English Quiz B

What is an antonym for "endemic"?

• nonnative

• endemic

• habitual

• indigenous

Answer explanation

If something is nonnative, it is living or growing in a place that is not the location of its natural occurrence. Endemic means the opposite: belonging or native to a particular people or country.

What is an antonym for "docile"?

• devout

• unattractive

• impressive

• defiant

Answer explanation

Docile means "easily taught." One antonym for the word is defiant, which means "showing a disposition to challenge or resist."

What is an antonym for "arduous"?

• difficult

• exacting

• easy

• hard

Answer explanation

Something that is arduous requires much effort. Therefore, something arduous is not easy.

What is an antonym for "mollify"?

• enrage

• enrich

• mitigate

• refine

Answer explanation

To mollify means "to soothe," making it the opposite of enrage, which means "to anger."

What is an antonym for "trenchant"?

• pointed

• obstreperous

• dogmatic

• dull

Answer explanation

Trenchant means "keen" or "sharp"—the opposite of dull.

What is a synonym for "sagacious"?

• simple

• wise

• dense

• obtuse

Answer explanation

To be wise is to be marked by deep understanding and keen discernment. To be sagacious means the same, making the words synonymous.

What is a synonym for "jocular"?

• wary

• unfriendly

• vain

• jovial

Answer explanation

Jocular means "jolly"; jovial has a similar meaning.

What is an antonym for "altruistic"?

• selfish

• benevolent

• magnanimous

• liberal

Answer explanation

To be altruistic is to have an unselfish concern for the welfare of others—the opposite of selfish.

What word is synonymous with "boredom"?

• ennui

• indignity

• indolence

• anger

Answer explanation

Ennui is a French word borrowed by English. It means boredom. Another form of the same word, but with a different meaning, is "annoy."

What is a synonym for "vilify"?

• exalt

• venerate

• defame

• exhilarate

Answer explanation

Vilify and defame both mean "to make untrue and harmful statements about."