Unknown Words and Phrases

Mr. Huge was very proud of his auto superstore. "We have such an extensive selection of cars," he said, "so everyone should find a vehicle that he or she will love!"
The word "extensive"means

• costing a lot of money
• having no color
• large amount
• not enough

The news story was based on a letter that was a fabrication.  Now the reporter who wrote the story is in big trouble.  Will anyone believe him again?
A fabrication is___________.

• made of cloth
• full of long words
• funny
• fake

There is a legal battle raging and the judges are concerned that time is running out.  Lawyers are being asked to expedite the matter by getting their paperwork in early.
What does expedite mean?

• quicken
• agree on 
• sue
• discuss

We have rather lofty expectations for you.  You will attend college.  You will become rich and famous.  You will be the owner of a major company before you turn forty.
Which word is a synonym for lofty?

• shaky
• high
• small
• lowly

I like that store.  All the employees strive to make the customers feel right at home.  
Which word is a synonym of strive?

• complain
• fail
• try
• clean

If you don't recover from your condition, it could become chronic.  Then you might have to take medicine for the rest of your life.  If something is chronic, it___________

• is very painful
• won't go away
• makes you smell bad
• isn't real

Connie is never happy when everyone is getting along.  She always instigates fights and then acts like little Miss Innocent.
When you instigate something, you_____________

• check it out
• protect it
• get it started 
• ignore it

I looked at the plans for your new house.  This is earthquake country.  You need to fortify the frame or you'll have a disaster with the first tremor.
What is a synonym for fortify?

• shake
• build
• strengthen
• destroy

"If you knew the gravity of the situation, you wouldn't be laughing," Mr. Farmer said quietly.  He didn't have to say more to get everyone's attention.
What does "gravity" mean in THIS context?

• a force that draws different objects towards the center of the earth
• seriousness
• humor
• enjoyable

Fortunately, the explosion diverted the asteroid from a course that would have sent it hurdling into our planet.  To divert is to 

• change the direction of
• look for really high waves
• jump into a dry river
• look through a telescope