1. E2 VQ9

2. E2 VQ9
labyrinth (n) – an intricate structure of interconnecting passageways through which it is difficult to find one’s way; a maze or puzzle (large enough to walk through)
precedent (n) – an act of instance that may be used as an example in dealing with subsequent similar instances
negligence (n) – failure to exercise the degree of care considered reasonable under the circumstances; carelessness
precipitate (t/v) – to cause (something) to happen, especially suddenly or prematurely
equivocate (v) – to purposely confuse or say confusing things, especially to avoid making an explicit (clear) statement
assiduous (adj) – hardworking, diligent; constant in application or attention
circumspect (adj)- heedful of circumstances and potential consequences; prudent; cautious
metamorphosis (n)- a transformation, as by magic or sorcery
nepotism (n)- favoritism shown or patronage granted to relatives, as in business
solicitous (adj) – marked by or given to anxious care and often hovering attentiveness
inclement (adj)- unmerciful (esp. in context of weather or a storm)
stratum (n)- a horizontal layer of material, especially one of several parallel layers arranged one on top of another

3. labyrinth
labyrinth (n) – an intricate structure of interconnecting passageways through which it is difficult to find one’s way; a maze or puzzle (large enough to walk through)
EX. As the fugitive escaped, he immediately discovered that he was lost in the labyrinth that fringed the castle.
SYN: maze
ANT: straight (n)
Related: (none)

4. precedent
precedent (n) – an act of instance that may be used as an example in dealing with subsequent similar instances
EX. There is a precedent for a felony conviction in an animal abuse case.
SYN: precursor
ANT: successor
Related: precedence (n)

5. negligence
negligence (n) – failure to exercise the degree of care considered reasonable under the circumstances; carelessness
EX. Having left a surgical tool in a patient’s chest, the surgeon faced a multi-million dollar lawsuit over his negligence.
SYN: carelessness
ANT: circumspection
Related: negligent (adj)

6. precipitate
precipitate (t/v) – to cause (something) to happen, especially suddenly or prematurely
EX. One voice of dissent quickly precipitated into the majority of the voices expressing dissatisfaction.
SYN: incite, foment
ANT: react
Related: precipitation

7. equivocate
equivocate (v) – to purposely confuse or say confusing things, especially to avoid making an explicit (clear) statement EX. Hurriedly, Lizzy had to equivocate so her mother wouldn’t find out about the surprise party. SYN: confuse, befuddle, mystify ANT: clarify Related: equivocation

8. assiduous
assiduous (adj) – hardworking, diligent; constant in application or attention
EX. Lynette was rewarded for her assiduous dedication to her studies when she was granted a scholarship to Harvard.
SYN: diligent
ANT: indolent
Related: assiduously (adv)

9. circumspect
circumspect (adj)- heedful of circumstances and potential consequences; prudent; cautious
EX. Only the most circumspect readers would notice that the bridge was out ahead.
SYN: prudent
ANT: careless, negligent
Related: circumspection, circumspectly

10. metamorphosis
metamorphosis (n)- a transformation, as by magic or sorcery
Ex1. Completing metamorphosis, the butterfly emerged from the cocoon.
Ex2. Witnessing an apparent metamorphosis of the public’s opinion, the politician had to persuade people to get back on board.
SYN: change
ANT: stagnate
Related: metamorphose (v)

11. nepotism
nepotism (n)- favoritism shown or patronage granted to relatives, as in business
EX. Obviously showing nepotism toward his nephew, John gave him a high position with a raise.
SYN: favoritism
ANT: fairness
Related: nepotistic

12. solicitous
solicitous (adj) – marked by or given to anxious care and often hovering attentiveness
EX. Although at first she didn’t appear to want a baby brother, the older sister proved herself to be quite solicitous when caring for him.
SYN: caring, accommodating
ANT: negligent, neglectful
Related: solicitation, solicit

13. inclement
inclement (adj)- unmerciful (esp. in context of weather or a storm)
EX. Travelers were advised to stay off the roads, as inclement weather moved in and snow lined the streets.
SYN: severe
ANT: merciful
Related: clemency (n)

14. stratum
stratum (n)- a horizontal layer of material, especially one of several parallel layers arranged one on top of another
EX. One can see by the manifold stratum that the ground in this area has seen many changes.
SYN: layer
ANT: wholeness
Related: stratosphere, strata