Purpose Vocabulary Quiz

How would you describe the act of 'portraying' a character like 'Sherlock Holmes' in a novel?

• to describe the character in a particular way; characterize

• to exaggerate the character's traits

• to describe the character in a vague or unclear way

• to ignore the character's traits

John has recently moved to Japan and you want to 'familiarize' him with the Japanese culture. What does it mean?

• to exaggerate the Japanese culture to John

• to ignore the Japanese culture while talking to John

• to make the Japanese culture unknown or unfamiliar to John

• to make the Japanese culture known or familiar to John

Your friend is considering investing in a risky business venture. How would you use the word 'dissuade' in this context?

• You would advise your friend to go for it

• You would ignore your friend's decision

• You would advise your friend against it

• You would exaggerate the risks involved

John was accused of 'belittling' his colleague's work. What does this mean?

• John was accused of exaggerating or overstating his colleague's work.

• John was accused of diminishing or dismissing his colleague's work.

• John was accused of ignoring his colleague's work.

• John was accused of praising or elevating his colleague's work.

John is having trouble understanding a complex theory. His friend, Sarah, tries to 'elucidate' the theory for him. What does Sarah do?

• She gives a clarifying explanation

• She ignores the theory

• She exaggerates the theory

• She gives a confusing explanation

In a concert, what does it mean when the sound engineer decides to 'amplify' the singer's voice?

• to express the singer's voice less fully and in less detail

• to ignore the singer's voice

• to exaggerate the singer's voice

• to express the singer's voice more fully and in greater detail

John is feeling down because of his recent breakup. His friend, Mike, wants to show his support. Which of the following actions by Mike would correctly define 'sympathize'?

• Mike expresses happiness about the situation

• Mike expresses anger towards John's ex

• Mike expresses indifference about the breakup

• Mike expresses sympathy towards John's feelings

In a political rally, a speaker was trying to 'incite' the crowd. What does this mean?

• He was trying to exaggerate the situation

• He was trying to stir up the crowd

• He was trying to ignore the crowd

• He was trying to calm down the crowd

John is trying to 'appease' his angry girlfriend. What is he trying to do?

• He is trying to relieve or satisfy her anger

• He is trying to create anger in her

• He is trying to exaggerate or intensify her anger

• He is trying to ignore or dismiss her anger

John is a teacher who always tries to __________ his students' interest in science. How would you fill in the blank with the word 'foster'?

• encourage or promote the development of

• exaggerate

• discourage or hinder the development of

• ignore