English Vocabulary (UK Version) Test

1. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.

If you insist on eating more candy floss _________ a kid at a carnival, __________ don't come crying to me when you've gained two stone!

Answers:

• then/than

• than/then

• then/then

• than/than

2. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

The mysterious message Claude received could be a HARBINGER of what's in store for him and his family.

Answers:

• Downfall

• Omen; forerunner

• Unequivocal proof

3. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

These artists really IMBUE their work with a spirit of profound freedom.

Answers:

• Spoil

• Detract from; debase

• Fill or permeate with a particular feeling or quality

4. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.

Our solicitors have informed us that whilst the new tax laws will not __________ our business directly, they may have an adverse _________ on the spending power of our clients.

Answers:

• effect/affect

• affect/affect

• effect/effect

• affect/effect

5. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.

The crafty spy gave a ____________ name to the hotel clerk.

Answers:

• fictive

• fictional

• fictitious

6. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.

She hastened to _________ me that she intends to pay the bill, and that she will _________ that the cheque is posted today.

Answers:

• assure/ensure

• ensure/insure

• insure/assure

• ensure/assure

7. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.

I can _________ all the terms of the lease for the flat _________ the one about not allowing pets.

Answers:

• except/accept

• except/except

• accept/accept

• accept/except

8. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

The recent shenanigans in the town square went against all PRECEPTS of decency.

Answers:

• Rules for action or behaviour

• Vague ideas; abstractions

• Significance

9. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.

Although _________ wanted to keep the boat all to _________, I knew it would be used extensively by both Susan and _________.

Answers:

• I/myself/myself

• I/me/I

• I/myself/I

• I/myself/me

10. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.

RILE

Answers:

• Placate

• Annoy

• Waste

• Construct

11. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

The publicist was surprised by the INUNDATION of fan letters for her top client.

Answers:

• Deluge

• Dearth

• Hindrance

12. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

The plots of all her novels just seem to MEANDER along, to the point where I can't follow the storyline or figure out who's who.

Answers:

• Purposely confuse

• Take a winding or indirect course

• Charm and delight

13. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

adj. Similar to something else in certain respects, as in form, function, or meaning

Answers:

• Abject

• Agrarian

• Analogous

• Amalgam

14. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.

The workers were allowed to ___________ down once they'd ________ the brick, but the foreman himself has not yet ___________ down.

Answers:

• lay/lain/laid

• lie/laid/lain

• lie/lain/lain

• lay/laid/laid

15. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.

Mr Winthrop was dismayed to discover that his wilful young wife __________ her wealth and __________ the law at every opportunity.

Answers:

• flouted/flouted

• flouted/flaunted

• flaunted/flouted

• flaunted/flaunted

16. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.

I screamed as the monstrous presence snaked towards me on the dark and __________ path.

Answers:

• tortious

• tortuous

• torturous

17. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

adj. Narrow-minded; limited in scope

Answers:

• Hermetic

• Foreseeable

• Sporadic

• Sectarian

18. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of words from the options below.

It's a good thing you're so _________ at paperwork, because you'll need to fill out hundreds of forms to __________ a child.

Answers:

• adapt/adapt

• adept/adopt

• adapt/adopt

• adopt/adept

19. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

adj. Hardhearted; unmoved by pity

Answers:

• Apologetic

• Parsimonious

• Obdurate

• Abdicated

20. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

adj. Easily provoked to anger; irritable

Answers:

• Sapid

• Irascible

• Jocund

• Incorrigible

21. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.

Though he didn't win the advertising account, Sal made a __________ presentation that he can be proud of.

Answers:

• credulous

• creditable

• credible

22. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.

She launched her new line of handbags _________ a fanfare of publicity.

Answers:

• between

• amid

• among

23. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.

It seems we've reached an IMPASSE in our negotiations.

Answers:

• Favourable compromise

• Monetary amount

• Total agreement

• Stalemate

24. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of homophones from the options below.

The _________ poet, knowing his death was _________, struggled to finish his final ode.

Answers:

• imminent/eminent

• eminent/immanent

• immanent/imminent

• eminent/imminent

25. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.

The only ________________ difference between the twins is the shape of their noses.

Answers:

• distinctive

• distinguished

• distinguishable

26. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of homophones from the options below.

The skilful candidate's ____________ speech was delightful to listen to, but failed to explain how he would achieve the ___________ goals of peace and prosperity.

Answers:

• illusive/elusive

• allusive/elusive

• elusive/allusive

• allusive/illusive

27. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

Marilyn conveyed a BLITHE indifference to the troubles that mounted around her.

Answers:

• Carefree; heedless

• Cruel; heartless

• Catastrophic

28. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.

She entered the ballroom on the arm of a DEBONAIR young man.

Answers:

• Imprudent and unrefined

• Cheerful and clumsy

• Selfish and dissipated

• Charming and elegant

29. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.

MITIGATE

Answers:

• Abate

• Conceal

• Intensify

• Allow

30. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.

ITINERANT

Answers:

• Permanent

• Flexible

• Transient

• Dissatisfied

31. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

The despot's MINIONS were only too eager to tout his edicts and report any unrest among his subjects.

Answers:

• Sycophants; servile followers

• Distant relatives

• Armoured knights

32. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.

She always got a VICARIOUS thrill from watching her father skydive.

Answers:

• Empathetic

• Dangerous

• Pathetic

• Sickening

33. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

v. To impose with authority; urge strongly

Answers:

• Enjoin

• Prevalent

• Dissonance

• Relegate

34. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

Now that the festivities have ended, perhaps we can return to some SEMBLANCE of normality.

Answers:

• Sentiment; emotion

• Agreement

• Outward appearance

35. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.

INORDINATE

Answers:

• Reasonable

• On a waiting list

• Unprepared

• Immense

36. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.

ADVERSE

Answers:

• Moody

• Poetic

• Favourable

• Twisted

37. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.

Agatha RUMINATED for weeks about the consequences of telling Arthur about the affair.

Answers:

• Pondered

• Worried

• Neglected

• Laughed

38. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct set of homophones from the options below.

Rachel knew that she'd soon be living in ___________ circumstances unless she got her financial problems ____________ out immediately.

Answers:

• straightened/straitened

• straitened/straightened

39. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

The journalist denied that he had any PRURIENT interest in the politician's private life, but his titillating articles seemed to indicate otherwise.

Answers:

• Mercenary; venal

• Overly curious about the sexual behaviour of others

• Characterized by profound insight

40. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

Her MELLIFLUOUS voice is perfectly suited to lullabies and never fails to put us all to sleep.

Answers:

• Smoothly flowing; sweet-sounding

• Dull; tiresome

• Cacophonous

41. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

The exchange student was disheartened by the rather BRUSQUE welcome she received from her host family.

Answers:

• Clamorous; disorderly

• Gracious; kind

• Blunt or rude in manner of speech

42. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below.

Who has the power to _________ out justice to the citizens of this country?

Answers:

• meet

• mete

• meat

43. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.

Roger might be more AMENABLE to your ideas if you presented them without sneering.

Answers:

• Intractable

• Willing to accept

• Impressed by

• Unhappy

44. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

n. Flair; style; a flamboyant manner

Answers:

• Panache

• Voracious

• Resonance

• Cosmogony

45. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below.

That gruelling competition really tested the _____________ of the gymnastics team.

Answers:

• meddle

• metal

• medal

• mettle

46. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

n. A position that entails little work but provides a salary

Answers:

• Quiescence

• Theocracy

• Swindle

• Sinecure

47. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.

PRETENTIOUS

Answers:

• Modest

• Understanding

• Uneasy

• Pleasant

48. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

adj. Sluggish; apathetic; dull

Answers:

• Turbid

• Torpid

• Turgid

• Tepid

49. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.

LASSITUDE

Answers:

• Simplicity of speech

• Leniency

• Philanthropy

• Vigour

50. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.

The WIZENED old woman gave Jack a handful of beans and some good advice.

Answers:

• Sage

• Shrivelled

• Creepy

• Jocular

51. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

v. To issue a vehement verbal attack; to denounce explosively

Answers:

• Vituperative

• Litigant

• Fulminate

• Exhume

52. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

n. The act or fact of lessening; reduction

Answers:

• Diminution

• Protraction

• Dissuade

• Dissolution

53. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

Poverty is RIFE in the rural areas of our county, where one in three families receives some assistance.

Answers:

• Prevalent

• Unavoidable

• Saddening

54. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

n. A mass or crowd; multitude

Answers:

• Reprieve

• Malady

• Horde

• Indulgence

55. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

n. Local or provincial dialect

Answers:

• Invective

• Patois

• Neopaganism

• Polyarchy

56. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

Dan was a nice bloke, but he was far too GARRULOUS and tended to monopolize people at parties.

Answers:

• Gluttonous

• Quarrelsome; contentious

• Excessively talkative about trivial topics

57. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.

The soldier's EXEMPLARY conduct did not go unnoticed by his sergeant.

Answers:

• Erratic

• Apathetic

• Admirable

• Meticulous

58. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below.

Oscar, who did not possess a discerning __________, preferred hotdogs to steak.

Answers:

• palette

• pallet

• palate

59. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct word from the options below.

The proposed after-school tutoring programme promises _______________ benefits to the students and the community.

Answers:

• innumerable

• enumerable

60. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.

NONCHALANT

Answers:

• Courageous

• Unnerved

• Unperturbed

• Lethargic

61. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

adj. Tending to create ill will or give offense

Answers:

• Labyrinthine

• Invidious

• Titillating

• Envious

62. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below.

We all remarked on how well the spray of begonias _____________ her hair colour.

Answers:

• complimented

• complemented

63. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

adj. Understood by or intended for only a select few or a particular group

Answers:

• Esoteric

• Eccentric

• Narcissistic

• Languid

64. Choose the word that best corresponds with the definition given below.

n. Capacity for producing a desired result; effectiveness

Answers:

• Contumacy

• Defenestration

• Conversion

• Efficacy

65. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

Maude managed to sweep up the broken dishes without a word of REPROOF to her children.

Answers:

• Expression of disapproval or blame

• Expression of affection or love

• Expression of apology or regret

66. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

We fully expect Elizabeth to FOIST her work on us and disappear for the weekend as usual.

Answers:

• Force upon; palm off

• Take away; take off one's hands

• Keep for oneself

67. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.

REFUTE

Answers:

• Expose

• Support

• Garbage

• Safe place

68. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

The diplomats, who have been accused of DUPLICITY by their respective countries, have been removed from their posts.

Answers:

• Bad taste

• Deceitfulness; double-dealing

• Embezzlement

69. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

Running around barefoot in the snow will only EXACERBATE your flu symptoms.

Answers:

• Eliminate

• Aggravate; worsen

• Exhaust; drain of strength

70. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

It would BEHOVE you to show a little more respect to the judge and jury who are deciding your case.

Answers:

• Be too much trouble to

• Be detrimental to

• Be worthwhile or proper for; be incumbent upon

71. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below.

This experiment was designed to  ___________ certain behaviours from the test subjects.

Answers:

• illicit

• elicit

72. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

Alicia, who loved both men equally and wanted to hurt neither, found herself in quite a QUANDARY over which one she should choose.

Answers:

• Happy circumstance

• Puzzling predicament

• Easy decision

73. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.

The coach was absolutely disgusted by his team's INDOLENCE and nasty attitude.

Answers:

• Violent behaviour

• Odorousness

• Laziness

• Disappearance

74. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.

His son's group of friends had a DELETERIOUS effect on his schoolwork.

Answers:

• Influential

• Positive

• Hysterical

• Harmful

75. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly an antonym of the word below.

AVARICE

Answers:

• State of good health

• Materialism

• Loneliness

• Generosity

76. Choose the word or phrase that is most nearly a synonym for the word in CAPITAL LETTERS in the following sentence.

Alec has always been CONTEMPTUOUS of his fellow writers.

Answers:

• Disdainful

• Inspired by

• Disliked by

• Respectful

77. Choose the definition that best reflects the meaning of the word in CAPITAL LETTERS as it is used in the sentence below.

The community theatre troupe faced one problem after another, so it was no surprise that their season ended in a DEBACLE.

Answers:

• Conundrum

• Spectacle; display

• Complete failure; breaking up

78. Complete the following sentence by choosing the correct homophone from the options below.

Sally was greatly  __________ when I said I didn't like redheads.

Answers:

• piqued

• peeked

• peaked