Word Knowledge Test Prep

• “Spite” most nearly means “malice” (desire to hurt or offend).
• “Adorn” means “decorate” (make something more attractive).
• “Schism” means “division” (split due to disagreement).
• “Confidant” means “close friend” (trusted with private matters).
• “Vernacular” means “everyday speech” (common language of a region).
• “Assail” means “criticize strongly.”
• “Rant” means “rave” (speak wildly and passionately).
• “Prohibitive” means “exorbitant” (too costly).
• “Laden” means “burdened” (heavily loaded).
• “Incisive” means “penetrating” (clear and analytical).
• “Staunch” means “determined” (loyal and committed).
• “Erudite” means “learned” (showing great knowledge).
• “Glean” means “gather” (extract information).
• “Willowy” means “svelte” (tall, slim, graceful).
• “Hierarchy” means “classification” (ranking by status).
• “Bipedal” means “ambulatory” (walking on two legs).

Key Terms & Definitions

• Spite — a desire to hurt, annoy, or offend someone.
• Adorn — to make something more beautiful or attractive.
• Schism — a division between strongly opposed parties.
• Confidant — a trusted person with whom one shares secrets.
• Vernacular — everyday language spoken by ordinary people.
• Assail — to criticize strongly.
• Rant — to speak or shout passionately and at length.
• Prohibitive — excessively high in cost or difficulty.
• Laden — heavily loaded or burdened.
• Incisive — intelligently analytical and clear thinking.
• Staunch — loyal and committed.
• Erudite — showing great knowledge or learning.
• Glean — to gather or collect gradually.
• Willowy — tall, slim, and graceful.
• Hierarchy — a system ranking people by status.
• Bipedal — using two legs for walking.