English Vocabulary Words Set 1

As the storm raged outside, Lena’s panic began to abate, replaced by an odd sense of calm. She realized there was nothing more she could do but wait.

• To increase in strength

• To become less intense

• To transform suddenly

• To end completely

The researcher calibrated her instruments repeatedly, ensuring that even the smallest measurement would be accurate before recording data. What does calibrated most nearly mean?

• Adjusted for precision

• Taken apart

• Simplified

• Predicted

Despite the intentions behind the policy, critics argued that it favored the wealthy. The government, however, defended it as an act of compassion. The word means—

• Harsh or unfair

• Kind and generous

• Practical and efficient

• Traditional

The historian spent years decoding the arcane symbols carved into the temple walls. Only a few scholars in the world could understand their meaning. What does arcane mean in this context?

• Recently discovered

• Secret or mysterious

• Repeated and common

• Misinterpreted

The manager’s austere office had no decorations, only a desk, a chair, and a clock that ticked loudly. It reflected her serious and disciplined nature. Austere most nearly means—

• Harshly simple

• Comfortably modern

• Bright and inviting

• Overly luxurious

Despite his ambiguous tone, everyone sensed there was something he wasn’t saying directly. His statement could be taken in several ways. The word ambiguous suggests—

• Easily understood

• Open to multiple meanings

• Delivered with confidence

• Supported by facts

In the debate, one candidate buttressed her argument with research data and real-world examples. Her opponent relied solely on emotion. To buttress means—

• To weaken

• To support or strengthen

• To complicate

• To deny

His apology seemed candid, free from rehearsed lines or false humility. The audience felt he truly regretted his actions. Candid most nearly means—

• Formal and rehearsed

• Honest and straightforward

• Cautious and guarded

• Superficial

When the economy collapsed, the once-thriving city fell into an abysmal state. Businesses closed, and unemployment reached record highs. The term abysmal means—

• Slightly disappointing

• Extremely bad

• Unexpectedly average

• Temporarily poor

After years of study, the scientist hoped to ameliorate the harmful effects of pollution through her invention. Her work aimed to improve the planet’s health. To ameliorate means—

• A. To worsen

• B. To improve

• C. To evaluate

• D. To replace