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Word Meaning Quiz for Kids and Big People Too

Listen to these people talk as they use a big or unfamiliar word each time they speak. Can you tell by what they say what the unfamiliar word means? You may know the meaning of more words than you realize. Have fun!

A multiple-choice quiz by oscarguy. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
oscarguy

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
154,921

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Easy

Avg Score
9 / 10

Plays
4789

Last 3 plays: crossesq (9/10), mazza47 (9/10), Guest 175 (7/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Hi! I'm always working with ladybugs, ants, termites, and other creepy crawlers. They call me an entomologist. What do you suppose an entomologist is? Hint

an exterminator

a scientist who studies insects

an explorer

a skin doctor

NEXT>

Question 2 of 10

2. The party-goers spilled juice on the floor, broke dishes, and were rude to their host. Their behavior was reprehensible. What is the best choice for the meaning of reprehensible in this case? Hint

just plain untidy

behavior that is loud

boorish

being mean

NEXT>

Question 3 of 10

3. During a recent medical check-up, the nurse used a sphygmomanometer. Such a big word for such a commonly used medical device. What do you suppose she was checking? Hint

body temperature

reflexes

blood pressure

body weight

NEXT>

Question 4 of 10

4. The afternoon zephyr brought welcome relief to us on an otherwise hot and still day. It was pleasant to watch the zephyr make the trees move. Can you conclude what zephyr means here? Hint

the west wind, possibly any gentle breeze

an ice storm

a slow-moving train

light drizzle

NEXT>

Question 5 of 10

5. Our military outfit came across a dangerous enemy. All of us were brave, strong, and ready to defend ourselves except for Edgar who was always described as pusillanimous. What choice best describes Edgar? Hint

ignorant

weak of spirit, cowardly

lazy

overconfident, reckless

NEXT>

Question 6 of 10

6. Mom accidentally left the steak on the counter when we went away on a three week trip. When we came back, the meat was putrid. What condition would this putrid steak most likely be in? Hint

missing

petrified

more tasty

rotten

NEXT>

Question 7 of 10

7. Hi. I'm Bartholomew. Mom and Dad put the kibosh on my idea of turning my bedroom into a rodent museum. What did Mom and Dad most likely do when they put the kibosh on Bartholomew's idea? Hint

placed a curse on it

squelched or stopped it

gave him money for it

donated rats for an exhibit

NEXT>

Question 8 of 10

8. I once referred to my antique clock collection as "great old trash" or "funky junk" until I realized those terms had a pejorative effect on this collecting hobby. Pejorative words or terms tend to have what kind of effect on the subject in question? Hint

confusing

too highly praised

negative

repetitious

NEXT>

Question 9 of 10

9. Hey! I'll tell you, Marvin, I'm afraid to come to your house because your mother is such a harridan. She is so mean and overbearing, and even yells at your father. Sorry, Marvin. Which word would NOT normally be associated with Marvin's mother? Hint

hag

hateful

shrew

widow

NEXT>

Question 10 of 10

10. Wow! His skill at prestidigitation seemed to make the rabbit come out of the hat and the coins to reappear in his hand. Most likely, his skill at prestidigitation gained him the reputation of being which of the following? Hint

con artist

magician

thief

puppet master

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Most Recent Scores

Apr 23 2024 : crossesq: 9/10
Apr 23 2024 : mazza47: 9/10
Apr 18 2024 : Guest 175: 7/10
Apr 05 2024 : konway: 8/10
Apr 05 2024 : Guest 78: 3/10
Apr 05 2024 : rashana: 10/10
Mar 28 2024 : Neelac: 8/10
Mar 13 2024 : mcdubb: 8/10
Mar 11 2024 : Peachie13: 10/10

Score Distribution

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Hi! I'm always working with ladybugs, ants, termites, and other creepy crawlers. They call me an entomologist. What do you suppose an entomologist is?

Answer: a scientist who studies insects

An entomologist studies insects. The job of an exterminator is to eliminate unwanted insects.

2. The party-goers spilled juice on the floor, broke dishes, and were rude to their host. Their behavior was reprehensible. What is the best choice for the meaning of reprehensible in this case?

Answer: boorish

All of the choices could possibly be reprehensible, but overall, boorish is the choice that covers all of them in this case.

3. During a recent medical check-up, the nurse used a sphygmomanometer. Such a big word for such a commonly used medical device. What do you suppose she was checking?

Answer: blood pressure

A sphygmomanometer is used for measuring blood pressure. Almost everyone has had their blood pressure taken with a sphygmomanometer. Your blood pressure is considered a vital sign along with temperature, pulse, and respiration.

4. The afternoon zephyr brought welcome relief to us on an otherwise hot and still day. It was pleasant to watch the zephyr make the trees move. Can you conclude what zephyr means here?

Answer: the west wind, possibly any gentle breeze

The word zephyr comes from the Greek 'zephyros' or 'zophos' relating to darkness, gloom, and the west. Today, the word has settled into the correct choice given here: the west wind, possibly any gentle breeze.

Answer: weak of spirit, cowardly

Edgar would be cowardly, or weak of spirit. The lion in "The Wizard of Oz" was pusillanimous until he was given courage.

6. Mom accidentally left the steak on the counter when we went away on a three week trip. When we came back, the meat was putrid. What condition would this putrid steak most likely be in?

Answer: rotten

Rotten is the best choice. The word putrid comes from Latin "to stink". In three weeks the steak would not likely be petrified and would only be missing if ants carried it away.

7. Hi. I'm Bartholomew. Mom and Dad put the kibosh on my idea of turning my bedroom into a rodent museum. What did Mom and Dad most likely do when they put the kibosh on Bartholomew's idea?

Answer: squelched or stopped it

Kibosh is actually considered a slang word, but is widely used and appears regularly in dictionaries. You can be sure Mom and Dad stopped or squelched the rodent museum idea.

Answer: negative

Pejorative comments or words can purposely or inadvertently diminish the value of a subject or topic. Sometimes the comments are subtle or unintended, but they inevitably "bring down" the value of what is being discussed -- such as the antique clock collection above.

Answer: widow

Today, a harridan is most associated with a difficult and very unpleasant woman. If she yells at her husband, she cannot be a widow (ignoring the convoluted possibilities of remarriage after being widowed). The other terms could possibly be applied to her.

Answer: magician

Prestidigitation, or sleight of hand, is most often associated with magicians. According to definition, jugglers can be adept at prestidigitation as well.

Source: Author oscarguy

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor fringe before going online.
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