Actions & Phrases - 1
Vocabulary Exercise Part 1 · 50 lessons
What does “Abandon” mean?
A is correct: "Abandon" means to leave someone or something behind, often suddenly or without planning to return. It implies complete desertion or giving up responsibility.
B is wrong: This describes the opposite meaning. "Support" is the antonym of abandon—it means to help and stay with someone, not leave them.
What does “Absorb” mean?
A. To take in or soak up ✓
"Absorb" means to soak up or take something in—like a sponge absorbing water or your skin absorbing sunscreen.
B. To expel or release out ✗
This is the opposite meaning. "Expel" or "release" means to push something out, which is not what absorb means.
What does “Accelerate” mean?
A. To increase speed ✓
Accelerate means to speed up or go faster. When something accelerates, it's getting quicker—like pressing the gas pedal in a car.
B. To move slowly ✗
This is the opposite of accelerate. Moving slowly would be *decelerate* (slowing down), not accelerate.
What does “Accept” mean?
A is correct. "Accept" means to agree to take or receive something that's being offered to you—like accepting a gift, a job offer, or an invitation.
B is wrong. This describes *rejection* or avoidance, which is the opposite of acceptance. When you accept something, you're actively engaging with it, not refusing it.
What does “Accommodate” mean?
A is correct. "Accommodate" means to provide lodging or a place for someone to stay, like a hotel accommodates guests.
B is wrong. This is the opposite meaning—accommodate means to *help* or *provide*, not to refuse. You might be thinking of "deny" or "reject."
What does “Accompany” mean?
Correct Answer: A. To go with someone.
"Accompany" means to go somewhere together with another person or to be present with them. For example, "I'll accompany you to the store" means you'll go there together.
Why B is wrong:
"Stay away from someone" is the opposite of accompany. That would be more like "avoid" or "shun." Accompany is about being *with* someone, not apart from them.
What does “Accomplish” mean?
A is correct: "Accomplish" means to successfully complete or achieve something you set out to do. It's about finishing a goal or task successfully.
B is wrong: This is the opposite meaning. Quitting an attempt means you're giving up, not accomplishing anything. Accomplishment requires actually finishing and succeeding, not stopping.
What does “Accomplishment” mean?
A is correct: An accomplishment is something you've successfully completed or achieved—a goal you reached or a task you finished well.
B is wrong: This describes a *failure*, not an accomplishment. An unsuccessful attempt is the opposite of an accomplishment.
What does “Accuse” mean?
A is correct. "Accuse" means to say that someone did something wrong or illegal—you're making a charge or claim against them.
B is wrong because that's the opposite. Praising someone for good actions is a compliment, not an accusation. Accusation is negative; praise is positive.
What does “Achieve” mean?
A is correct. "Achieve" means to successfully complete or accomplish a goal through effort. When you achieve something, you reach a desired result—like achieving a grade or achieving a dream.
B is wrong. Starting an activity is just the beginning. You haven't achieved anything yet until you actually finish it and succeed at it.
What does “Achievement” mean?
A is correct. Achievement means accomplishing something difficult through effort and determination—like finishing a project, earning a grade, or mastering a skill. It's about succeeding through your own work.
B is wrong. This describes the opposite of achievement. Failure and incompetence are what you *don't* want; achievement is reaching a positive goal.
What does “Acknowledge” mean?
A is correct. "Acknowledge" means to admit or recognize that something is real or true—like saying "yes, I see that" or "I accept that this happened."
B is wrong because it describes the opposite action. Ignoring or denying something is what you do when you *don't* acknowledge it.
What does “Acquire” mean?
A. To obtain something. ✓
"Acquire" means to get or gain something, often through effort or over time. For example, you acquire knowledge by studying, or acquire property by purchasing it.
B. To lose possession or control of something. ✗
This is the opposite meaning. The word for losing something is "relinquish" or "surrender." "Acquire" is about gaining, not losing.
What does “Acquisition” mean?
Correct Answer: A
Acquisition means to get or obtain something—like when a company buys another company, or you acquire new skills by learning them. It's about gaining or adding something to what you have.
Why B is wrong: That describes the opposite of acquisition. "Giving up" or "losing" something is called *divestment* or *disposal*, not acquisition.
What does “Act” mean?
Correct answer: Take action
"Act" is a verb meaning to do something or perform an action. When you act, you're taking steps to make something happen.
Why B is wrong:
"Remain inactive" is the opposite of what "act" means. If you're inactive, you're *not* acting—you're doing nothing.
What does “Action” mean?
Correct Answer: A — Something done.
"Action" means doing something—taking steps or performing an activity. It's the opposite of sitting still; it's movement or effort toward a goal.
Why B is wrong:
Option B describes the exact opposite of action. Complete inactivity would be *inaction* or *passivity*, not action. Action requires doing something, not doing nothing.
What does “Active” mean?
A is correct: "Active" means doing things, moving around, or putting effort into something—whether that's exercise, work, or any energetic pursuit.
B is wrong: This describes the opposite of active. "Lacking energy and movement" is what we call *inactive* or *passive*.
What does “Actively” mean?
A is correct because "actively" describes doing something with intention and effort—you're engaged and taking action. Think of "actively participating" in class: you're raising your hand, asking questions, being involved.
B is wrong because it's the opposite of what "actively" means. Passive and inactive describe *not* doing something or just letting things happen to you. That's the opposite of being active.
What does “Adapt” mean?
Correct Answer: A
"Adapt" means to change or adjust yourself to fit new circumstances. For example, when you move to a cold climate, you adapt by wearing warmer clothes.
Why B is wrong:
Option B describes the *opposite* of adapting. Maintaining your original habits means you're *not* adjusting to new conditions—that's being rigid or inflexible, not adapting.
What does “Add” mean?
A. Combine together ✓
"Add" means to put things together to make a total. When you add 2 + 3, you're combining two things and three things to get five things total.
B. Separate into parts ✗
This describes the opposite operation—that's "subtract" or "divide." Separating reduces the amount, while adding increases it.
What does “Added” mean?
Correct Answer: A. Included or annexed.
"Added" means to put something together with something else—you're including or joining it. Think: "I added sugar to my coffee" means the sugar is now part of the coffee.
Why B is wrong:
"Removed or subtracted" is the opposite meaning. That would be "subtracted" or "taken away," not "added."
What does “Adjust” mean?
A is correct: "Adjust" means to make small changes to something so it works better or fits the situation. For example, you adjust your seat in a car to be more comfortable, or adjust your recipe for fewer people.
B is wrong: This describes the opposite of adjusting. Keeping something exactly the same is *not* adjusting—that would be leaving it unchanged or fixed. Adjusting always involves making some kind of change.
What does “Adjustment” mean?
Correct Answer: A
An adjustment is a minor modification made to fix, fine-tune, or improve something—like adjusting a thermostat, glasses, or a budget. The word implies movement or change toward a better state.
Why B is wrong: This describes the *opposite* of adjustment. Staying deliberately the same would be maintaining the status quo, not adjusting it. Adjustment inherently involves change, not resistance to change.
What does “Administer” mean?
A. To manage or direct. ✓
"Administer" means to run, oversee, or be in charge of something—like administering a school, a test, or medication. The person administering is making decisions and directing the process.
B. To follow other people's orders. ✗
This describes *obedience*, not administration. Administrators are typically the ones *giving* orders, not taking them. This is the opposite of what "administer" means.
What does “Admire” mean?
A. To look up to or respect. ✓
This is correct because "admire" means to regard someone or something with respect, approval, and positive regard—like looking up to a role model.
B. To look down upon or disrespect. ✗
This is the opposite meaning. Looking down on someone describes *contempt* or *disdain*, not admiration. These are almost opposite emotions.
What does “Admit” mean?
A. To confess to be true ✓
"Admit" means to acknowledge or confess something, often reluctantly—like admitting you made a mistake or admitting guilt. You're stating that something is true.
B. To refuse accepting someone ✗
This is backwards. "Admit" actually means to *allow* someone in or to *accept* something as true—the opposite of refusing. You might be confusing it with "reject" or "deny."
What does “Adopt” mean?
Correct Answer: A
"Adopt" means to take up, accept, or start using something new—like adopting a policy, technology, or idea. You're making it your own.
Why B is wrong: "Reject" or "turn away from" is the opposite of adopt. That would be words like "reject," "abandon," or "discard."
What does “Adoption” mean?
A is correct. Adoption is the legal process of becoming a parent to a child who isn't biologically yours, creating a permanent family relationship with full parental rights and responsibilities.
B is wrong. Neglecting a child means failing to care for them—the opposite of adoption, which involves committing to care for and raise a child.
What does “Advance” mean?
Correct Answer: To move forward (A)
"Advance" means to progress or move ahead in space, time, or achievement. It's an active verb describing forward motion or improvement.
Why B is wrong:
"Stay without movement" is the opposite of advance. This describes stagnation or remaining stationary, which contradicts the meaning of advance.
What does “Advise” mean?
A. To give suggestions. ✓
"Advise" means to offer your opinion or recommendations to help someone make a decision. For example, a teacher might advise a student on which classes to take.
B. To withhold information. ✗
This is the opposite of what "advise" means. Withholding means keeping information secret or not sharing it, but advising requires sharing your thoughts and guidance with someone else.
What does “Affect” mean?
A is correct. "Affect" is a verb meaning to influence or have an impact on something. For example: "The weather affects my mood."
B is wrong. This describes the opposite of what "affect" means. If something is "unaffected," it means affect *didn't* work on it. This option contradicts the definition.
What does “Afford” mean?
Correct answer: A
"Afford" means you have enough money or resources to buy or pay for something. For example, "I can afford a new bike" means you have enough money to buy one.
Why B is wrong:
Option B describes the opposite idea—it talks about *not* being able to use or keep something, which isn't what "afford" means. "Afford" is about having the financial ability to do something, not about losing it.
What does “Agree” mean?
Correct Answer: A. To have the same opinion.
When you "agree," you align with someone else's viewpoint—you think the same way they do. For example, if your friend says pizza is delicious and you say "I agree," you're saying you also think pizza is delicious.
Why B is wrong:
"Strongly oppose or dislike" means the *opposite* of agree. That's disagreement or disapproval, not agreement.
What does “Aid” mean?
Correct Answer: A. To help or support.
"Aid" means to provide assistance or help someone accomplish something. You might hear it in phrases like "first aid" (emergency help) or "financial aid" (money to support education).
Why B is wrong:
Option B describes the opposite of aid. To hinder or obstruct means to block or prevent progress—that's actually the opposite of what "aid" means.
What does “Aim” mean?
A is correct. "Aim" means to point or direct something (like a weapon, camera, or your attention) toward a specific target or goal.
B is wrong. This describes the opposite of aiming—ignoring something means not paying attention to it, whereas aiming requires focus and direction toward something specific.
What does “Allow” mean?
Correct answer: A. Give permission.
"Allow" means to permit or let something happen. If you allow someone to do something, you're saying yes and giving them permission.
Why B is wrong:
Option B contradicts itself—restriction is the opposite of allowing. "Restrict" means to limit or prevent, which is the opposite of what "allow" means.
What does “Alter” mean?
A. To change something. ✓
"Alter" means to modify or make something different from how it was before. You alter a dress by shortening the hem, or alter your plans by changing them.
B. To keep something in its original state. ✗
This is the opposite of what "alter" means. Keeping something unchanged would be to *preserve* or *maintain* it, not to alter it.
What does “Anticipate” mean?
Correct answer (A): To expect or look forward to.
"Anticipate" means to expect something will happen and prepare for it mentally or physically. It's about looking ahead and predicting future events.
Why B is wrong:
Being surprised means you *didn't* expect something—the opposite of anticipating. If you anticipate something, you're prepared, so you won't be surprised by it.
What does “Apologize” mean?
Correct Answer: A
When you apologize, you're telling someone you're sorry for something you did wrong or that hurt them. You're taking responsibility and expressing regret.
Why B is wrong:
Option B describes the opposite—it's defending or justifying your actions as correct. That's not apologizing; that's making an excuse. Apologizing means admitting fault, not claiming you were right.
What does “Apology” mean?
Why A is correct:
An apology is when you acknowledge that you did something wrong and express genuine regret or sorrow about it. It's about taking responsibility for harm you caused.
Why B is wrong:
"Expressing blame" means pointing fingers at someone else or saying *they* did wrong—that's the opposite of an apology. An apology focuses on *your own* regret, not blaming others.
What does “Appeal” mean?
Correct answer: A request for help or support.
An appeal is when you ask someone (like a higher authority or court) to help you or reconsider a decision. For example, you might appeal a failing grade to a teacher or appeal a court decision to a higher court.
Why B is wrong: A statement of refusal or disagreement is the opposite of an appeal—it's rejecting something, not asking for help with it.
What does “Appear” mean?
A is correct. "Appear" means to come into view or become noticeable—like when someone walks into a room and becomes visible, or when a solution to a problem suddenly becomes clear.
B is wrong. This describes the opposite meaning. "Disappear" means to vanish or leave sight, which is the reverse of "appear."
What does “Apply” mean?
Correct Answer: A – To put something into operation.
"Apply" means to use or implement something in a practical way. For example, you apply brakes to stop a car, or apply sunscreen to protect your skin. It's about making something active or functional.
Why B is wrong:
"Remove or take away" is the opposite of apply. That describes words like *remove*, *take*, or *extract*—not apply.
What does “Appreciate” mean?
A is correct. "Appreciate" means to understand and recognize how valuable or good something is—like appreciating a friend's help or a beautiful sunset.
B is wrong. This is the opposite of what appreciate means. Ignoring importance is closer to "disregard" or "dismiss," not appreciate.
What does “Appreciation” mean?
A is correct. Appreciation means recognizing and valuing the good qualities in someone or something—like thanking a friend for their help or admiring a piece of art.
B is wrong. This describes the *opposite* of appreciation. It's closer to lack of appreciation or ingratitude. The prefix "dis-" would give you "disappreciation," which means failing to recognize value.
What does “Approach” mean?
Correct answer: A. To come near.
"Approach" means to move toward something or get closer to it. You approach a person, a problem, or a destination by moving in that direction.
Why B is wrong: "Avoid or move away" describes the opposite action—that would be words like "retreat," "evade," or "withdraw." Approach is directional movement *toward* something, not away from it.
What does “Argue” mean?
Correct answer: A. Disagree verbally.
"Argue" means to express disagreement or different opinions through discussion or debate. You're using words to present your viewpoint against someone else's.
Why B is wrong:
"Agree completely" is the opposite of arguing. When people agree, there's no disagreement to argue about.
What does “Argument” mean?
Why A is correct:
In logic and communication, an "argument" is a set of reasons (premises) presented to support a conclusion. While arguments often *occur during* disagreements, the core meaning is about presenting reasoned positions—not the disagreement itself.
Why B is wrong:
This describes the *opposite* of an argument. An "agreement" means people have the same view, so there's no need to argue. Arguments happen when people have *different* positions and try to convince each other.
What does “Arise” mean?
A. To emerge ✓
"Arise" means to come into being, appear, or stand up—it's about something coming forth or beginning. Think of the sun arising (coming up) in the morning.
B. To disappear ✗
This is the opposite of what "arise" means. Disappear means to vanish or go away, while arise means to appear or come into existence.
What does “Arrange” mean?
A. To put in order ✓
"Arrange" means to organize or position things in a particular sequence or pattern. For example, arranging flowers in a vase or arranging numbers from smallest to largest.
B. To disrupt or mess up a sequence ✗
This is the opposite of what "arrange" means. Disrupting or messing things up would be *disarranging* or *scrambling*.
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