Tag: softskills

Surly means bad-tempered, rude, or unfriendly in manner. Option A correctly identifies this as 'rude.' Options B, C, and D are incorrect - righteous is a positive quality, usurp is a verb meaning to seize power, and polite is the opposite of surly.

Vacillate means to waver between different options or opinions, to be indecisive. Option C correctly identifies this as 'waver.' Options A, B, and D are all verbs meaning to push, force, or pressure someone, which are unrelated to vacillate.

Goad means to provoke or urge someone to action, often through persistent annoyance or coaxing. Option B correctly identifies this as 'coax.' Options A, C, and D are incorrect - hinder is opposite, seize means to grab, and waver means to be indecisive.

Vagary means an unexpected, erratic, or whimsical action or occurrence. Option A correctly identifies this as 'caprice,' which means a sudden change of mind or impulse. Options B, C, and D are unrelated - sullen means gloomy, wheedle means to persuade flatteringly, and 'none of the above' is incorrect since A is correct.

Gaudy means brightly colored, showy, or tastelessly ornamented - in other words, flashy. Option C correctly identifies this meaning. Options A, B, and D all represent qualities of simplicity, decency, or strength that are opposite to gaudy.

Abate means to become less intense, widespread, or severe - to subside or diminish. Option D correctly identifies this as 'subside.' Options A, B, and C all represent actions of increase, continuation, or annoyance that are opposite to abate.

Acrid means having a sharply biting, bitter, or pungent taste or smell. Option A identifies this as 'sharp,' which can mean sharp in taste or smell (like acrid smoke). However, this is a somewhat imprecise match - acrid specifically means sharp in a harsh, irritating way. Options B and C are gentle opposites, and D is incorrect since A is a reasonable answer.

Exult means to be extremely joyful or triumphant, to show great happiness or elation. Rejoice is the correct synonym. Regret means disappointment, and revolt means to rebel.

Halcyon means calm, peaceful, and tranquil. It often refers to a happy, peaceful time period. Disturbed and hostile are opposites of this meaning, while animus means hostility or ill will.

Surmise means to guess or suppose something based on incomplete evidence. Abate means to lessen, fluctuate means to vary irregularly, and render means to provide or make.