Mastering Sophisticated English Vocabulary

1. What does the term 'parvenu' refer to?

[The nouveau riche (new-rich), i.e. economic rise without social skills] [from the French verb parvenir, "to reach"]

A style of dance originating from Spain

A famous mountain range in South America

A type of pastry filled with cream and fruit

The term 'parvenu' specifically refers to someone who has recently acquired wealth or status, but lacks the social skills or cultural background to go with it. It is derived from the French verb 'parvenir', which means 'to reach'.

Explanation

The term 'parvenu' specifically refers to someone who has recently acquired wealth or status, but lacks the social skills or cultural background to go with it. It is derived from the French verb 'parvenir', which means 'to reach'.

2. What is the definition of incursion?

The act of retreating from a territory

The act of establishing peace in a territory

The act of trading goods in a territory

The act of entering some territory or domain

An incursion refers to the act of entering some territory or domain, not retreating, establishing peace, or trading goods in the territory.

Explanation

An incursion refers to the act of entering some territory or domain, not retreating, establishing peace, or trading goods in the territory.

3. What is a Brahmin?

A type of fabric

Type of musical instrument

[Hindu & Buddhist terms] ["Boston Brahmins": New Englanders who claim descent from oldest families in Boston] [Highest caste in India]

A method of meditation

A Brahmin refers to the highest caste in India, as well as being a term used in Hindu and Buddhist contexts. Additionally, 'Boston Brahmins' are individuals from New England who trace their ancestry back to the oldest families in Boston.

Explanation

A Brahmin refers to the highest caste in India, as well as being a term used in Hindu and Buddhist contexts. Additionally, 'Boston Brahmins' are individuals from New England who trace their ancestry back to the oldest families in Boston.

4. What is the meaning of cosmopolitan?

[cosmo: wrold, politan: human] [of worldwide scope or applicability]

[a type of drink made with vodka and cranberry juice]

[of or relating to cosmetics]

[related to space or the universe]

The correct answer breaks down the word 'cosmopolitan' into its root words to explain its meaning of 'worldwide scope or applicability'. The incorrect answers provide unrelated or misleading definitions.

Explanation

The correct answer breaks down the word 'cosmopolitan' into its root words to explain its meaning of 'worldwide scope or applicability'. The incorrect answers provide unrelated or misleading definitions.

5. What is peonage?

A form of government system based on inheritance

A type of currency used in ancient civilizations

A form of agricultural subsidy program

Paying off debt through servitude, "working it off"

Peonage refers to the practice of paying off debt through servitude, typically through labor. It involves a person working to pay off the debt owed, often under conditions that can be exploitative.

Explanation

Peonage refers to the practice of paying off debt through servitude, typically through labor. It involves a person working to pay off the debt owed, often under conditions that can be exploitative.

6. What is the meaning of 'chicanery'?

Trickery (especially for $)

Integrity

Transparency

Honesty

Chicanery refers to trickery and deception, often used for financial gain.

Explanation

Chicanery refers to trickery and deception, often used for financial gain.

7. What does 'quid pro quo' mean?

A. Gift for a favor

C. Favor for a promise

[literally, "this for that" or "something for something"] [in the marketplace: the exchanging of goods] [equal exchange/substitution]

B. Service for a promise

quid pro quo is a Latin term that refers to the exchange of something for something else, typically used in contexts where there is an equal exchange or substitution involved.

Explanation

quid pro quo is a Latin term that refers to the exchange of something for something else, typically used in contexts where there is an equal exchange or substitution involved.