Question

two-word completions
select the pair of words that best completes the meaning of each of the following sentences.

1. it isnt wise to give very young children toys that will break easily. they need playthings that are __________ because they havent yet learned to handle fragile items __________.

a. frugal ... willfully
c. servile ... churlishly
b. prodigious ... wantonly
d. durable ... gingerly

1. if you are careless with your money, you will always be penniless. but if you are __________, you may be able to __________ a sizable personal fortune.

a. frugal ... amass
c. bountiful ... evolve
b. audacious ... preclude
d. enterprising ... maim

1. \if he werent so rude, id be glad to __________ with him on the project,\ i said. \but i dont think i can work with someone with such a __________ manner.\

a. vie ... congested
c. collaborate ... churlish
b. banter ... relevant
d. wrangle ... servile

1. the clownish __________ of cartoon characters, both animal and human, have won the hearts and __________ of many generations of delighted children.

a. antics ... plaudits
c. tethers ... decrees
b. banter ... bonanzas
d. adages ... vigils

1. the tv marathon not only garnered __________ amounts of money for the regions starving millions but also yielded an unexpectedly rich __________ of publicity for their plight.

a. legendary ... allotment
c. bountiful ... banter
b. prodigious ... bonanza
d. myriad ... rubble

1. he was a man of great energy and __________. in no time at all, he rose from relatively humble beginnings to the very __________ of power.

a. longevity ... antics
c. compliance ... perspectives
b. audacity ... durables
d. enterprise ... citadels

1. \a person has to expect a little accidental bumping and pushing in a crowded bus,\ i observed to my companion. \its just not possible to avoid __________ another passenger when the center aisle is __________ with people.\

a. grappling ... elite
c. jostling ... congested
b. maiming ... devoid
d. minimizing ... glutted

Explanation:

1. The first blank needs a word meaning unbreakable, and the second needs a word meaning carefully. "Durable" and "gingerly" fit this context.
2. The first blank needs a word meaning careful with money, and the second needs a word meaning build up. "Frugal" and "amass" fit this context.
3. The first blank needs a word meaning work together, and the second needs a word meaning rude. "Collaborate" and "churlish" fit this context.
4. The first blank needs a word meaning silly actions, and the second needs a word meaning praise. "Antics" and "plaudits" fit this context.
5. The first blank needs a word meaning large, and the second needs a word meaning large amount. "Prodigious" and "bonanza" fit this context.
6. The first blank needs a word meaning initiative, and the second needs a word meaning highest point. "Enterprise" and "citadels" (used metaphorically for the peak of power) fit this context.
7. The first blank needs a word meaning accidental bumping, and the second needs a word meaning crowded. "Jostling" and "congested" fit this context.

Answer:

1. d. durable ... gingerly
2. a. frugal ... amass
3. c. collaborate ... churlish
4. a. antics ... plaudits
5. b. prodigious ... bonanza
6. d. enterprise ... citadels
7. c. jostling ... congested