Vocabulary Precision: Confusing Words Precision Quiz

  • 7th Grade
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| By Thames
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Quizzes Created: 8157 | Total Attempts: 9,567,281
| Questions: 20 | Updated: Jan 7, 2026
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1. Which sentence uses "allusion" correctly?

Explanation

An allusion is a reference to something well-known, such as a story from Greek mythology or a famous event. An illusion is something that tricks the eyes or mind into seeing something that is not really there. The two words sound similar but have very different meanings.

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About This Quiz
Vocabulary Precision: Confusing Words Precision Quiz - Quiz

Precision in language depends on making exact word choices. In this confusing words precision quiz, you’ll focus on selecting words that convey meaning clearly and accurately. You’ll analyze fine distinctions between similar terms, evaluate context carefully, and avoid vague or incorrect usage. Each question sharpens attention to detail and reinforces... see moredisciplined word selection in both formal and informal writing.
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2. Which word best fits the meaning "to stop something from happening"?

Explanation

Prevent means to keep something from happening. The other spellings are incorrect and do not form real words. The sentence uses the word correctly to show stopping an action.

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3. Which sentence uses "precede" correctly?

Explanation

Precede means to come before something else in time or order. Proceed means to continue or move forward. Understanding the difference helps avoid confusion when talking about sequence or action.

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4. Which sentence uses "proceed" correctly?

Explanation

Proceed is used when someone keeps going with an action or task. Precede, on the other hand, means to come before something. The sentence correctly uses proceed to show forward movement.

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5. Which word correctly means "allowed by rules"?

Explanation

Permissible means allowed or acceptable according to rules. The other options are common misspellings. Only permissible is spelled correctly and fits the meaning.

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6. Which sentence uses "complement" correctly?

Explanation

Complement means to complete or enhance something, making it better. Compliment means to say something nice or offer praise. These words are often confused because they sound alike but have different meanings.

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7. Which sentence uses "figuratively" correctly?

Explanation

Figuratively means something is meant in a metaphorical or imaginative way, not exactly as stated. Only sentence A uses the word in a non-literal sense. The other usage would imply something happening physically, which is incorrect.

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8. Which word correctly fits the meaning "able to read and write"?

Explanation

Literate describes someone who can read and write. The other spellings are incorrect and do not form proper words. The sentence correctly uses literate.

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9. The singer's new album received a positive _______ from critics.

Explanation

A review is an evaluation or opinion about something, such as a book, movie, or piece of music. It usually shares what someone liked or disliked. The word fits the context of judging or evaluating.

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10. The teacher asked the class to _______ the poem for hidden meaning.

Explanation

Analyze means to study something carefully to understand it better. This may involve breaking it into parts or examining details. The word is correctly used when describing close examination.

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11. The instructions were not _______, so students were confused.

Explanation

Clear means easy to understand or not confusing. When instructions or explanations are not clear, people may feel confused. The sentence correctly explains the cause of confusion.

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12. The coach wanted to _______ the team before the game.

Explanation

Motivate means to encourage or inspire someone to take action. It often involves giving reasons or support. The word fits situations where someone is pushed to try harder or do better.

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13. She noticed a major _______ between the two stories.

Explanation

Contrast refers to showing or noticing differences between two or more things. It is often used in comparisons. The word correctly describes highlighting differences.

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14. The author used a powerful _______ to describe the storm.

Explanation

A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two things by stating one is the other. It is used to create a strong or vivid description. Metaphors are not meant to be taken literally.

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15. "Complement" means to complete or enhance something.

Explanation

Complement means to improve or complete something. Compliment means to praise someone. The statement is correct because it clearly distinguishes the two meanings.

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16. "Proceed" means to go forward or continue.

Explanation

Proceed indicates continuing forward with an action or plan. The statement accurately describes its meaning. It is not about order, but about progress.

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17. "Allusion" and "illusion" mean the same thing.

Explanation

An allusion is a reference, while an illusion is something that deceives the senses. Saying they mean the same thing would be incorrect. The statement is false because the meanings are different.

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18. "Analyze" means to examine something in detail.

Explanation

To analyze something is to examine it closely in order to understand it. This often involves thinking deeply about details. The explanation correctly describes the word.

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19. A "metaphor" is a literal description of something.

Explanation

A metaphor is figurative, not literal. It compares things for effect, not because they are actually the same. Therefore, the statement is false.

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20. "Contrast" refers to a difference between two things.

Explanation

Contrast is used to point out how things are different from each other. It focuses on differences rather than similarities. The statement correctly explains the meaning.

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Which sentence uses "allusion" correctly?
Which word best fits the meaning "to stop something from happening"?
Which sentence uses "precede" correctly?
Which sentence uses "proceed" correctly?
Which word correctly means "allowed by rules"?
Which sentence uses "complement" correctly?
Which sentence uses "figuratively" correctly?
Which word correctly fits the meaning "able to read and write"?
The singer's new album received a positive _______ from critics.
The teacher asked the class to _______ the poem for hidden meaning.
The instructions were not _______, so students were confused.
The coach wanted to _______ the team before the game.
She noticed a major _______ between the two stories.
The author used a powerful _______ to describe the storm.
"Complement" means to complete or enhance something.
"Proceed" means to go forward or continue.
"Allusion" and "illusion" mean the same thing.
"Analyze" means to examine something in detail.
A "metaphor" is a literal description of something.
"Contrast" refers to a difference between two things.
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