Advanced vocabulary exercise 3
✓ Useful for TOEFL
✓ Useful for Cambridge B2/C1
TIP: HOW TO USE THESE EXERCISES
Advanced vocabulary is best learned in context — which is exactly what these exercises provide. Rather than memorizing a list of definitions, you practice each word inside a sentence that illustrates its meaning. When you get an answer wrong, don't just note the correct word: read the whole sentence again and try to understand why that word fits. This kind of contextual learning is far more durable than rote memorization.
Advanced vocabulary is best learned in context — which is exactly what these exercises provide. Rather than memorizing a list of definitions, you practice each word inside a sentence that illustrates its meaning. When you get an answer wrong, don't just note the correct word: read the whole sentence again and try to understand why that word fits. This kind of contextual learning is far more durable than rote memorization.
Complete each of the following sentences using one of these words: abysmal, complacent, susceptible, imprudent, foment, emit, refute, conviction, geriatric, hostility
1. The candidate's (= terrible) showing caused him to drop out of the race.✓
2. You have to actively pursue this. You can't get !✓
3. Fiona claimed that she wasn't to flattery.✓
4. His ( = rash, not careful) management style didn't sit well with the other members of the board.✓
5. The rebels tried to ( = stir up) political unrest.✓
6. The liquid began to ( = give off, produce) a strange odor.✓
7. He hopes to that theory. = He hopes to prove that theory false.✓
8. He was guided by the ( = strong belief) that all people were equal.✓
9. My brother decided to study medicine. ( = relating to older individuals)✓
10. The ( = unfriendliness) of the locals was not something he had expected.✓
Quick tip: a simple daily vocabulary routine
Improving your vocabulary doesn't require hours of study — a focused 15 minutes a day, used consistently, works better than occasional cramming.
5 minutes — Read or listen: Go through a short article, podcast segment, or video clip (150–300 words) and note 3–5 words you don't know, without stopping to look them up yet.
5 minutes — Record in context: For each word, write down its part of speech, meaning, and a synonym or antonym — then copy the sentence it appeared in. Example: ubiquitous (adj.) — present everywhere; synonym: omnipresent — “Smartphones are ubiquitous today.” Learning words in context sticks far better than memorizing isolated lists.
5 minutes — Recall and use: Cover your notes and try to recall each word's meaning, then use it in a new sentence of your own — written or spoken. Repeating this small routine daily is what builds vocabulary that actually sticks.
5 minutes — Read or listen: Go through a short article, podcast segment, or video clip (150–300 words) and note 3–5 words you don't know, without stopping to look them up yet.
5 minutes — Record in context: For each word, write down its part of speech, meaning, and a synonym or antonym — then copy the sentence it appeared in. Example: ubiquitous (adj.) — present everywhere; synonym: omnipresent — “Smartphones are ubiquitous today.” Learning words in context sticks far better than memorizing isolated lists.
5 minutes — Recall and use: Cover your notes and try to recall each word's meaning, then use it in a new sentence of your own — written or spoken. Repeating this small routine daily is what builds vocabulary that actually sticks.
Keep practicing — more exercises for you
Advanced vocabulary test 1 (C1/C2)
Advanced vocabulary test 2 (C1/C2)
Advanced vocabulary test 4 (C1/C2)
Browse all grammar exercises →
Advanced vocabulary test 2 (C1/C2)
Advanced vocabulary test 4 (C1/C2)
Browse all grammar exercises →
