“Defeat” is to “vanquish” as “finish” is to “__________”.
Answer(s): B
To "vanquish" someone is to completely defeat him or her. Therefore, we are looking for a word that intensifies the meaning of "finish," giving the sense of being wholly finished. The prefix "per-" is from a Latin root meaning throughout, though it often means "thoroughly" or "completely." When something is perfected, it is completely made – it is totally finished.
“Impress” is to “dazzle” as “decorate” is to “__________”.
Answer(s): C
The word "bedeck" generally means decorate. However, the prefix "be-" can also function as an intensifier meaning thoroughly. To "bedeck" something is to decorate it thoroughly. To be "bedecked" is to be covered or decorated very completely. Just as something dazzling is very illuminated, so too is something bedecked "very decorated."
“Sweet” is to “cloying” as “good” is to “__________”.
Answer(s): D
When something is "cloying," it is excessively sweet. Therefore, our analogy is one of intensification. As something cloying is excessively sweet, so too is something "stellar" very good – exceedingly good. It comes from the Latin word for "star," as though the goodness of the thing in question were "as high as the stars."
“Contrary” is to “uncooperative” as “senile” is to “__________”.
Answer(s): A
The prefix "contra-" or "contr-" generally means against. "Contra dancing" is a kind of dancing in two lines that face each other, and "counterpoint" is a kind of music that has two musical lines that run "against" each other, weaving together melodies and harmonies. When someone is "contrary," he or she acts in a way that is always against other people's opinions. He or she generally is a troublesome personality and is thus someone who is uncooperative. Thus, we are looking for a descriptive word for "senile." While we often use this word to describe people who are losing their memories, the word can describe the more general condition of someone who is becoming aged. Someone who is senile is becoming infirm and weak with age. The word "senator" comes from a similar root, meaning old man.
“Selfish” is to “egocentric” as “illustrious” is to “__________”.
The word "illustrious" comes from the Latin root meaning clear or bright. Having a "luster" is to have a glow or a shine, and an "illustration" is something that makes its topic clear by means of a kind of example. Someone who is selfish thinks of himself or herself. This is the meaning of "ego-centric," which literally means "I-centered." We are therefore looking for a synonym of "illustrious." Generally speaking, this word means well-known – as though a bright light is visible. Such a person or thing would also be "eminent."
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