8th Grade Vocab Practice Unit 1

The word "grope" means to search blindly or randomly, usually by feeling around with one's hands. It implies a lack of visibility or knowledge about what one is searching for. The other options, such as "vigil," "revert," "jostle," and "wrangle," do not convey the same meaning of searching blindly or randomly. Therefore, "grope" is the correct answer.

Collaborate means to work together with others towards a common goal. It implies cooperation, coordination, and sharing of ideas and resources. The other words in the list, such as citadel, servile, jostle, and hover, do not have the same meaning and do not convey the idea of working together. Therefore, the correct answer is collaborate.

A laggard refers to someone who is slow or falls behind in progress or development. This person is unable to keep up with the pace of others or adapt to new situations quickly. The word "laggard" suggests a lack of initiative or motivation, and implies that this individual is not proactive in their actions or efforts.

The word "discordant" means conflicting, jarring, or disharmonious. It suggests a lack of agreement or harmony between different elements. In the given context, the other words such as "plaudits," "wrangle," "jostle," and "excerpt" do not convey the same meaning as "discordant." Therefore, "discordant" is the correct answer as it best fits the description of something that is conflicting or disharmonious.

Churlish means lacking in manners or being rude. It is the most appropriate word choice for describing someone who behaves in an impolite or discourteous manner. The other words do not convey the same meaning as churlish. Discordant means lacking harmony or being in disagreement. Laggard means slow or sluggish. Servile means submissive or overly obedient. Wrangle means to argue or quarrel. Therefore, churlish is the correct answer as it best fits the description of someone who is rude or lacking in manners.

Plaudits refers to enthusiastic praise or approval. It is a positive response or recognition given to someone for their achievements or actions. This word suggests that the person or their work is highly regarded and appreciated by others. It indicates that the person has received commendation or applause for their efforts.

The word "jostle" means to be bumped or pushed around in a crowded or chaotic manner. It implies physical contact and a lack of order. The other options do not convey the same meaning. "Wrangle" means to argue or dispute, "grope" means to feel or touch something in a clumsy or inappropriate way, "rubble" refers to broken pieces of stones or bricks, and "collaborate" means to work together. Therefore, the correct answer is "jostle" as it best fits the given context.

The word "hover" means to remain suspended in the air, typically by moving back and forth or up and down. It is the only word in the given options that directly relates to being suspended in the air. "Preclude" means to prevent or make impossible, "evolve" means to develop or change over time, "revert" means to return to a previous state, and "decree" means an official order or decision. None of these words have the same meaning as "hover."

Rubble refers to the debris or remains left behind after destruction or a collapse. It is the broken fragments of buildings, structures, or other objects that have been destroyed. In this context, the word "left over after the destruction" perfectly describes rubble, as it highlights the aftermath of a destructive event where only the broken pieces remain.

Servile means behaving like a slave or underling. It describes someone who is submissive, obedient, and willing to do anything to please others, often at the expense of their own dignity or self-respect. This word implies a lack of independence or assertiveness, and suggests that the person is willing to do whatever is asked of them without question or resistance.

A decree is a proclamation that carries the force of law. It is a formal and authoritative order or decision issued by a person or authority with the power to enforce it. Decrees are often used by governments or courts to establish regulations, settle disputes, or enforce specific actions. Unlike adage (a proverb or saying), vigil (a period of watchfulness), laggard (a slow or lazy person), or wrangle (an argument or dispute), a decree is a legally binding statement with the power to enforce certain actions or laws.

A bonanza refers to an unexpected discovery of something valuable or profitable. In the context of the given question, the phrase "An unexpected find of valuables" perfectly aligns with the meaning of bonanza. Therefore, bonanza is the correct answer.

Vigil refers to a period of watchfulness or surveillance, usually for a specific purpose or to show respect or honor. The phrase "A long period of watching & waiting" perfectly aligns with the meaning of vigil, indicating that the correct answer is vigil.

The word "revert" means to return to a previous state. It implies going back to a previous condition or behavior. In this context, the other words do not match the meaning of returning to a previous state. "Hover" means to remain suspended in the air, "evolve" means to develop or change over time, "jostle" means to push or bump against someone or something, and "preclude" means to prevent or make impossible. Therefore, "revert" is the correct answer as it aligns with the given meaning.

The word "preclude" means to prevent or make something impossible. In the given context, the word "preclude" is used to indicate the action of preventing the possibility of something from happening. It suggests that measures are being taken to avoid or eliminate the chance of a certain event or outcome. The other options, "revert," "grope," "decree," and "churlish," do not fit the context and do not convey the meaning of prevention or impossibility. Therefore, "preclude" is the correct answer.

An excerpt is a small part or portion taken from a larger whole. It is often used to represent or showcase the main ideas or highlights of the original piece. In this context, "A part of the whole" suggests that the correct answer, excerpt, is a fragment or selection from a larger text, article, or book. The other options, such as rubble, plaudits, vigil, and bonanza, do not fit the description of being a part or portion of something larger.

An adage is a saying or proverb that has been passed down through generations and has proven to be true or wise over time. It is a concise and memorable statement that offers advice or reflects a universal truth. This term fits the given phrase "A saying that has stood the test of time" perfectly, as it implies that the saying has been tested and proven to be enduringly relevant.

A citadel is a place of defense or a fortress. It is a strong and fortified structure that is designed to protect and defend against attacks. It is often located in strategic positions and is used to house military personnel and equipment. The word "citadel" is derived from the Latin word "civitas," which means city, indicating its importance in protecting and controlling a particular area.

The word "wrangle" means to argue or loudly disagree. This choice is the most suitable because the other options do not convey the same meaning. "Revert" means to return to a previous state or condition. "Hover" means to remain suspended in the air. "Jostle" means to push or shove someone in a crowded place. "Servile" means overly submissive or obedient. Therefore, "wrangle" is the correct answer as it best fits the given definition.

Evolve means to develop or change gradually over time. In the context of the given question, "to come to completion over a span of time," evolve is the most suitable answer. It implies a process of growth and development that leads to a final state or outcome. The other options do not convey the same sense of progression or gradual change. "Preclude" means to prevent or make impossible, "hover" means to remain suspended in the air, "servile" means submissive or overly obedient, and "decree" means an official order or decision.