Skeptical
Not easily convinced; wanting evidence before accepting a claim. A skeptical reader asks how a study reached its conclusion. Cynical suggests distrust of people's motives.
A small vocabulary challenge
Choose the
precise word.
Six everyday situations. Choose the word that fits best, then see why. Some words look similar until you need to use them.
Free to try. No signup. Your answers stay in this tab. This is a short practice quiz, not a measure of your English level.
Choose the best word for the situation.
Practice complete
A few more words to make your own.
Review the meanings below. A useful word is one you can bring back when you need it.
Keep these distinctions
Six words, with context.
Reticent
Unwilling to share thoughts or feelings. Someone may speak freely about work but be reticent about their personal life. Taciturn describes a person who usually says little.
Pragmatic
Focused on what will work in the situation. A pragmatic plan uses the time and resources available. An idealistic plan follows an ideal, even when it is hard to achieve.
Ambivalent
Having mixed or conflicting feelings. You can be excited about a new job and sad to leave your team. Indifferent means you do not particularly care.
Disinterested
In its impartial sense, free from personal advantage or bias. A disinterested referee has no stake in who wins. Uninterested means not interested; disinterested is also used that way, so context matters.
Mitigate
Make something harmful less severe. Better drainage can mitigate flood damage. It reduces the harm; it does not necessarily eliminate it.