Vocab (P6)

We completely ___________ our life savings when we bought our new house. We will have to be prudent in our finances for the next few years.

• dwindled

• depleted

• decreased

• minimised

Answer explanation

The de- prefix often means "do the opposite of", so deplete means the opposite of "fill".

Thus, for example, a kitchen's food supplies can be rapidly depleted by hungry teenagers.

But deplete often suggests something more serious.

Deplete implies a reduction in number or quantity so as to endanger the ability to function.

Desertions can deplete an army; layoffs can deplete an office staff; and too much time in bed can rapidly deplete your muscular strength.

He decided to attend the high school reunion next week because he would like to __________ with his old buddies.

• recall

• remember

• remind

• reminisce

Answer explanation

: to talk or think about things that happened in the past

reminisced about old times

Though remember, recollect, recall, remind, reminisce mean to bring an image or idea from the past into the mind, the preposition 'with' in the sentence, only reminisce is the correct answer.

The critics _________ his art pieces for being too abstract and meaningless.

• decrease

• depreciate

• sold

• complement

Answer explanation

Depreciate means
: to lower in honor or esteem

: decrease value in objects

Example: Ms Tan's boss often depreciates the importance of her work.

Example: The car has depreciated to merely one thousand dollars after 20 years.

Most of us do not enjoy speaking with the famous artist as she speaks __________, which often baffles us what her main point is.

• rudely

• imperatively

• superfluously

• unnecessarily

Answer explanation

1

a: exceeding what is sufficient or necessary : extra

b: not needed : unnecessary

2

obsolete : marked by wastefulness : extravagant

The tiger was injured even after it moved its paws in a/an _________ attempt to block the blows.

• inefficacious

• energised

• productive

• vain

Answer explanation

inefficacious as in unsuccessful

not producing the desired resul

This efforts to restore the neglected houseplant back to health were belated and sadly inefficaciously.

Synonymous of inefficacious is Futile

as in unsuccessful

producing no results

The prison is so well guarded that all attempts to escape have been futile.

The children have inherited riches from their late parents which helped fuel their ________ lifestyle with daily feasting at high-end restaurants.

• simple

• unfrivolous

• indulgent

• vigilant

Answer explanation

1 as in easy

tolerant and kind in the judgment of and expectations for othersshe was perhaps a bit too indulgent with her children, who always seemed to get away with everything

2 as in luxurious

given to or marked by excessive gratification of one's desiresinherited riches helped fuel her indulgent lifestyle