Vocabulary Quiz on Attitudes and Emotions

The famous author offered only condescending comments about the work of the amateur writers. What does condescending mean?

• characterized by a superior manner

• worthy of worship

• devout or religious

• marked by a smooth, lyrical style

Achilles was contemptuous of his rivals, dragging the body of Hector around Troy. What does contemptuous mean?

• somewhat fearful

• overcome by embarrassment

• earthy and uncomplicated

• filled with scorn

Rhett Butler felt he could no longer tolerate Scarlett’s egocentric neglect of others’ feelings. What does egocentric mean?

• self-centered

• supportive

• distracted

• bewildered

Might an unpretentious person own two or three expensive cars?

• Yes

• No

Would an egocentric sports star want to talk about himself and his success?

• Yes

• No

Would a pompous individual be quick to tell you that he had been invited to the governor’s inauguration?

• Yes

• No

The car salesman made several waspish remarks to browsers, which he later regretted. What does waspish mean?

• calm

• off-balance

• bad-tempered

• perplexed

The star performer treated the rest of the actors as if they were amateurs, being haughty and uncooperative. What does haughty mean?

• using few words

• overly proud and vain

• resistant to work

• capable of moving with ease

The unpretentious bungalow sat amidst impressive mansions, and the family was proud of it. What does unpretentious mean?

• modest

• desirable

• run-down

• realistic

Commuters may ignore the homeless in bus and train stations. This cavalier blindness makes their daily journey more bearable. What does cavalier mean?

• characterized by confusion

• arousing fear or awe

• lacking validity

• unconcerned with important matters