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The precise meaning
Sometimes every choice seems to fit a little. The test is then asking for the most precise one: the same meaning, the same strength, the same kind of situation. A short definition in your own head is the tool that settles it.
“Most nearly” means the closest one
All four words are kinds of looking, and on the test they could all appear as choices. Only one is the exact match for the word in the question. The difference is in how long, how carefully, and why.
Define it first, then compare
Before reading the choices, say a short definition to yourself: “elated means extremely happy.” Then look for the choice with the same meaning and the same strength, not just the same general area.
How to solve them
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1
Match the strength
Many words have weaker and stronger cousins. A choice in the right family but the wrong strength is a trap.
pleasedhappyelatedtiredwearyexhausteddislikeresentdetestNext step: Related ≠ sameExampleElated most nearly means…
- Own definition: extremely happy.
- Choices: pleased (too weak), overjoyed (same strength), calm, surprised.
Answer Overjoyed
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3
Match the situation it is used in
Some words belong to particular situations: a ruling is made by a judge, a verdict by a jury. When two choices are close, ask which one fits the same situation as the test word.
Next step: Part of speechMeagera meager meal
too small, not enough: scanty
Not meagerslender
thin, but about shape, not amount
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4
Keep the same part of speech
If the test word is an adjective, the answer is an adjective; if it is a verb, a verb. A choice of a different kind can be crossed out at once.
Next step: The best oneVerbscrutinize
examine closely (a verb)
Not a matchcareful (an adjective)
Different kind of word
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5
When two choices both seem right
Put each in a short sentence with the test word. The one you could swap in without changing the meaning or the strength is the answer.
Next step: Build the habitShortcutThe swap sentence
“She was elated by the news” → “She was overjoyed by the news” keeps it; “She was pleased by the news” weakens it. Overjoyed wins.
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6
Build precision as you study
When you learn a word, learn one or two of its near-neighbours with it and note the difference in one line. That is exactly the decision the test will ask you to make.
Learn togetherglance · stare · scrutinize
quick · long · careful
Learn togetherpleased · elated
happy · extremely happy
4 traps in the answer choices
The test writes its wrong answers on purpose: each one is what you get if you make one of these mistakes.
The right family, wrong strength
Elated most nearly means:
Wrongpleased
Rightoverjoyed
Related, not the same
Exhausted most nearly means:
Wrongsleepy
Rightcompletely worn out
A different kind of word
Scrutinize most nearly means:
Wrongcareful
Rightexamine closely
The wrong situation
Meager most nearly means:
Wrongslender
Rightscanty
5 questions at test level
Pick an answer, then read why. No timer, no account.
Glance most nearly means:
Show the answer
B. A glance is brief; a stare is long, so stare is the opposite in length. Glance most nearly means a quick look.
Scrutinize most nearly means:
Show the answer
A. To scrutinize is to look at every detail carefully, the way an inspector checks a document. Ignore is the opposite. The answer is examine closely.
Meager most nearly means:
Show the answer
B. A meager amount is too small, not enough. Generous is the opposite, and slender describes shape, not amount. Meager most nearly means scanty.
Exhausted most nearly means:
Show the answer
B. Exhausted is the strongest form of tired. “A bit tired” is too weak, and sleepy is only related. The answer is completely worn out.
Elated most nearly means:
Show the answer
C. Elated means extremely happy. Pleased is the same direction but much weaker. Elated most nearly means overjoyed.
10 flashcards
Tap a card to flip it. Keep the ones you miss until they stick.
All 10 cards known.
You finished the precise meaning.
Practice score: not taken yet Take the practice
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