Circle A, B, C or D that most accurately fits the meaning and check your answers with the key.
1. Prattle
A. to talk meaninglessly
B. to tell tales
C. to lie through your teeth
D. to shiver with cold
2. Legerdemain
A. ear for languages
B. artful trickery
C. interference
D. incredible courage
3. Ampere
Unit for measuring
A. heat
B. intelligence
C. water flow
D. electricity
4. Leotard
A. head band
B. fictitious animal
C. close-fitting garment
D. ballet slipper
5. Mausoleum
A. Turkish rug
B. tomb
C. large urn
D. tine creature
6. Maudlin
A. foolishly sentimental
B. forgetful
C. sensitive
D. gentle
7. Mesmerise
A. daydream
B. hypnotise
C. bewilder
D. to steal
8. Chauvinistic
A. warm and friendly
B. aggressive
C. superior in attitude
D. stubborn
9. Platonic
A. constant
B. ambitious
C. spiritual or intellectual
D. foolish
10. Draconian
A. smooth
B. horse-like
C. dreary
D. harsh
11. Caesarean
A. surgical procedure
B. leadership
C. winning attitude
D. brave
12. Martinet
A. bird lover
B. puppet
C. coward
D. strict disciplinarian
13. Pyrrhic victory
One that is
A. gained at great cost
B. overwhelming
C. quick
D. delayed
14. Machiavellian
A. weird
B. crafty
C. practical
D. straightforward
15. Maverick
A. loyal servant
B. wanderer
C. nonconformist
D. inactive business partner
16. Spoonerism
A. secret romance
B. insult
C. hint
D. slip of the tongue
17. Cardigan
A. open-front sweater
B. type of wool
C. long skirt
D. emblem
18. Dunce
A person who is
A. innocent
B. dull-witted
C. disobedient
D. shy
19. Doppler effect
Change in
A. moods
B. sleep patterns
C. sound frequencies
D. potency of a sedative
20. Shrapnel
A. perfume
B. shrub
C. booster rocket
D. scattered fragments
Key
1. A
2. B
3. D
4. C
5. B
6. A
7. B
8. C
9. C
10. D
11. A
12. D
13. A
14. B
15. C
16. D
17. A
18. B
19. C
20. D
Ratings
10 – 14 Correct:
Good
15 – 17 Correct:
Excellent
18 – 20 Correct:
Exceptional