Word Mastery: Define and Use

Analyze the word "retentive" and choose the sentence that best demonstrates its meaning.

• The retentive soil allowed the plants to thrive even during dry spells.

• The retentive student forgot everything after the exam.

• The retentive sponge was unable to hold any water.

• The retentive book was full of errors.

Create a sentence using the word "defect" that shows its meaning clearly.

• The defect in the plan made it more efficient.

• The defect in the product was a major selling point.

• The defect in the software caused it to crash frequently.

• The defect in the painting made it more valuable.

Evaluate the use of the word "ethical" in the following sentence: "The company's ethical practices were questioned after the scandal."

• The word is used incorrectly; it should be "unethical."

• The word is used correctly to describe moral principles.

• The word is used incorrectly; it should be "legal."

• The word is used correctly to describe financial practices.

Analyze the word "sustain" and choose the sentence that best demonstrates its meaning.

• The athlete could not sustain his energy throughout the race.

• The sustain of the music was too short.

• The sustain of the argument was weak.

• The sustain of the building was unnecessary.

Create a sentence using the word "obsess" that shows its meaning clearly.

• She would obsess over her mistakes and learn nothing from them.

• He would obsess over his successes and forget them quickly.

• They would obsess over their hobbies and lose interest immediately.

• We would obsess over the weather and ignore it completely.

Evaluate the use of the word "nonentity" in the following sentence: "Despite his efforts, he remained a nonentity in the world of politics."

• The word is used incorrectly; it should be "celebrity."

• The word is used correctly to describe someone of no importance.

• The word is used incorrectly; it should be "entity."

• The word is used correctly to describe someone of great influence.

Analyze the word "blase'" and choose the sentence that best demonstrates its meaning.

• After years of travel, she became blase' about visiting new places.

• He was blase' about his new job and worked very hard.

• The blase' student was excited about every new lesson.

• The blase' attitude made him more enthusiastic.

Create a sentence using the word "unison" that shows its meaning clearly.

• The choir sang in unison, creating a discordant sound.

• The choir sang in unison, each voice blending perfectly.

• The choir sang in unison, each member singing a different song.

• The choir sang in unison, but no one could hear them.

Evaluate the use of the word "deplore" in the following sentence: "The community deplored the decision to close the local library."

• The word is used incorrectly; it should be "supported."

• The word is used correctly to express strong disapproval.

• The word is used incorrectly; it should be "ignored."

• The word is used correctly to express mild interest.

Analyze the word "laggard" and choose the sentence that best demonstrates its meaning.

• The laggard student finished the test before everyone else.

• The laggard runner was the first to cross the finish line.

• The laggard employee was always behind on his tasks.

• The laggard car was the fastest on the track.