Mastery of Vocabulary: Understanding Complex Words

What does the term "Diminution" mean?

• Increase in size or volume

• Reduction in the size, extent, or importance of something

• The act of climbing down from a horse or vehicle

• A feeling of contempt or scorn

If someone is described as "Discerning," what characteristic do they possess?

• They are wasteful and extravagant

• They are unable to make out differences

• They show good judgment and taste

• They are in a state of agitated confusion

What does "Disdain" refer to?

• The act of taking something apart

• The act of scattering in various directions

• The feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration or respect

• A natural or acquired habit or characteristic tendency in a person or thing

What does "Dismount" mean?

• To express a negative opinion about something

• To take apart a structure

• To get off a horse, bicycle, or motorcycle

• To spread widely among a group of people

What does it mean to "Dismantle" something?

• To show a lack of respect for something

• To take a machine or structure to pieces

• To throw into disorder or confusion

• To feel intense distress or sorrow

To "Disparage" means to:

• To spread out and move away in different directions

• To regard or represent as being of little worth

• To be emotionally upset or agitated

• To reduce in size or volume

What does "Disparity" mean?

• A difference or inequality, as of age, character, or quality

• The act of scattering or spreading widely

• The act of getting off a horse or vehicle

• To criticize or make seem less important

What does "Disperse" mean?

• To distribute or spread over a wide area

• To dismantle or take apart

• To show a sophisticated ability to discern or judge what is good or tasteful

• To waste or squander by living extravagantly

What is a "Disposition"?

• A person's inherent qualities of mind and character

• The act of expressing strong disapproval of someone or something

• The act of reducing something in size, quantity, or degree

• The act of removing oneself from a mounted position

What does it mean if something has "Dissipated"?

• It has been assembled or put together

• It has been spread thinly or dispersed and vanished

• It has been treated with a lack of respect

• It has been understood or discerned clearly