The Ups and Downs of Summer Trivia Quiz

Answer: Pleasant

I love days that are pleasant, where the weather is just right, and everything seems to go smoothly. The word "pleasant" comes from the Latin word "placere," which means "to please." It's often used to describe something enjoyable or nice, like a pleasant surprise or a pleasant conversation.

Answer: Planets

Our solar system has eight planets, each unique in its own way. For instance, Jupiter is so massive that it could fit over 1,300 Earths inside it, and Venus is the hottest planet with surface temperatures that can melt lead. Of course, we can't make summer vacation plans anywhere other than our own planet - at least, not yet.

Answer: Pastel

In the sense described in the clue, the term "pastel" is used to describe delicate shades of colour, which are often associated with a gentle and soothing aesthetic.

Pastels are also a type of art medium known for their vibrant colors and soft texture. They have been used by artists since the Renaissance, with famous artists like Edgar Degas and Mary Cassatt creating stunning works with them. The word "pastel" comes from the Italian word "pastello," meaning "paste," referring to the paste-like consistency of the pigment.

Answer: Steal

To steal is to take something that doesn't belong to you without permission. It's one of the oldest crimes in history, with laws against theft dating back to ancient civilizations like Babylon. The word "steal" can also be used metaphorically, like when someone "steals the show" by drawing all the attention to themselves.

Answer: Seat

It was difficult choosing which type of seat to describe for this clue. A seat is a place to sit, but it can also refer to a position of authority or power, like a seat in government. The word comes from the Old English "setl," meaning a place to sit or a resting spot. Seats come in many forms, from simple stools to elaborate thrones.

Answer: Tea

Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, after water. It's made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant and comes in various types like black, green, and oolong. Tea has a rich history, with legends suggesting it was discovered in China around 2732 BCE.

Answer: Et

The Latin word "et," meaning "and," is frequently used in various English phrases. One well-known example is "et cetera," abbreviated as "etc.," which means "and other similar things" or "and so forth." Another common phrase is "et al.," short for "et alii," meaning "and others." This is often used in academic writing to refer to additional authors without listing all their names.

Answer: E

The River E is a small yet significant river located in Scotland. It begins in the north-western part of the Monadh Liath mountains and flows for about 10 kilometers before reaching Loch Mhòr. Its name, being one of the shortest place names globally, adds a distinctive charm to its identity.

Answer: Er

Erbium, represented by the symbol Er, is a rare earth element with the atomic number 68. It is part of the lanthanide series and has a silvery-white appearance. Discovered by Carl Gustaf Mosander in 1843, erbium was named after the Swedish village of Ytterby, where it was first identified.

Answer: Ire

Ire means intense and usually openly displayed anger. The word comes from the Latin "ira," meaning anger or wrath. It's often used in literary contexts to describe a strong, dignified anger.

Answer: Rein

A rein is a strap used to control a horse, but it can also mean to control or guide something else. The phrase "to rein in" means to bring something under control. The word comes from the Old French "rener," meaning to guide or direct.

Answer: Reign

To reign is to rule as a monarch. It signifies a period during which a sovereign rules. The word comes from the Latin "regnare," meaning to rule.

Similarly, reign can be used to describe some dominating force, such as a "reign of terror."

Answer: Linger

To linger means to stay in a place longer than necessary. It often implies a reluctance to leave. The word comes from the Old English "lengan," meaning to prolong. Lingering can be pleasant, like staying a bit longer at a beautiful spot.

Answer: Realign

As noted in the clue, to realign means to change or restore to a different or former position. It's often used in contexts like politics or business, where strategies or alliances need to be adjusted. The word combines "re-" meaning again, and "align," meaning to arrange in a straight line.

Answer: Relaxing

Relaxing is all about unwinding and reducing stress. Whether it's through a warm bath, a good book, or a walk in nature (all of which are wonderful activities while on summer vacation!), relaxing helps rejuvenate the mind and body. The word comes from the Latin "relaxare," meaning to loosen or reduce tension.