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ABATE most nearly means:
- Increase
- Lessen or decrease ✓
- Continue
- Begin
ABATE means to reduce in degree or intensity; to lessen or decrease. Example: 'The storm abated by evening.' The Latin root 'ab-' means away from, and 'batere' means to beat — literally to beat down or away. ASVAB Word Knowledge questions test vocabulary recognition. The format gives a word and asks… Full explanation →
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BENEVOLENT most nearly means:
- Cruel
- Kind and generous ✓
- Wealthy
- Dishonest
BENEVOLENT means showing kindness, generosity, or good will. From Latin 'bene' (good) + 'volens' (wishing). Example: 'The benevolent donor gave millions to charity.' Recognizing the 'bene-' prefix is a strong strategy: it almost always indicates something positive. Other 'bene-' words: BENEFIT (some… Full explanation →
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CANDID most nearly means:
- Secretive
- Frank or honest ✓
- Confused
- Angry
CANDID means open, honest, and straightforward in expression — not concealing thoughts or feelings. Example: 'She gave a candid answer to the difficult question.' Synonyms: frank, honest, forthright, blunt, sincere. Antonyms: secretive, evasive, dishonest, deceptive. The word also has a secondary me… Full explanation →
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In the sentence 'The fleeting moment passed before she could react,' the word FLEETING most nearly means:
- Pleasant
- Brief or passing quickly ✓
- Important
- Repeated
FLEETING means passing swiftly; lasting only a short time. Context clues: 'passed before she could react' suggests the moment was very brief. From Old English 'fleotan' (to flee), related to fleet (fast-moving). Example: 'A fleeting smile crossed his face.' Synonyms: brief, momentary, transient, eph… Full explanation →
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MITIGATE most nearly means:
- Worsen
- Make less severe ✓
- Investigate
- Imitate
MITIGATE means to make less severe, serious, or painful. Example: 'Medications can mitigate the symptoms.' From Latin 'mitigare' (to soften or ripen), with 'mitis' meaning soft or mild. Synonyms: alleviate, lessen, reduce, moderate, ease, soften. Antonyms: aggravate, worsen, intensify, exacerbate. C… Full explanation →
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The prefix 'pre-' in the word PRECEDE means:
- After
- Before ✓
- Against
- With
The prefix 'pre-' means before. PRECEDE = go before. Examples of 'pre-' words: PREVIEW (view before), PRECAUTION (caution before), PREDICT (say before — i.e., forecast), PREVENT (come before — i.e., stop before it happens), PREVIOUS (before now), PRELIMINARY (before the main event). Knowing common p… Full explanation →
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The root 'spec' in INSPECT and SPECTATOR means:
- To hear
- To look or see ✓
- To touch
- To smell
The Latin root 'spec' (or 'spect') means to look or see. INSPECT means to look into; SPECTATOR is one who looks on. Other 'spec' words: SPECTACLE (something to look at), PROSPECT (something seen ahead, future possibility), RETROSPECT (looking back), CIRCUMSPECT (looking around — i.e., cautious), SUS… Full explanation →
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DILIGENT most nearly means:
- Lazy
- Hardworking and careful ✓
- Wealthy
- Distracted
DILIGENT means showing careful and persistent effort; hardworking. Example: 'A diligent student studies regularly and thoroughly.' Synonyms: industrious, hardworking, conscientious, assiduous, attentive, careful, painstaking. Antonyms: lazy, negligent, careless, sloppy. Related: DILIGENCE (noun — ca… Full explanation →
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OMINOUS most nearly means:
- Pleasant
- Threatening or foreboding ✓
- Ordinary
- Crowded
OMINOUS means giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen; threatening. Example: 'Dark, ominous clouds gathered before the storm.' From Latin 'omen' (a sign, especially a sign of misfortune). Synonyms: threatening, sinister, menacing, foreboding, portentous, baleful. An… Full explanation →
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In the sentence 'The corrupt politician accepted illicit payments from corporations,' ILLICIT most nearly means:
- Legal
- Illegal or improper ✓
- Generous
- Public
ILLICIT means not legally permitted; forbidden by law, rules, or custom. Context clue: 'corrupt politician accepting payments from corporations' — clearly negative and likely illegal. From Latin 'in-' (not) + 'licitus' (allowed). Synonyms: illegal, unlawful, forbidden, prohibited, illegitimate. Anto… Full explanation →
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TENACIOUS most nearly means:
- Weak
- Persistent or determined ✓
- Brief
- Talkative
TENACIOUS means holding firmly to something; persistent, determined, not yielding easily. Example: 'A tenacious investigator never gives up.' From Latin 'tenax' (holding fast), related to 'tenere' (to hold). Synonyms: persistent, determined, resolute, dogged, steadfast, persevering. Antonyms: weak, … Full explanation →
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VERIFY most nearly means:
- Deny
- Confirm the truth or accuracy ✓
- Forget
- Hide
VERIFY means to confirm or establish the truth, accuracy, or validity of something. Example: 'Verify the address before mailing the package.' From Latin 'verus' (true) + 'facere' (to make) — to make true. Synonyms: confirm, validate, substantiate, authenticate, corroborate, prove. Antonyms: disprove… Full explanation →
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FRUGAL most nearly means:
- Wasteful
- Economical or thrifty ✓
- Decorative
- Quickly
FRUGAL means economical in the use of resources; thrifty; not wasteful. Example: 'A frugal lifestyle helped her save for retirement.' From Latin 'frugalis' (related to fruit — productive). Synonyms: thrifty, economical, prudent, sparing, careful with money. Antonyms: wasteful, extravagant, lavish, p… Full explanation →
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The suffix '-able' or '-ible' in CAPABLE, READABLE, EDIBLE means:
- One who
- Without
- Able to be or capable of being ✓
- Place where
The suffix '-able' or '-ible' means 'able to be' or 'capable of being.' CAPABLE = able to do something; READABLE = able to be read; EDIBLE = able to be eaten. Adding this suffix to a verb often creates an adjective: WASH (verb) → WASHABLE (adjective); BREAK → BREAKABLE; CREDIT → CREDIBLE; PORT → POR… Full explanation →
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OBSOLETE most nearly means:
- Modern
- No longer used or outdated ✓
- Hidden
- Expensive
OBSOLETE means no longer produced or used; out of date. Example: 'Floppy disks are obsolete technology.' From Latin 'obsoletus' (worn out, decayed). Synonyms: outdated, antiquated, archaic, outmoded, defunct, passé. Antonyms: modern, current, contemporary, up-to-date, novel, recent. Related: OBSOLES… Full explanation →
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In the sentence 'The chef garnished the dish with fresh herbs,' GARNISHED most nearly means:
- Cooked thoroughly
- Decorated or adorned ✓
- Burnt
- Removed
GARNISHED means decorated or embellished, especially food. Context clue: 'with fresh herbs' suggests adding something for decoration or flavor enhancement. From Old French 'garnir' (to provide or equip). Example: 'The plate was garnished with parsley and lemon.' Synonyms: decorate, adorn, embellish,… Full explanation →
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CONCISE most nearly means:
- Wordy and lengthy
- Brief and to the point ✓
- Complicated
- Loud
CONCISE means giving a lot of information clearly and in a few words; brief but comprehensive. Example: 'Give me a concise summary of the report.' From Latin 'concisus' (cut short). Synonyms: brief, succinct, terse, pithy, compact. Antonyms: verbose, wordy, long-winded, prolix, rambling. Related: CO… Full explanation →
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DETER most nearly means:
- Encourage
- Discourage or prevent ✓
- Detect
- Decide
DETER means to discourage someone from doing something, typically by instilling doubt or fear of consequences. Example: 'Security cameras deter shoplifters.' From Latin 'de-' (from, away) + 'terrere' (to frighten). Synonyms: discourage, dissuade, hinder, prevent, inhibit, intimidate. Antonyms: encou… Full explanation →
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AMBIGUOUS most nearly means:
- Clear and obvious
- Open to more than one interpretation ✓
- Friendly
- Tasty
AMBIGUOUS means having more than one possible meaning; unclear or confusing. Example: 'His ambiguous answer left everyone wondering what he meant.' From Latin 'ambi-' (both) + 'agere' (to drive) — going both ways. Synonyms: unclear, vague, indefinite, equivocal, dubious, cryptic. Antonyms: clear, un… Full explanation →
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In 'The soldier showed great valor in battle, earning the Medal of Honor,' VALOR most nearly means:
- Cowardice
- Bravery or courage ✓
- Skill
- Loyalty
VALOR means great courage in the face of danger, especially in battle. Context clue: 'earning the Medal of Honor' — a high military award, indicating the soldier did something exceptional. From Latin 'valor' (strength, value, worth). Synonyms: courage, bravery, heroism, gallantry, fortitude, intrepi… Full explanation →
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PRUDENT most nearly means:
- Reckless
- Careful and wise ✓
- Generous
- Frequent
PRUDENT means acting with or showing care and thought for the future; wise in handling practical matters. Example: 'It would be prudent to save money for emergencies.' From Latin 'prudens' (foreseeing, knowing in advance) — a contraction of 'providens.' Synonyms: wise, sensible, cautious, careful, c… Full explanation →
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CONSPICUOUS most nearly means:
- Hidden or invisible
- Easily noticeable ✓
- Quiet
- Wealthy
CONSPICUOUS means standing out so as to be clearly visible; attracting notice or attention. Example: 'His bright red car was conspicuous in the parking lot.' From Latin 'conspicuus' (visible) — 'con-' (intensifier) + 'specere' (to look at). Synonyms: noticeable, obvious, visible, prominent, striking… Full explanation →
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INDIGENOUS most nearly means:
- Foreign
- Native to a particular place ✓
- Wealthy
- Hostile
INDIGENOUS means originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native. Example: 'Maple trees are indigenous to North America.' From Latin 'indigenus' (born in a country) — 'indi-' (in) + 'gen' (to be born). Synonyms: native, original, aboriginal, autochthonous, endemic. Antonyms: foreign… Full explanation →
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In 'The salesman tried to coerce the elderly woman into buying an expensive product she didn't need,' COERCE most nearly means:
- Help
- Force or pressure into doing something ✓
- Compliment
- Compete
COERCE means to persuade by force or threats; to compel against one's will. Context clues: 'tried to' (suggesting effort), 'elderly woman' (vulnerable), 'didn't need' (against her interest) — paints a picture of pressuring or forcing. From Latin 'coercere' (to surround, restrain, control). Synonyms:… Full explanation →
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DETERIORATE most nearly means:
- Improve
- Become worse or decline ✓
- Decide
- Determine
DETERIORATE means to become progressively worse; to decline in quality or condition. Example: 'Her health began to deteriorate after the accident.' From Latin 'deteriorare' (to make worse), from 'deterior' (worse). Synonyms: decline, worsen, degenerate, decay, degrade, depreciate, regress. Antonyms:… Full explanation →
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VIGILANT most nearly means:
- Sleepy
- Alert and watchful ✓
- Violent
- Friendly
Vigilant means keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties — alert and watchful. Security guards must remain vigilant during their shift. Full explanation →
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RESILIENT most nearly means:
- Fragile
- Slow
- Able to recover quickly from difficulty; tough and adaptable ✓
- Generous
Resilient means able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions. A resilient material springs back after compression; a resilient person adapts and recovers after setbacks. Root: Latin 'resilire' = to spring back. Military context: Resilient supply lines can recover from disruption; r… Full explanation →
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METICULOUS most nearly means:
- Careless
- Showing great attention to detail; very precise and thorough ✓
- Quick
- Generous
Meticulous means showing great attention to detail and careful about every aspect of a task. A meticulous inspector checks every component thoroughly; meticulous record-keeping leaves no detail undocumented. Root: Latin 'metus' = fear (originally meant 'fearful' — careful to avoid mistakes). Related… Full explanation →
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FORMIDABLE most nearly means:
- Friendly
- Inspiring fear or respect through being impressively large, powerful, or capable ✓
- Weak
- Simple
Formidable means inspiring fear or respect; difficult to overcome or deal with due to impressive size, strength, or ability. A formidable opponent is one that will be very difficult to defeat. Root: Latin 'formidabilis' = causing fear. Military usage: formidable defenses, formidable firepower, formi… Full explanation →
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AUSTERE most nearly means:
- Luxurious
- Severe and strict in manner or appearance; plain and without decoration; simple and unadorned ✓
- Generous
- Complicated
Austere has two related meanings: (1) APPEARANCE/ENVIRONMENT: Plain, simple, without decoration or luxury — an austere military barracks; an austere office with no personal items; (2) MANNER/PERSONALITY: Severely simple, strict, and self-disciplined — an austere commander who tolerates no excess. Ro… Full explanation →
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EXPEDIENT most nearly means:
- Slow
- Disadvantageous
- Convenient and practical, though not always fair or moral; a quick means to an end ✓
- Impossible
Expedient means convenient and practical for achieving a particular end — often with an implication that principle may be sacrificed for practicality. 'The expedient solution' is the one that works fastest, not necessarily the most ethical one. Also used as a noun: 'They used the ruse as an expedien… Full explanation →
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'Abundant' most nearly means:
- Scarce
- Plentiful ✓
- Hidden
- Costly
ABUNDANT means existing in large quantities; PLENTIFUL. The ASVAB Word Knowledge subtest asks for the word that 'most nearly means' the given word (synonyms). 'Abundant' shares a root with 'abound' (to exist in great numbers). 'Scarce' is the antonym. Strategy: if unsure, think of the word in a sent… Full explanation →
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'Diminish' most nearly means:
- Increase
- Decrease ✓
- Maintain
- Repair
DIMINISH means to make or become smaller, fewer, or less; DECREASE/reduce. 'Increase' is the antonym. The prefix 'di-' here and the root relate to lessening. ASVAB strategy: recognize common roots and prefixes — they often signal meaning. 'The medicine diminished the pain' (reduced it). Eliminate th… Full explanation →
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In the sentence 'The arid desert received almost no rain,' the word 'arid' most nearly means:
- Cold
- Dry ✓
- Crowded
- Beautiful
ARID means extremely DRY, lacking moisture. The context clue ('desert,' 'almost no rain') points directly to 'dry.' The ASVAB Word Knowledge subtest includes words used in a sentence — use the CONTEXT to determine meaning. Deserts are arid (dry) regions. When a word appears in a sentence, the surrou… Full explanation →
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'Conceal' most nearly means:
- Reveal
- Hide ✓
- Discuss
- Build
CONCEAL means to HIDE or keep from sight/knowledge. 'Reveal' is the antonym. ASVAB strategy: 'conceal' relates to keeping something secret or out of view ('conceal the evidence'). Eliminate the opposite ('reveal') and choose the synonym 'hide.' Recognizing antonym/synonym pairs (conceal/reveal) help… Full explanation →
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'Vigilant' most nearly means:
- Sleepy
- Watchful ✓
- Friendly
- Weak
VIGILANT means keenly WATCHFUL, alert to danger or problems. A vigilant guard stays alert. 'Sleepy' is essentially the opposite. ASVAB strategy: associate the word with a familiar context — 'vigilant' is often used for guards, sentries, and watchfulness (related to 'vigil'). Choose 'watchful' as the… Full explanation →
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'Fatigue' most nearly means:
- Energy
- Tiredness ✓
- Hunger
- Anger
FATIGUE means extreme TIREDNESS or weariness, usually from exertion. 'Energy' is the opposite. The word is common in military and physical contexts ('combat fatigue,' muscle fatigue). ASVAB strategy: think of how the word is used ('overcome by fatigue after the march') — it clearly relates to being … Full explanation →
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'Comply' most nearly means:
- Refuse
- Obey ✓
- Question
- Forget
COMPLY means to act in accordance with rules or requests; to OBEY/conform. 'Refuse' is the antonym. ASVAB strategy: 'comply with orders' means to follow them. The word relates to compliance (following rules). Eliminate the opposite ('refuse') and choose 'obey.' Recognizing the word's use in common p… Full explanation →
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'Tedious' most nearly means:
- Exciting
- Boring ✓
- Quick
- Dangerous
TEDIOUS means tiresome by reason of length, slowness, or dullness; BORING/monotonous. 'Exciting' is the opposite. A tedious task is long and dull. ASVAB strategy: associate 'tedious' with tasks that drag on and bore you ('the tedious paperwork'). Choose 'boring' as the closest synonym, eliminating t… Full explanation →
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In the sentence 'Her prudent decision saved the company money,' the word 'prudent' most nearly means:
- Reckless
- Wise ✓
- Quick
- Loud
PRUDENT means showing care and good judgment; WISE/sensible. The context ('saved the company money') indicates a good, careful decision. 'Reckless' is the antonym. ASVAB strategy: use context — a decision that 'saved money' was clearly a sensible, careful one. 'Prudent' relates to prudence (cautious… Full explanation →
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'Hostile' most nearly means:
- Friendly
- Unfriendly ✓
- Calm
- Generous
HOSTILE means showing or feeling opposition or dislike; UNFRIENDLY/antagonistic. 'Friendly' is the antonym. 'Hostile territory' or a 'hostile attitude' conveys aggression or opposition. ASVAB strategy: 'hostile' relates to hostility/enemies. Eliminate the opposite ('friendly') and choose 'unfriendly… Full explanation →
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'Ample' most nearly means:
- Insufficient
- Plenty ✓
- Empty
- Heavy
AMPLE means more than enough; PLENTY/sufficient/abundant. 'Insufficient' is the antonym. 'Ample room' or 'ample supplies' means plenty. ASVAB strategy: 'ample' conveys a generous, sufficient amount. Choose 'plenty,' eliminating the opposite 'insufficient.' Note its similarity to 'abundant' (another … Full explanation →
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'Rigid' most nearly means:
- Flexible
- Stiff ✓
- Soft
- Warm
RIGID means not flexible; STIFF/unbending (literally, like a rigid rod, or figuratively, like rigid rules). 'Flexible' is the antonym. ASVAB strategy: 'rigid' describes something that doesn't bend. Choose 'stiff,' eliminating the opposite 'flexible.' The word can be literal (a rigid material) or fig… Full explanation →
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'Summit' most nearly means:
SUMMIT means the highest point; PEAK/top (of a mountain), or figuratively the highest level (a summit meeting of top leaders). 'Base' (the bottom) is essentially the opposite. ASVAB strategy: 'reach the summit' means reach the top/peak. Choose 'peak.' Recognizing the word's common use (mountain summ… Full explanation →
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'Deceive' most nearly means:
- Help
- Trick ✓
- Teach
- Follow
DECEIVE means to mislead or cause to believe something false; TRICK/fool. It relates to deception. ASVAB strategy: 'deceive' has a negative connotation of misleading someone ('deceive the enemy'). Choose 'trick' as the closest synonym. Recognizing the negative meaning eliminates positive options lik… Full explanation →
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'Novice' most nearly means:
- Expert
- Beginner ✓
- Leader
- Teacher
NOVICE means a person new to and inexperienced in an activity; BEGINNER. 'Expert' is the antonym. ASVAB strategy: a novice is just starting out (a 'novice driver'). Choose 'beginner,' eliminating the opposite 'expert.' The word relates to being new/inexperienced; recognizing this distinguishes it fr… Full explanation →
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ABUNDANT most nearly means:
- Scarce
- Plentiful ✓
- Expensive
- Hidden
ABUNDANT means existing in large quantity; plentiful or more than enough. Example: 'Water was abundant after the heavy rains.' The direct opposite is scarce, offered as a distractor to test whether you know the word's meaning rather than just a related topic. The related noun is ABUNDANCE. On synony… Full explanation →
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In the sentence, 'The veteran sergeant's TERSE reply left no room for further questions,' the word TERSE most nearly means:
- Long-winded
- Brief and to the point ✓
- Friendly
- Confusing
Context clues in the sentence — a reply that 'left no room for further questions' — signal that TERSE means short, brief, and to the point, often abruptly so. The opposite would be long-winded or wordy, offered as a distractor. When a Word Knowledge item embeds the word in a sentence, use the surrou… Full explanation →
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In the sentence, 'Despite the setback, the team remained RESOLUTE in their mission,' RESOLUTE most nearly means:
- Determined and firm ✓
- Discouraged
- Confused
- Exhausted
The context — remaining a certain way 'despite the setback' — tells you RESOLUTE means firmly determined and unwavering. The phrase 'despite the setback' sets up a contrast: even though something went wrong, the team held firm. The distractor 'discouraged' is what you might expect after a setback, b… Full explanation →
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The prefix 'MAL-' in words like MALFUNCTION and MALADY indicates:
- Many
- Bad or wrong ✓
- Before
- Together
The prefix MAL- means bad, badly, or wrong. A MALFUNCTION is a faulty or bad operation; a MALADY is an illness (a 'bad' condition); MALICE is ill will; MALNUTRITION is poor nourishment. Knowing common prefixes lets you decode unfamiliar words on the test. MAL- consistently signals something bad or d… Full explanation →
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The root 'PORT' in TRANSPORT, PORTABLE, and EXPORT means:
- To see
- To carry ✓
- To write
- To break
The Latin root PORT means to carry. TRANSPORT is to carry across; PORTABLE means able to be carried; EXPORT is to carry out (goods to other countries); IMPORT is to carry in. Recognizing roots helps you figure out words you haven't memorized. When PORT appears in a word, the idea of carrying or movi… Full explanation →
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You encounter the unfamiliar word BENEVOLENT on the test. Knowing the prefix 'BENE-' means 'good' or 'well,' which is the most reasonable guess for its meaning?
- Harmful
- Kind and well-meaning ✓
- Tired
- Empty
This question rewards a core test strategy: using word parts to estimate meaning. The prefix BENE- means good or well (as in 'benefit' and 'beneficial'), so BENEVOLENT — which also contains a root related to 'wishing' (vol-) — most reasonably means kind, generous, and well-meaning. Even without havi… Full explanation →
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On the ASVAB Word Knowledge subtest, if you do not know a word and cannot decode it, what is the best approach?
- Leave it blank
- Use elimination to remove clearly wrong choices, then make your best guess, since there is no penalty for wrong answers ✓
- Always choose the longest answer
- Always choose the first answer
The ASVAB does not penalize wrong answers, so you should never leave a question blank. The best strategy for an unknown word is to first eliminate any choices you can tell are wrong — including obvious antonyms or words unrelated to the apparent meaning — then guess among what remains. Decoding by p… Full explanation →
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AMPLE most nearly means:
- Insufficient
- More than enough ✓
- Tiny
- Equal
AMPLE means enough or more than enough; plentiful and sufficient for the need. Example: 'There was ample food for everyone at the gathering.' The opposite is insufficient or scarce, offered as a distractor. AMPLE often describes space, time, or supply that is generously sufficient. It overlaps with … Full explanation →
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DEVIATE most nearly means:
- To stay the course
- To turn aside or stray from a path ✓
- To speed up
- To repeat
DEVIATE means to depart from an established course, standard, or norm; to turn aside or stray. Example: 'The pilot did not deviate from the assigned route.' The opposite would be to stay on course, offered as a distractor. The related noun is DEVIATION. The prefix DE- (away/from) plus the root 'via'… Full explanation →
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In the sentence, 'The new evidence served to CORROBORATE the witness's account,' CORROBORATE most nearly means:
- To contradict
- To confirm or support ✓
- To ignore
- To question
The context — evidence acting on a witness's account — combined with the word's use suggests CORROBORATE means to confirm or support with additional evidence. If new evidence 'serves to corroborate' an account, it backs it up and makes it more credible. The distractor 'contradict' is the opposite. C… Full explanation →
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The suffix '-OLOGY' in BIOLOGY, GEOLOGY, and PSYCHOLOGY indicates:
- The study of something ✓
- The fear of something
- A small version
- A place
The suffix -OLOGY means the study or science of a subject. BIOLOGY is the study of life (bio = life), GEOLOGY the study of the earth (geo = earth), and PSYCHOLOGY the study of the mind (psych = mind). When you see -OLOGY ending an unfamiliar word, you can infer it names a field of study. Combine tha… Full explanation →