Question

choosing the right word circle the boldface word that more satisfactorily completes each of the following sentences. 1. when i found myself flushed with anger, i realized that i was not so (scrupulous, invulnerable) to their bitter sarcasm as i had thought i was! 2. lincoln said, \if you once forfeit the confidence of your fellow citizens, you can never regain their respect and (esteem, attainment).\ 3. vast wealth, elegant clothes, and a (finite, supercilious) manner may make a snob, but they do not themselves make a person a true gentleman or lady. 4. i found your criticism of my conduct unpleasant, but i had to admit that your remarks were (venial, cogent). 5. she is the kind of person who has many (panaceas, attainments) but seems unable to put them to any practical use. 6. her bright, optimistic manner did much to (ascertain, disperse) the atmosphere of gloom that had settled over the meeting. 7. nothing he may (expunge, bequeath) to the next generation can be more precious than the memory of his long life of honorable public service. 8. though the couple have spent years studying african history, they do not claim to be (omniscient, cogent) in that field. 9. scientists have concluded that a sudden catastrophe (expunged, converged) dinosaurs from the face of the earth.

Explanation:

1. "Invulnerable" means not able to be harmed or affected, which makes sense in the context of being affected by sarcasm. "Scrupulous" means having high moral standards.
2. "Esteem" means respect and admiration, which is appropriate as something that is regained along with respect. "Attainment" refers to an achievement.
3. "Supercilious" means behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others, fitting the description of a snob. "Finite" means having an end or limit.
4. "Cogent" means clear, logical, and convincing. "Venial" means not very serious or pardonable.
5. "Attainments" are achievements or accomplishments. "Panaceas" are solutions for all problems.
6. "Disperse" means to spread or scatter, which is what a bright - optimistic manner can do to a gloomy atmosphere. "Ascertain" means to find out or make certain.
7. "Bequeath" means to pass on or leave something to someone. "Expunge" means to remove or erase.
8. "Omniscient" means knowing everything. "Cogent" has been used before and doesn't fit here.
9. "Expunged" means removed completely. "Converged" means came together.

Answer:

1. invulnerable
2. esteem
3. supercilious
4. cogent
5. attainments
6. disperse
7. bequeath
8. omniscient
9. expunged