Think you're an English whiz? Take our quiz and see if you can guess the meanings of these tricky words.
A number of words in English, once considered offensive, are now not only acceptable but quite indispensable to express ourselves.
For example, commonly used words such as fun, bet and kidnap were once labelled impolite.
At the same time, some words are tricky and have been used to express something completely opposite in meaning.
We've handpicked a list of words and turned them into a quiz.
Pick the word that is closest in meaning to the main word and complete the sentence.
1. Geek (pronounced 'geek') It is imperative for a computer _______ to be a fast learner and keep pace with changing technology. 1) dotard 2) expert 3) loser
Wrong! Try again..
Wrong! The correct answer is: expert Although the Merriam Webster Dictionary describes the word geek as a 'usually intelligent person who doesn't fit with other people', the Oxford English dictionary defines geek as 'an unfashionable and socially inept person'.
Correct! Although the Merriam Webster Dictionary describes the word geek as a 'usually intelligent person who doesn't fit with other people', the Oxford English dictionary defines geek as 'an unfashionable and socially inept person'.
Courtesy:YouthIncMag.com
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Last updated on: June 11, 2014 10:38 IST
2. Flaky (pronounced 'fley-kee') Although the interior designer was always dressed classy, her taste of furniture was quite ________. 1) eccentric 2) level-headed 3) introvert
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Wrong! Try again..
Wrong! The correct answer is: 'eccentric'. 'Flaky' used as a adjective, refers to the tendency of behaving in an unconventional and eccentric manner.
Correct!
'Flaky' used as a adjective, refers to the tendency of behaving in an unconventional and eccentric manner.
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Last updated on: June 11, 2014 10:38 IST
3. Hooligan (hoo-li-guh-n) The __________ fought furiously with the police officers after he was caught stealing money from the ATM. 1) activist 2) pacifist 3) troublemaker
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Wrong! Try again..
Wrong! The correct answer is 'troublemaker'. Used as a noun, 'hooligan' refers to 'a violent and aggresive person who doesn't follow the law'.
Correct! Used as a noun, 'hooligan' refers to 'a violent and aggresive person who doesn't follow the law'.
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Last updated on: June 11, 2014 10:38 IST
4. Gyp (jip) Most taxi drivers often take longer than usual routes and ________ unsuspecting tourists. 1) praise 2) tempt 3) swindle
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Wrong! Try again..
Wrong! The correct answer is 'swindle'. The verb 'gyp' means to 'cheat, trick or deceive people (of money or possessions)'.
Correct! The verb 'gyp' means to 'cheat trick or deceive people (of money or possessions)'.
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Last updated on: June 11, 2014 10:38 IST
5. Cavalier (kav-uh-leer) The ____________ team leader refused to accept suggestions from his peers and insisted on conducting the presentation all by himself. 1) humble 2) confused 3) arrogant
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Wrong! Try again..
Wrong! The correct answer is 'arrogant'. The original meaning of the word cavalier refers to 'a gallant and chivalrous person', but it is also used to describe 'someone who is offhand and indifferent to others'.
Correct! The original meaning of the word cavalier refers to 'a gallant and chivalrous person', but it is also used to describe 'someone who is offhand and indifferent to others'.
Improve your English: Take this quiz!
Last updated on: June 11, 2014 10:38 IST
6. Blithe (blahyth) Regardless of the obstacles she faced, Emma always maintained a _________ attitude. 1) confused 2) joyous 3) serious
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Wrong! Try again..
Wrong! The correct answer is 'joyous'. The adjective 'blithe' is used to describe someone who is 'casual, cheerful and happy-go-lucky'.
Correct! The adjective 'blithe' is used to describe someone who is 'casual, cheerful and happy-go-lucky'.
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Last updated on: June 11, 2014 10:38 IST
7. Exultant (ig-zuhl-tnt) The winner of the talent show was _________ and repeatedly thanked his supporters for their votes. 1) elated 2) lonely 3) surprised
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Wrong! Try again..
Wrong! The correct answer is 'elated'. 'Exultant' is used to describe 'a jubilant or happy feeling'.
Correct! 'Exultant' is used to describe 'a jubilant or happy feeling'.
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Last updated on: June 11, 2014 10:38 IST
8. Buoyant (boi-uhnt) Several researches have concluded that women who engage in retail therapy are often in a __________ mood. 1) distressed 2) pugnacious 3) cheerful
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Wrong! Try again..
Wrong! The correct answer is 'cheerful'. Buoyancy is the ability to stay afloat. When used as an adjective, it describes someone who has an optimistic attitude and approach.
Correct! Buoyancy is the ability to stay afloat. When used as an adjective, it describes someone who has an optimistic attitude and approach.
Improve your English: Take this quiz!
Last updated on: June 11, 2014 10:38 IST
9. Gladsome (glad-suhm) The school children sang _____________ songs for the residents of the old age home. 1) classical 2) happy 3) romantic
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Wrong! Try again..
Wrong! The correct answer is 'happy'. 'Gladsome', an adjective, is used to describe someone with a cheerful disposition.
Correct! 'Gladsome', an adjective, is used to describe someone with a cheerful disposition.
Improve your English: Take this quiz!
Last updated on: June 11, 2014 10:38 IST
10. Chipper (chip-er) Adam, usually _______ and confident was nervous on the first day of his final exams. 1) upbeat 2) depressed 3) brave
Wrong! Try again..
Wrong! The correct answer is 'upbeat'. The word 'chipper' refers to a person who is chirpy and lively.
Correct! The word 'chipper' refers to a person who is chirpy and lively.
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