correct spelling is 'pyorrhoea' with 'y' at start, 'orrh' in middle, and 'oea' ending. Options A, C, and D incorrectly modify or omit letters from the correct form.

Quarrelled (British spelling) or quarreled (American spelling) means argued or fought. The British spelling doubles the 'l' before 'ed'. Options A, C, and D incorrectly modify the middle vowels or consonant doubling. The question tests British spelling conventions.

Retable can mean to replace (a table) or to re-establish (something). The correct spelling is 'retable' with 're' prefix and 'table' root. Options B, C, and D incorrectly modify the ending or middle letters, creating non-existent words.