Free Vocabulary MCQs with Answers

31. One word substitution: a government by the people.

• A. autocracy
• B. democracy
• C. bureaucracy
• D. aristocracy

Explanation: The Greek demos means people and kratos means rule, so democracy is rule by the people. Autocracy is rule by one person, aristocracy by a privileged class and bureaucracy by officials. Knowing the two roots lets you decode any word in this family.

32. Choose the word most similar in meaning to PRUDENT.

• A. reckless
• B. wise and careful about the future
• C. generous
• D. talkative

Explanation: A prudent decision shows foresight and caution, so judicious and circumspect are close synonyms. Reckless and rash are its opposites. The related noun prudence names the quality itself.

33. Choose the word most similar in meaning to ARDUOUS.

• A. easy
• B. requiring great effort
• C. boring
• D. expensive

Explanation: An arduous climb demands sustained hard work, so laborious and strenuous are near synonyms. Boring is a tempting distractor because difficult tasks may also be dull, but the word is about effort rather than interest. Its opposite is effortless.

34. Choose the word most similar in meaning to CANDID.

• A. frank and honest
• B. secretive
• C. cheerful
• D. clever

Explanation: A candid opinion is given openly without concealment, so its synonyms are frank, forthright and straightforward. Its opposite is evasive or guarded. The related noun is candour, meaning openness.

35. Choose the word most opposite in meaning to FRUGAL.

• A. thrifty
• B. extravagant
• C. poor
• D. careful

Explanation: Frugal means economical and sparing in the use of resources, so extravagant or wasteful is the opposite. Thrifty and careful are synonyms rather than antonyms, which is what makes them attractive wrong answers. Poor describes a condition rather than a habit of spending.

36. Choose the word most opposite in meaning to OBSOLETE.

• A. outdated
• B. modern and in current use
• C. expensive
• D. rare

Explanation: Obsolete means no longer in use because something better has replaced it, so current or up to date is the opposite. Outdated is a synonym. Rare describes scarcity, which is a different idea altogether.

37. Choose the word most opposite in meaning to HUMBLE.

• A. modest
• B. arrogant
• C. poor
• D. quiet

Explanation: Humble means having a modest view of one's own importance, so arrogant or haughty is the opposite. Modest is a synonym and quiet describes manner rather than self regard. Humble can also mean of low rank, in which case its opposite would be noble.

38. Choose the meaning of the idiom: to be under the weather.

• A. to be caught in rain
• B. to feel slightly unwell
• C. to be very busy
• D. to be depressed by criticism

Explanation: The phrase describes feeling mildly ill and is thought to come from sailors sent below deck when sick. The literal weather reading is exactly what an idiom question sets out to trap. It suggests a minor complaint rather than serious illness.

39. Choose the meaning of the idiom: to bite the bullet.

• A. to lose one's temper
• B. to endure a painful situation with courage
• C. to speak carelessly
• D. to eat quickly

Explanation: It refers to accepting something unpleasant that cannot be avoided, and it is said to come from soldiers biting a bullet during surgery before anaesthetics. The sense is one of resolve rather than anger. A close relative is to grin and bear it.

40. Choose the meaning of the idiom: a blessing in disguise.

• A. a hidden threat
• B. something that seems bad at first but turns out to be good
• C. an undeserved reward
• D. a religious ceremony

Explanation: The phrase describes a misfortune whose benefit only becomes clear later, such as a missed flight that turns out to have been lucky. It is the reverse of a mixed blessing, which is good with a drawback attached. The disguise is what hides the benefit at first.