Tag: softskills

A dozen always means 12 items, regardless of what those items are. The question asks about the number of stamps, not their total monetary value. Each stamp is worth 2 cents, but there are still 12 stamps in a dozen.

In baseball, one full inning consists of 6 outs - 3 outs for each team. A half-inning (one team's turn at bat) has 3 outs. The options 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect as they don't account for both teams' outs in a complete inning.

Dilatory describes someone or something slow to act, tending to delay or procrastinate. It comes from the same root as 'delay' and refers to intentionally slow behavior or causing delays. The other options (dilusional, diluted, condemnation) are unrelated to the meaning.

Inconsequential means something unimportant, trivial, or without significance. The prefix 'in-' means 'not', and 'consequential' refers to having important consequences or effects. Together, they describe things that don't matter or have no real impact.

Vapid describes something lacking interest, excitement, or stimulation - dull, flat, or boring. It's commonly used for conversation, writing, or entertainment that offers nothing engaging. The word doesn't relate to speed (A), bagginess (C), or irregularity (D).

Annihilation means complete and total destruction - the state of being entirely wiped out or ceasing to exist. The prefix 'an-' intensifies 'nihilation' from Latin 'nihil' meaning 'nothing'. It's stronger than mere damage; it means nothing is left.

A hymn is a religious song or poem of praise, worship, or thanksgiving, typically sung in a formal religious setting. The word comes from Greek 'hymnos' meaning 'song of praise'. It's unrelated to half, hollow, or being annoying.

Kowtow means to be excessively submissive, obedient, or deferential to someone - often implying servile behavior. The term comes from Chinese 'koutou' referring to the traditional bow of touching forehead to ground as a sign of deep respect or submission to authority.

Meddlesome describes someone who is fond of interfering in other people's affairs or business - being intrusive and unwanted. The word comes from 'meddle' meaning to interfere. Note that option D has a typo: 'offairs' should be 'affairs', but the meaning is still clear.

Testy means easily irritated, quick-tempered, or prone to annoyance. Option C correctly captures this meaning. The other options describe different personality traits - testing comments relates to thoroughness, doubting everything suggests skepticism, and superstitious refers to irrational beliefs.