Confusable English

Here is a small quiz that presents more words that are not what they seem. Beware and be wary as you choose the correct definition for each entry. Avoid taking a simplistic (there’s another one!) approach.

1. antebellum

a) against women; b) against war; c) after the war; d) before the war.

2. apiary

a) school for mimics; b)place where apes are kept; c) place where bees are kept; d) cupboard for peas.

3. aquiline

a) resembling an eagle; b) relating to water; c) relating to synchronized swimming; d) resembling a porcupine.

4. cupidity

a) strong desire for wealth; b) strong desire for love; c) strong desire for amusement parks; d) obtuseness.

5. disinterested

a) lacking a bank account; b) unbiased; c) bored; d) lacking rest.

6. enormity

a) great wickedness; b) great size; c) normal state; d) cowardice.

7. forestress

a) ancient hair style; b) female forester; c) dread anticipation; d) emphasis on first part of word.

8. friable

a) easily crumbled; b) easily fried; c) unhealthy; d) relating to holy orders.

9. herpetology

the study of a) herbs; b) herpes; c) female pets; d) reptiles.

10. hippophobia

the fear of a) hippopotami; b) horses; c) getting fat; d) hippies.

11. infinitesimal

a) very small; b) very large; c) relating to intestines; d) hesitant.

12. inflammable

a) calm; b) incredulous; c) not easily set on fire; d) easily set on fire.

13. ingenuous

a) insincere; b) innocent; c) clever; d) men­tally dull.

14. meretricious

a) falsely attractive; b) worthy; c) good tasting; d) diseased.

15. presently

a) generous with gifts; b) now; c) soon; d) presidentially.

16. prosody

the study of a) drama; b) music; c) prose; d) versification.

17. restive

a) serene; b) festive; c) fidgety; d) pensive.

18. risible

a) disposed to laugh; b) easily lifted; c) fertile; d) relating to dawn.

19. toothsome

a) displaying prominent teeth; b) missing teeth; c) palatable; d) serrated.

20. votary

a) democratic country; b) enthusiast; c) electoral college; d) revolving tool.

Task 2. Read the text. How can it happen that a single word develops two polar meanings?

Date: 2015-01-02; view: 1037