Tag: softskills

Abortive means unsuccessful, failing to accomplish its purpose, or cut short before completion. It describes something that didn't achieve its intended goal or ended prematurely. An abortive attempt fails to produce results; an abortive coup doesn't succeed. It implies failure or incompleteness.

Abrasive refers to something that rubs away or wears down a surface through friction. Metaphorically, it describes a harsh, unpolished manner or personality that grates on others. Sandpaper is physically abrasive; rude behavior is socially abrasive. Both cause wear through friction.

Abase means to lower in rank, prestige, or esteem; to humble or degrade someone. It refers to reducing someone's dignity, status, or self-worth through humiliation or subjugation. The word captures the act of bringing someone down, whether physically, socially, or psychologically.

To abash means to make someone feel embarrassed, disconcerted, or ashamed. 'Embarrass' is the correct synonym. The other options describe importance (paramount), suffocation (asphyxiate), or desecration.

To abate means to become less intense or widespread. 'Subside or moderate' correctly defines the term. The other options describe a lover (paramour), a suffragette, or something sacred (sacrosanct).

To abbreviate is to make a word, phrase, or story shorter by omitting parts of it. 'Shorten' is the correct definition. The other options describe paranoia, suffusion, or sadism.

To abdicate means to renounce one's throne or fail to fulfill a duty. 'Renounce' is the correct synonym. The other options (equipment, suitor, or Scandinavian myth) do not define the word.

Aberrant means departing from an accepted standard or what is normal. 'Abnormal or deviant' is the correct definition. The other options describe paraphrasing, being sullen, or being wise (sagacious).

To abet is to encourage or assist someone to do something wrong, in particular, to commit a crime. The other options describe dryness (arid), heat, or lustfulness (lascivious), which are unrelated to the verb 'abet'.

The correct answer is C. 'Abeyance' means a state of temporary disuse or suspension - an action or process that is currently not active but may resume later. Option A describes 'parchment', B describes 'summation', and D means 'noticeable' - none of which match the meaning of abeyance.