Words of the Week 3/20/25

Which of the following is the best example of wiles?

• A scientist publishing a research paper

• A fox tricking a farmer into leaving the henhouse unguarded

• A judge carefully deliberating over a case

• A teacher assigning homework

If someone says, “I feel completely addled,” they likely mean:

• They are confused or unable to think clearly

• They are full of energy and enthusiasm

• They are confident and in control

• They are determined and persistent

The term arcane refers to something that is:

• Widely known and accepted

• Secret or understood by only a few

• Extremely dangerous

• Funny and entertaining

Which of the following is the best synonym for adumbrate?

• Clarify

• Foreshadow

• Eliminate

• Reveal completely

If someone responds to an invitation with alacrity, they are:

• Hesitant and doubtful

• Excited and eager

• Indifferent and uninterested

• Rude and dismissive

Which sentence best demonstrates the meaning of obsequious?

• The waiter hovered at the table, complimenting the guests excessively and anticipating their every need.

• The scientist carefully recorded data from the experiment.

• The lawyer confidently argued the case in court.

• The student refused to follow any instructions from the teacher.

A story filled with arcane references would likely be:

• Easy to understand and accessible to all readers

• Full of humor and lightheartedness

• Mysterious and difficult for most people to grasp

• Focused on everyday events and common knowledge