What is the difference between a "lingua franca" and a "pidgin"?
A. A lingua franca is spoken by more people than a pidgin.
B. A lingua franca is a simplified form of a language, while a pidgin is a mixture of two or more languages.
C. A pidgin is spoken by more people than a lingua franca.
D. A pidgin is a simplified form of a language, while a lingua franca is a mixture of two or more languages.
The correct answer is: B
Rationale: A lingua franca is a common language used for communication between people who speak different native languages. A pidgin is a simplified language that develops between two or more groups that do not have a language in common.
A person who is "abstemious" is likely to do which of the following?
A. Avoid conflict
B. Avoid strong drink
C. Avoid work
D. Avoid spending money
The correct answer is: B
Rationale: Abstemious means sparing or moderate in eating and drinking.
Which of the following is most similar to a "patois"?
A. A dialect
B. A language
C. A pidgin
D. Slang
The correct answer is: A
Rationale: A patois is a regional dialect of a language, especially one that is considered nonstandard.
Which of the following is the opposite of "verbose"?
A. Laconic
B. Loquacious
C. Reticent
D. Taciturn
The correct answer is: A
Rationale: Verbose means using or containing more words than necessary. Laconic means using very few words.
Someone described as "mercurial" is most likely to be:
A. Changeable
B. Happy
C. Sad
D. Thoughtful
The correct answer is: A
Rationale: Mercurial refers to the temperament of the Roman god Mercury, known for swiftness and changeability.
Which of the following words is most similar to "ephemeral"?
A. Everlasting
B. Fleeting
C. Permanent
D. Timeless
The correct answer is: B
Rationale: Ephemeral means lasting for a very short time.
"Ubiquitous" most nearly means:
A. Commonplace
B. Confusing
C. Rare
D. Unique
The correct answer is: A
Rationale: Ubiquitous means being or seeming to be everywhere at the same time.
Which of the following words is most similar in meaning to "disparate"?
A. Different
B. Similar
C. United
D. Whole
The correct answer is: A
Rationale: Disparate means fundamentally different or distinct in kind.
A "plethora" is best described as:
A. A few
B. A large amount
C. A small amount
D. One
The correct answer is: B
Rationale: A plethora means a large or excessive amount of something.
Which word below is the opposite of "antipathy"?
A. Apathy
B. Empathy
C. Sympathy
D. Telepathy
The correct answer is: C
Rationale: Antipathy means a deep-seated feeling of dislike. Sympathy is a feeling of care and concern for someone.