Academic English The Pearl Vocabulary
Test your previous knowledge of the future vocabulary words in The Pearl!
- 1.
What is avarice?
- A.
Greed.
- B.
Money.
- C.
Love.
- D.
Advice.
Correct Answer
A. Greed.Explanation
Avarice refers to an excessive or insatiable desire for wealth or material possessions, often characterized by greed. It is the intense longing for accumulating more and more resources, driven by selfishness and a lack of contentment. This answer accurately defines avarice as it aligns with the commonly understood meaning of the term.Rate this question:
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- 2.
What does it mean to be indigent?
- A.
Unwelcoming.
- B.
Primitive.
- C.
Unpleasant to look upon.
- D.
Poor.
Correct Answer
D. Poor.Explanation
To be indigent means to be poor. The word "indigent" is often used to describe someone who lacks the financial resources to meet their basic needs. It implies a state of poverty or destitution, where individuals struggle to afford food, shelter, and other necessities. The other options provided in the question (unwelcoming, primitive, unpleasant to look upon) do not accurately capture the meaning of indigent, as they relate to different qualities or characteristics unrelated to financial status.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What is a bulwark?
- A.
A type of animal.
- B.
A defensive shield or wall.
- C.
A type of house.
- D.
An army.
Correct Answer
B. A defensive shield or wall.Explanation
A bulwark refers to a defensive shield or wall. It is a structure that provides protection or defense against external threats or attacks. It acts as a barrier or fortification, safeguarding an area or a person from harm or danger. In this context, the other options mentioned (animal, type of house, army) do not accurately define what a bulwark is.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What does it mean to gloat?
- A.
To brag.
- B.
To build.
- C.
To act angrily.
- D.
To eat in excess.
Correct Answer
A. To brag.Explanation
Gloating means to brag about one's achievements, success, or superiority in a boastful manner. It involves taking pleasure in showing off or excessively talking about one's accomplishments, often with the intention of making others feel inferior or envious. This behavior can be seen as arrogant and insensitive, as it disregards the feelings of others and focuses solely on self-promotion.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What is incandescence?
- A.
Giving off a strong smell.
- B.
Giving off light.
- C.
Unable to give anything that the senses can pick up (such as smell or sound).
- D.
Giving off a faint sound.
Correct Answer
B. Giving off light.Explanation
Incandescence refers to the emission of light from a heated object. When an object is heated to a high temperature, it begins to glow and emit visible light, which is known as incandescence. This process is commonly observed in incandescent light bulbs, where a filament is heated to produce light. Incandescence is the correct answer because it accurately describes the phenomenon of giving off light.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What is almsgiving?
- A.
Giving back to nature, such as planting a tree.
- B.
Giving presents to friends or family.
- C.
Offering prayers for the less forunate.
- D.
Giving money or food to the poor.
Correct Answer
D. Giving money or food to the poor.Explanation
Almsgiving refers to the act of giving money or food to the poor. It is a form of charity where individuals provide assistance to those who are less fortunate. This practice is often rooted in religious or moral beliefs, with the intention of helping those in need and promoting social welfare. Almsgiving is a way to show compassion and support for the disadvantaged members of society, aiming to alleviate their suffering and improve their living conditions.Rate this question:
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- 7.
If something is consecrated it is what?
- A.
Destroyed.
- B.
Made sacred.
- C.
Disrespected.
- D.
Imrpoved.
Correct Answer
B. Made sacred.Explanation
When something is consecrated, it is made sacred. This means that it is set apart or dedicated for religious or spiritual purposes. Consecration often involves a formal ceremony or ritual to declare the object or place as holy and worthy of reverence. It is the opposite of being destroyed, disrespected, or improved, as these actions do not involve the act of making something sacred.Rate this question:
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- 8.
If soemone has cozened you, what have they done to you?
- A.
Welcomed you into their home.
- B.
Inducted you into a group.
- C.
Brought harm upon you.
- D.
Tricked you.
Correct Answer
D. Tricked you.Explanation
If someone has cozened you, they have tricked you. The word "cozened" is derived from the verb "cozen," which means to deceive or cheat someone. Therefore, if someone has cozened you, it implies that they have intentionally misled or tricked you in some way.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What does it mean to act curtly?
- A.
To be short and rude with someone.
- B.
To be considerate towards others.
- C.
To be loud and obnoxious.
- D.
To be sneaky and dishonest.
Correct Answer
A. To be short and rude with someone.Explanation
Acting curtly means to be short and rude with someone. This implies that the person is being abrupt and impolite in their communication or behavior towards others. They may use curt or brusque language, display a lack of patience or interest, and show little regard for the feelings or opinions of others. This behavior can come across as disrespectful and may create a negative or uncomfortable atmosphere in social interactions.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What is a disparagement?
- A.
An violent argument.
- B.
A mild disagreement.
- C.
An insult.
- D.
A divorce.
Correct Answer
C. An insult.Explanation
Disparagement refers to the act of insulting or belittling someone or something. It involves making derogatory or negative remarks that undermine their reputation or worth. This can be done through spoken or written words, gestures, or actions. Disparagement is different from a violent argument or mild disagreement, as it specifically involves insulting or demeaning someone. A divorce, on the other hand, is the legal dissolution of a marriage and is unrelated to the concept of disparagement.Rate this question:
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- 11.
What does dissembling (or to dissemble) mean?
- A.
To take apart manually.
- B.
To put on a false appearance.
- C.
To fall apart.
- D.
To shock others.
Correct Answer
B. To put on a false appearance.Explanation
Dissembling refers to the act of putting on a false appearance or pretending to be someone or something that one is not. It involves hiding one's true feelings, intentions, or motives behind a deceptive facade. This can be done through actions, words, or behaviors that are meant to mislead or deceive others. Dissembling is often used as a strategy to manipulate or gain an advantage in various situations.Rate this question:
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- 12.
If someone is furtive they are what?
- A.
Secretive.
- B.
Confident.
- C.
Physically strong.
- D.
Highly intelligent.
Correct Answer
A. Secretive.Explanation
If someone is furtive, it means that they are being secretive or trying to conceal something. Being furtive implies that the person is behaving in a way that suggests they have something to hide or are being sneaky. This word does not indicate confidence, physical strength, or high intelligence.Rate this question:
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- 13.
If something is inaudible it is...
- A.
Unable to be found.
- B.
Lost in a large mess.
- C.
Extremely loud.
- D.
Unable to be heard.
Correct Answer
D. Unable to be heard.Explanation
The correct answer is "unable to be heard." When something is inaudible, it means that it cannot be heard. This could be due to various reasons such as low volume, distance, or interference. It is different from being lost in a mess or being extremely loud.Rate this question:
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- 14.
What does it mean to be judicious?
- A.
To have strong political beliefs.
- B.
To be friendly with everyone around you.
- C.
To exercise good judgment.
- D.
To clearly understand the law.
Correct Answer
C. To exercise good judgment.Explanation
To be judicious means to exercise good judgment. This implies making wise and thoughtful decisions based on careful evaluation and consideration of all relevant factors. Being judicious involves weighing the pros and cons, analyzing different perspectives, and making choices that are fair, reasonable, and beneficial. It goes beyond simply having strong political beliefs or being friendly with others. While understanding the law may contribute to being judicious, it is not the sole defining characteristic.Rate this question:
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- 15.
What does it mean to transfigure something?
- A.
To impair the look of something through injury.
- B.
To destroy it.
- C.
To give something a new (typically glorified) appearance.
- D.
To create a figurine that is identical to it.
Correct Answer
C. To give something a new (typically glorified) appearance.Explanation
The correct answer is "to give something a new (typically glorified) appearance." Transfiguring something means changing its appearance to make it look different, usually in a more positive or impressive way. It does not involve impairing or destroying the object, nor does it involve creating an identical figurine.Rate this question:
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- 16.
BONUS QUESTION!!!! What does subjugate mean?
- A.
To close off a part of something.
- B.
To conquer something.
- C.
To substitute one thing for another.
- D.
To work as an ambassador between two countries (or even two people).
- E.
To cast spells or do voodoo upon someone else.
- F.
To interpret a language.
Correct Answer
B. To conquer something.Explanation
Subjugate means to conquer something. This involves gaining control or dominance over a person, group, or territory through force or oppression. It implies the act of subjecting someone or something to one's will or authority, often resulting in the loss of freedom or autonomy for the subjugated party.Rate this question:
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