The Great Gatsby Vocabulary Quiz 1

Explanation
The word "mar" means to damage, ruin, or deface something. It is the most appropriate choice among the given options because it directly relates to the action of causing harm or destruction. The other words, "supercilious" means behaving or looking as though one thinks they are superior to others; "deft" means skillful or clever; and "compulsion" means a strong urge or impulse to do something. None of these words convey the meaning of damaging or ruining something, making "mar" the correct answer.

Explanation
Supercilious means having or showing arrogant superiority and disdain towards others. It suggests that someone feels they are better than others and looks down upon them. This word describes a person who displays an attitude of haughtiness and condescension, often accompanied by a sense of superiority.

Explanation
The word "cynical" means distrusting, criticizing, or mocking the motives of others. This word is the best fit for the given list of words as it aligns with the negative connotation of distrusting and criticizing. "Vitality" means energy or liveliness, which is unrelated to the given word. "Solemn" means serious or earnest, which is also unrelated. "Incessant" means never-ending or constant, which does not convey the same meaning as the given word. Therefore, "cynical" is the correct answer.

Explanation
The word "infinitesimal" means extremely small or tiny. It is often used to describe something that is so small that it cannot be measured or quantified. This word perfectly fits the given list of words, as all the other options do not convey the same meaning. "Immeasurably small" is a similar concept, but it is not a single word. "Low" and "weak, lacking power" do not specifically refer to size or quantity. "Distrusting" is unrelated to the concept of being small. Therefore, "infinitesimal" is the correct answer.

Explanation
Contemptuous means showing or feeling disapproval or disdain toward something. It implies a strong negative judgment or attitude towards someone or something. It suggests a feeling of superiority or scorn towards the object of contempt. The word "contemptuous" accurately describes the behavior or attitude of someone who looks down upon or disapproves of something or someone.

Explanation
The word "deft" means quick and skillful. It is the best fit for the given description "quick and skillful" as it accurately captures the meaning of the phrase. "Compulsion" means an irresistible urge to do something, "wistful" means having a feeling of longing or nostalgia, and "mar" means to spoil or damage. None of these words convey the same meaning as "quick and skillful" and are therefore not the correct answer.

Explanation
The word "compulsion" means a strong and irresistible urge to do something. In the context of making a decision hastily, it suggests that the decision is made out of a sense of obligation or necessity rather than careful consideration. This implies that the decision is not based on rational thinking or weighing the pros and cons, but rather driven by an external force or pressure. Therefore, "compulsion" is the most suitable word among the given options to describe the act of making a decision hastily.

Explanation
Wistful means being full of wishful yearning or longing, often with sadness. This word describes a feeling of longing or nostalgia, usually accompanied by a sense of sadness or melancholy. It suggests a deep desire for something that is unattainable or lost. The other options, mar, supercilious, and deft, do not convey the same meaning as wistful.