This is the Vocab24 daily quiz of 24 July 2026, the same 30 questions the app served that day, on the day's vocabulary and editorial. One mark for a right answer, minus 0.25 for a wrong one; the explanation opens as soon as you tap.
Out of the given alternatives select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of given word.
LUPINE
Explanation: Lupine means relating to, resembling, or characteristic of a wolf; therefore, wolfish is the most precise synonym. Docile conveys gentleness and is an antonym of lupine, while ornamental refers to decoration and iridescent describes a surface displaying changing colours. Hence, option (b) correctly expresses the meaning of the given word.
Out of the given alternatives select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of given word.
FILIGREE
Explanation: Filigree refers to delicate ornamental work made from fine wires, especially of gold or silver, and lacework closely conveys this intricate, open decorative pattern. Solidity suggests compactness, while plainness denotes the absence of ornamentation. Drumhead is associated with a membrane such as the tympanum and has no connection with decorative metalwork. Therefore, option (d) is correct.
Out of the given alternatives select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of given word.
DECANT
Explanation: Decant means to pour a liquid carefully from one container into another, usually without disturbing the sediment; therefore, transfer is the closest synonym. Retain and preserve imply keeping something in its existing place or condition, which is contrary to transferring it. Harden means to make something firm or durable and is associated with vulcanization rather than decanting. Hence, option (a) is correct.
Out of the given alternatives select the alternative which best expresses the meaning of given word.
PEARLESCENT
Explanation: Pearlescent describes a soft, shining and iridescent appearance resembling that of a pearl, so opalescent is the most appropriate synonym. Matte describes a surface without shine, while coarse refers to roughness and plain indicates a lack of ornamentation or distinctive appearance. Consequently, option (c) best expresses the meaning of pearlescent.
Out of the given alternatives select the word opposite in meaning to the given word.
WHITTLE
Explanation: Whittle means to cut away small pieces or gradually reduce something in size, number or importance. Augment, meaning to increase or enlarge, is therefore its most suitable opposite. Pare, shave and reduce all express the idea of removing, diminishing or making something smaller and are consequently similar rather than opposite in meaning. Thus, option (d) is correct.
Out of the given alternatives select the word opposite in meaning to the given word.
VULCANIZE
Explanation: Vulcanize means to treat rubber with heat and chemicals so that it becomes harder, stronger and more durable. Soften expresses the opposite process because it means to make something less hard or firm. Toughen, strengthen and cure are all closely associated with the effect or process of vulcanization. Therefore, option (b) correctly expresses the opposite meaning.
Out of the given alternatives select the word opposite in meaning to the given word.
HEW
Explanation: Hew means to chop, cut or shape wood or stone with an axe or another tool. Unite, meaning to join or combine separate parts, is the clearest antonym because hewing generally involves cutting or separating material. Cleave, hack and chop all denote forceful cutting and are synonyms or closely related terms. Hence, option (c) is correct.
Out of the given alternatives select the word opposite in meaning to the given word.
LUPINE
Explanation: Lupine suggests wolf-like, fierce or predatory characteristics, whereas gentle conveys mildness, calmness and the absence of aggression. Ferine, predatory and wolfish all reinforce the wild or wolf-like quality of lupine rather than opposing it. Therefore, option (a) is the most appropriate antonym
Out of given alternatives, choose the word which can be substituted for the given words/ sentence.
An officer who commanded a unit of approximately one hundred soldiers in the ancient Roman army.
Explanation: A centurion was an officer in the ancient Roman army who traditionally commanded a unit of about one hundred soldiers. An epaulet is an ornamental shoulder piece, a vulcanizer is connected with the treatment of rubber, and a whittler is a person who cuts or shapes material gradually. Hence, option (b) precisely substitutes the given sentence.
Out of given alternatives, choose the word which can be substituted for the given words/ sentence.
Delicate ornamental work made from fine wires of gold, silver or another material.
Explanation: Filigree denotes intricate ornamental work created from fine wires, commonly of gold or silver. A tympanum is the eardrum, an epaulet is a decorated shoulder piece worn on a uniform, and pearlescence is the quality of having a pearl-like lustre. Therefore, option (d) is the exact one-word substitution.
Out of given alternatives, choose the word which can be substituted for the given words/ sentence.
To pour a liquid carefully into another container without disturbing the sediment.
Explanation: Decant specifically means to pour a liquid carefully from one vessel into another, often leaving sediment behind. Vulcanize concerns the strengthening of rubber, whittle means to cut away small pieces or reduce gradually, and hew refers to chopping or cutting wood or stone. Thus, option (a) accurately substitutes the sentence.
Out of given alternatives, choose the word which can be substituted for the given words/ sentence.
An ornamental shoulder piece worn on a military or ceremonial uniform.
Explanation: An epaulet is an ornamental shoulder piece attached to a military or ceremonial uniform, often indicating rank or distinction. Filigree is delicate decorative wirework, tympanum refers to the eardrum, and centurion denotes a Roman military officer. Therefore, option (c) is the only precise substitution. ________________________________________
A statement with one blank is given below. Choose the set of words from the given options which can be used to fill the given blank.
Rather than eliminate the entire programme abruptly, the committee decided to ______ its expenditure gradually until only the essential components remained.
Explanation: Whittle can mean to reduce something gradually in size, number or importance, which fits the committee’s decision to decrease expenditure step by step. Augment means to increase, preserve means to retain or protect, and vulcanize refers specifically to treating rubber with heat and chemicals. Therefore, option (b) is contextually and semantically correct.
A statement with one blank is given below. Choose the set of words from the given options which can be used to fill the given blank.
To prevent the sediment from entering the serving vessel, the attendant was instructed to ______ the liquid slowly.
Explanation: Decant means to pour liquid carefully from one container into another while avoiding disturbance of the sediment, making it the exact word required by the context. Hew means to chop or shape material, retain means to keep, and cure may refer to hardening or treating a material. Thus, option (d) is correct.
A statement with one blank is given below. Choose the set of words from the given options which can be used to fill the given blank.
Under the changing light, the inner surface of the shell appeared soft, lustrous and distinctly ______.
Explanation: Pearlescent describes a surface having a soft, lustrous and iridescent appearance resembling a pearl, which perfectly matches the shell in the sentence. Lupine means wolf-like, centurial relates to a century or centurion, and tympanic relates to the eardrum. Hence, option (a) is the appropriate contextual choice.
Out of given alternatives select the option which best expresses the meaning of given idiom/ phrase.
LITTLE BY LITTLE
Explanation: The phrase little by little means gradually or in small stages, and it is closely connected with the idea expressed by whittle, which involves reducing or shaping something through repeated small cuts. Option (a) suggests abrupt action, option (b) concerns complete removal or transfer, and option (d) describes appearance rather than gradual change. Therefore, option (c) is correct.
Out of given alternatives select the option which best expresses the meaning of given idiom/ phrase.
CUT OR REDUCE SOMETHING LITTLE BY LITTLE
Explanation: Whittle away conveys the idea of gradually cutting, reducing or diminishing something through repeated small actions. Harden completely is closer to vulcanization, pour without care contradicts the careful nature of decanting, and join firmly is opposite to cutting or reducing. Hence, option (a) best expresses the given phrase.
Out of given alternatives select the option which best expresses the meaning of given idiom/ phrase.
HAVING THE APPEARANCE OF A PEARL
Explanation: Something having the appearance of a pearl is softly lustrous and iridescent, which captures the precise sense of pearlescent. Wolfish in form relates to lupine, plain and unadorned is contrary to a distinctive shining appearance, and cut from solid stone describes origin or method rather than visual quality. Therefore, option (d) is correct.
Out of given alternatives select the word which is correctly spelt.
Select the correctly spelt word.
Explanation: Pearlescent is the correct spelling of the adjective meaning having a soft, lustrous and iridescent appearance resembling a pearl. The other alternatives incorrectly alter or omit letters in the middle or final syllables. Since only option (c) preserves the standard spelling of the word, it is the correct answer.
Out of given alternatives select the word which is correctly spelt.
Select the correctly spelt word.
Explanation: Centurion is correctly spelt and refers to an officer who commanded approximately one hundred soldiers in the ancient Roman army. Centurian incorrectly substitutes a for o, Senturion begins with the wrong consonant, and Centurrion unnecessarily doubles the letter r. Therefore, option (a) is correct.
Out of given alternatives select the word which is correctly spelt.
Select the correctly spelt word.
Explanation: Tympanum is the standard spelling of the word referring to the thin membrane in the ear that vibrates when struck by sound waves. The alternatives either double a consonant incorrectly, replace the initial vowel combination, or alter the final syllable. Accordingly, option (d) is the only correctly spelt word.
Out of given alternatives select the word which is correctly spelt.
Select the correctly spelt word.
Explanation: Vulcanize is the correct spelling used in the vocabulary set for the process of treating rubber with heat and chemicals to improve its strength and durability. Vulcanise is an accepted regional spelling elsewhere but is not the spelling prescribed here, while Vulkenize and Vulcanizee are incorrect formations. Therefore, option (b) is the intended correct answer.
Which of phrases given below each sentence should replace the phrase printed in bold type to make the grammatically correct? If the sentence is correct as it is, mark 'd' as the answer.
The curator advised the assistant to handle the silver filigree carefully because its delicate wires was easily damaged.
Explanation: The subject of the clause is the plural noun wires, so it requires the plural auxiliary verb were, not the singular was. The passive construction were easily damaged correctly indicates that the wires could be harmed easily. Option (a) changes the intended passive meaning, while option (b) produces an unsuitable tense and construction. Therefore, option (c) is correct.
Which of phrases given below each sentence should replace the phrase printed in bold type to make the grammatically correct? If the sentence is correct as it is, mark 'd' as the answer.
Before the inspection began, the technician had vulcanized the rubber to improve its strength and durability.
Explanation: The past perfect construction had vulcanized is grammatically correct because the treatment of the rubber was completed before another past event, namely the inspection. Option (b) incorrectly combines has with the base form vulcanize, while option (c) wrongly uses the participle vulcanizing after had. Therefore, the phrase in option (a) correctly replaces the bold portion without changing its form.
Which of phrases given below each sentence should replace the phrase printed in bold type to make the grammatically correct? If the sentence is correct as it is, mark 'd' as the answer.
The officer’s golden epaulets indicated his senior rank during the ceremonial parade.
Explanation: The original sentence is grammatically correct because the plural subject epaulets is followed by the simple past verb indicated, and the sentence describes a completed situation during the parade. Option (a) creates a fragment, option (b) introduces an unsuitable present-perfect construction, and option (c) is grammatically malformed. Hence, no correction is required.
DIRECTIONS: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below. Certain words/phrases are printed in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions. <br><br><br> During the restoration of an old ceremonial hall, the conservation team discovered objects whose apparent beauty concealed serious structural weakness. A silver box covered with intricate <strong> filigree </strong> looked impressive, but several of its fine wires had become brittle. Nearby, an officer’s damaged <strong>epaulet</strong> provided evidence that the hall had once been used for military ceremonies. The team resisted the temptation to replace every imperfect object. Instead, it adopted a restrained policy: materials would be preserved wherever possible, while unsafe portions would be <strong> whittled </strong> away only when necessary. <br><br> The most difficult task involved a collection of rubber seals that had softened with age. The technicians decided to <strong> vulcanize </strong> selected replacements so that they would become stronger and more durable. They also found a glass vessel containing liquid and sediment. Rather than shaking it, a conservator chose to <strong> decant </strong> the clear liquid slowly into another container. <br><br> The project demonstrated that preservation does not always mean leaving an object entirely untouched. At times, responsible conservation requires cutting, strengthening or transferring material. Nevertheless, every intervention must be proportionate. Excessive alteration may destroy the very historical character that the conservator intends to protect.
What can most reasonably be inferred about the conservation team’s general approach?
Explanation: The team preserved materials wherever possible but removed unsafe portions, strengthened necessary replacements and carefully transferred liquid when required. This demonstrates a balanced approach combining respect for original objects with limited practical intervention. Option (a) contradicts the team’s reluctance to replace everything, option (c) ignores the permitted alterations, and option (d) is unsupported by the passage. Therefore, option (b) is correct.
DIRECTIONS: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below. Certain words/phrases are printed in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions. <br><br><br> During the restoration of an old ceremonial hall, the conservation team discovered objects whose apparent beauty concealed serious structural weakness. A silver box covered with intricate <strong> filigree </strong> looked impressive, but several of its fine wires had become brittle. Nearby, an officer’s damaged <strong>epaulet</strong> provided evidence that the hall had once been used for military ceremonies. The team resisted the temptation to replace every imperfect object. Instead, it adopted a restrained policy: materials would be preserved wherever possible, while unsafe portions would be <strong> whittled </strong> away only when necessary. <br><br> The most difficult task involved a collection of rubber seals that had softened with age. The technicians decided to <strong> vulcanize </strong> selected replacements so that they would become stronger and more durable. They also found a glass vessel containing liquid and sediment. Rather than shaking it, a conservator chose to <strong> decant </strong> the clear liquid slowly into another container. <br><br> The project demonstrated that preservation does not always mean leaving an object entirely untouched. At times, responsible conservation requires cutting, strengthening or transferring material. Nevertheless, every intervention must be proportionate. Excessive alteration may destroy the very historical character that the conservator intends to protect.
The word filigree in the passage most nearly refers to:
Explanation: The passage describes a silver box covered with intricate filigree and immediately refers to its fine wires, confirming that the word denotes delicate ornamental work made from thin metal wires. Option (a) relates to vulcanized rubber, option (b) is associated with a centurion, and option (d) defines the tympanum. Hence, option (c) is correct.
DIRECTIONS: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below. Certain words/phrases are printed in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions. <br><br><br> During the restoration of an old ceremonial hall, the conservation team discovered objects whose apparent beauty concealed serious structural weakness. A silver box covered with intricate <strong> filigree </strong> looked impressive, but several of its fine wires had become brittle. Nearby, an officer’s damaged <strong>epaulet</strong> provided evidence that the hall had once been used for military ceremonies. The team resisted the temptation to replace every imperfect object. Instead, it adopted a restrained policy: materials would be preserved wherever possible, while unsafe portions would be <strong> whittled </strong> away only when necessary. <br><br> The most difficult task involved a collection of rubber seals that had softened with age. The technicians decided to <strong> vulcanize </strong> selected replacements so that they would become stronger and more durable. They also found a glass vessel containing liquid and sediment. Rather than shaking it, a conservator chose to <strong> decant </strong> the clear liquid slowly into another container. <br><br> The project demonstrated that preservation does not always mean leaving an object entirely untouched. At times, responsible conservation requires cutting, strengthening or transferring material. Nevertheless, every intervention must be proportionate. Excessive alteration may destroy the very historical character that the conservator intends to protect.
Which of the following statements is true according to the passage?
Explanation: The passage states that the conservator chose to decant the clear liquid slowly rather than shake the vessel, indicating an effort to avoid disturbing the sediment. Option (b) is false because the team resisted wholesale replacement, option (c) is false because selected replacements were vulcanized, and option (d) is incorrect because the filigree wires had become brittle. Therefore, option (a) is true.
DIRECTIONS: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below. Certain words/phrases are printed in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions. <br><br><br> During the restoration of an old ceremonial hall, the conservation team discovered objects whose apparent beauty concealed serious structural weakness. A silver box covered with intricate <strong> filigree </strong> looked impressive, but several of its fine wires had become brittle. Nearby, an officer’s damaged <strong>epaulet</strong> provided evidence that the hall had once been used for military ceremonies. The team resisted the temptation to replace every imperfect object. Instead, it adopted a restrained policy: materials would be preserved wherever possible, while unsafe portions would be <strong> whittled </strong> away only when necessary. <br><br> The most difficult task involved a collection of rubber seals that had softened with age. The technicians decided to <strong> vulcanize </strong> selected replacements so that they would become stronger and more durable. They also found a glass vessel containing liquid and sediment. Rather than shaking it, a conservator chose to <strong> decant </strong> the clear liquid slowly into another container. <br><br> The project demonstrated that preservation does not always mean leaving an object entirely untouched. At times, responsible conservation requires cutting, strengthening or transferring material. Nevertheless, every intervention must be proportionate. Excessive alteration may destroy the very historical character that the conservator intends to protect.
Which option is closest in meaning to whittled as used in the passage?
Explanation: In the passage, unsafe portions were whittled away, meaning that they were gradually cut off or reduced only where necessary. Ornamented elaborately relates to decorative work, strengthened through heat describes vulcanization, and preserved without modification is inconsistent with the act of removing unsafe portions. Consequently, option (d) is correct.
DIRECTIONS: Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below. Certain words/phrases are printed in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions. <br><br><br> During the restoration of an old ceremonial hall, the conservation team discovered objects whose apparent beauty concealed serious structural weakness. A silver box covered with intricate <strong> filigree </strong> looked impressive, but several of its fine wires had become brittle. Nearby, an officer’s damaged <strong>epaulet</strong> provided evidence that the hall had once been used for military ceremonies. The team resisted the temptation to replace every imperfect object. Instead, it adopted a restrained policy: materials would be preserved wherever possible, while unsafe portions would be <strong> whittled </strong> away only when necessary. <br><br> The most difficult task involved a collection of rubber seals that had softened with age. The technicians decided to <strong> vulcanize </strong> selected replacements so that they would become stronger and more durable. They also found a glass vessel containing liquid and sediment. Rather than shaking it, a conservator chose to <strong> decant </strong> the clear liquid slowly into another container. <br><br> The project demonstrated that preservation does not always mean leaving an object entirely untouched. At times, responsible conservation requires cutting, strengthening or transferring material. Nevertheless, every intervention must be proportionate. Excessive alteration may destroy the very historical character that the conservator intends to protect.
Which word would be the most appropriate antonym of strengthened in the context of the rubber seals?
Explanation: In the passage, vulcanization was intended to make the rubber seals stronger and more durable. Weakened directly opposes strengthened by indicating a reduction in firmness or durability. Toughened, hardened and cured all describe effects associated with strengthening rubber rather than weakening it. Hence, option (b) is the correct antonym.
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