Vocabulary Words From the Crucible

1. What is the primary meaning of the term 'crucible'?

[n.]3) a type of coin used in ancient civilizations

[n.]4) a musical instrument popular in the 18th century

[n.]1) a vessel used for melting metal, and therefore able towithstand high temperatures, 2) a severe or serious test

[n.]2) a device used for measuring temperature

A crucible is typically a vessel used for melting metal and subjected to high temperatures.

Explanation

A crucible is typically a vessel used for melting metal and subjected to high temperatures.

2. What is a paradox?

A statement that cannot be explained or understood by logic.

An argument that is sound and valid.

A type of logical fallacy that involves a mistake in reasoning.

[n.] a seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless betrue; an ironic thing, or statement.

A paradox is a statement that may initially seem contradictory or impossible, but upon further examination can reveal a deeper truth or unexpected insight. It is not necessarily a logical fallacy, inexplicable statement, or a sign of a sound and valid argument.

Explanation

A paradox is a statement that may initially seem contradictory or impossible, but upon further examination can reveal a deeper truth or unexpected insight. It is not necessarily a logical fallacy, inexplicable statement, or a sign of a sound and valid argument.

3. What is a witch-hunt?

3) A competition to determine the best witch costume.

2) A game played on Halloween to find people dressed as witches.

1) A hunt to find magical witches hiding in forests.

[n.] 1) in Puritan times, a search for supposed witches withinthe community; 2) today, a political campaign launched on the pretext ofinvestigating activities subversive to the state.

A witch-hunt refers to a search made in the community for supposed witches or a political campaign launched under the pretext of investigating subversive activities.

Explanation

A witch-hunt refers to a search made in the community for supposed witches or a political campaign launched under the pretext of investigating subversive activities.

4. What does the word 'formidable' mean?

[adj.] friendly

[adj.] weak

[adj.] awesome, strong, imposing, impressive, possibly inspiringfear or dread

[adj.] boring

The word 'formidable' is used to describe something that is awe-inspiring, strong, and imposing, possibly evoking fear or dread. It does not mean weak, friendly, or boring.

Explanation

The word 'formidable' is used to describe something that is awe-inspiring, strong, and imposing, possibly evoking fear or dread. It does not mean weak, friendly, or boring.

5. What is the definition of iniquity?

[n.] Wickedness, sin

Generosity, compassion

Honesty, integrity

Kindness, virtue

Iniquity refers to wickedness and sin, not qualities like kindness, generosity, or honesty.

Explanation

Iniquity refers to wickedness and sin, not qualities like kindness, generosity, or honesty.

6. Prodigious

B) Tiny

A) Average

[adj.] 1) impressively huge, enormous; 2) extraordinary,marvelous

C) Regular

The word 'prodigious' means impressive in size, extraordinary, or marvelous. It is the opposite of average, tiny, and regular.

Explanation

The word 'prodigious' means impressive in size, extraordinary, or marvelous. It is the opposite of average, tiny, and regular.

7. What does the word 'persecute' mean?

[v.] to oppress or harass; to treatbadly

To praise or admire; to treat kindly

To forgive or forget; to overlook

To protect or defend; to support

The correct answer explains that 'persecute' means to oppress or harass, while the incorrect answers provide alternative meanings that are not synonymous.

Explanation

The correct answer explains that 'persecute' means to oppress or harass, while the incorrect answers provide alternative meanings that are not synonymous.

8. What does the term 'contentious' mean?

[adj.] indifferent, lacking opinions

[adj.] argumentative, seeking and enjoying disagreement

[adj.] hesitant, avoiding confrontations

[adj.] agreeable, seeking harmony

The correct definition of 'contentious' is someone who is argumentative and enjoys disagreement, not someone who seeks harmony, lacks opinions, or avoids confrontations.

Explanation

The correct definition of 'contentious' is someone who is argumentative and enjoys disagreement, not someone who seeks harmony, lacks opinions, or avoids confrontations.

9. Vindictive

[adj.] forgetful, absent-minded

[adj.] calm, peaceful

[adj.] friendly, kind-hearted

[adj.] vengeful, determined to get back at others for perceivedwrongs

Vindictive is an adjective that describes someone who is vengeful and determined to get back at others for perceived wrongs. The incorrect answers do not accurately capture the meaning of vindictive.

Explanation

Vindictive is an adjective that describes someone who is vengeful and determined to get back at others for perceived wrongs. The incorrect answers do not accurately capture the meaning of vindictive.

10. What does Providence refer to?

A city in Rhode Island

[n.] good fortune, God's care {Puritans believed that as"chosen people" they were in God's special care or Providence.}

A type of fruit

A style of architecture

Providence in this context specifically refers to the belief in good fortune and God's care, as held by the Puritans.

Explanation

Providence in this context specifically refers to the belief in good fortune and God's care, as held by the Puritans.

Vocabulary Words From "the Crucible"