Nothing characterizes the parched Sonoran Desert more powerfully than the giant saguaro cactus. This spiky native of southern Arizona and northern Mexico can grow to a height of 60 feet and live for more than 200 years. Its "arms" which seem to bend at the elbow to wave a greeting (or maybe a farewell) to travelers, can number up to 50. The giant saguaro evokes wonder rather than casual interest.

Which word means the opposite of casual as it is used in the paragraph above?

Saguaro cacti persist and thrive in the harsh, unforgiving desert climate. Like all cacti, saguaros hoard water. They absorb the water through their long roots and store it for survival through the desert's frequent long, dry spells.

Which word is closest in meaning to persist as it is used in the paragraph above?

The mighty saguaro plays a vital part in the ecology of the desert. It offers food, hospitality, and protection to many animals, including woodpeckers, owls, doves, bats, and, insects. Around the age of 50, blossoms start to appear once a year at the very top of the plant. The powerful fragrance entices birds, bats, and bees from far and wide and accelerates the propagation of future generations.

What is the meaning of vital as it is used in the paragraph above?

The mighty saguaro plays a vital part in the ecology of the desert. It offers food, hospitality, and protection to many animals, including woodpeckers, owls, doves, bats, and, insects. Around the age of 50, blossoms start to appear once a year at the very top of the plant. The powerful fragrance entices birds, bats, and bees from far and wide and accelerates the propagation of future generations.

Accelerate comes from the Latin word Accelerare. Accelerare most likely means...

SYNONYMS: Select the item that means the SAME as the underlined word.

a graphic account

SYNONYMS: Select the item that means the SAME as the underlined word.

regal bearing

SYNONYMS: Select the item that means the SAME as the underlined word.

eroded our confidence

SYNONYMS: Select the item that means the SAME as the underlined word.

an innocent bystander

SYNONYMS: Select the item that means the SAME as the underlined word.

want to avoid the ordeal.

SYNONYMS: Select the item that means the SAME as the underlined word.

entice the audience

SYNONYMS: Select the item that means the SAME as the underlined word.

a gruesome scene

ANTONYMS: Select the item that means the OPPOSITE as the underlined word.

a puny amount

ANTONYMS: Select the item that means the OPPOSITE as the underlined word.

an afternoon of melancholy

ANTONYMS: Select the item that means the OPPOSITE as the underlined word.

ratified the committee's choice

ANTONYMS: Select the item that means the OPPOSITE as the underlined word.

stifle discussion of the matter