Vocabulary

The verb 'sifting' means to examine carefully to separate what is useful or valuable from what is not, which fits the context of going through accumulated junk. 'Sulking' means to be silently moody or upset, and 'screening' generally means to show or test, which do not fit the context as well.

The verb 'divulge' means to reveal or disclose information, which fits the context of not revealing further information to avoid jeopardizing the investigation. The other options do not convey the same meaning appropriately.

The verb 'deliberated' means to carefully consider or discuss something, which fits the context of jury members deciding a verdict. 'Deferred' means to postpone, and 'adjourned' means to suspend proceedings, neither of which fit the sentence meaning. Therefore, 'deliberated' is the correct choice.

The phrase 'pulled through' means she survived a dangerous situation, so the correct word to complete the sentence is 'death' (A), indicating she almost died but survived. 'Dead' (B) is an adjective and does not fit grammatically here.

The word 'dilapidated' correctly describes a building or structure that is in a state of disrepair or ruin, which fits the context of the factory needing restoration. 'Inundated' means flooded, and 'depreciated' refers to loss of value, neither of which appropriately describe the factory's condition here.

The word 'infringe' means to violate or break a law, agreement, or right. Among the options, 'Violate' is the closest synonym, while the others have different meanings.

The term 'modus operandi' refers to the usual way in which something operates or is done, making option C the correct answer. The other options do not accurately capture this meaning.

The word 'imperceptible' means something that is so slight or subtle that it is difficult to perceive or notice. Among the options, 'Subtle' best matches this meaning as it implies something delicate or not obvious.

The word 'blush' means to show embarrassment or shame, often by reddening of the face. 'Effrontery' means shameless boldness or audacity, which is conceptually opposite to the modesty implied by blushing. Therefore, 'Effrontery' is the best antonym among the options.

Dilapidation means the state of disrepair or ruin, often due to neglect. 'Demolition' is the closest synonym among the options, as it relates to destruction or tearing down, which aligns with the concept of dilapidation.

The antonym of 'gluttony' (excessive eating or greed) is best represented by 'voracity' among the given options, as 'voracity' relates to eager or excessive appetite, but it is actually a synonym rather than an antonym. However, none of the other options ('Fragility', 'Garb', 'Devoid') are antonyms of gluttony. The best antonym for gluttony would be 'abstinence' or 'temperance', but since these are not options, 'Devoid' is not a precise antonym either. Therefore, the question options do not include a perfect antonym, but 'Devoid' is not correct as an antonym. 'Voracity' is closer in meaning but not an antonym. The question should be revised to include a proper antonym or clarify that none of the options are correct antonyms.

Circumlocution means using many words where fewer would do, often in a roundabout or evasive way. The antonyms of circumlocution are words that imply brevity, directness, or simplicity in expression. Among the given options, 'Simplicity' best represents the antonym of circumlocution, as it implies straightforward and clear expression without unnecessary words. 'Effusion' means an outpouring of words or feelings but does not directly oppose the concept of circumlocution. Therefore, 'D' (Simplicity) is the correct antonym.

The word 'dormant' means inactive or temporarily inactive. Its antonym is 'active,' which means currently in action or functioning. Among the options, 'active' is the correct opposite of 'dormant.'

'Jeer' means to mock or make fun of someone, and 'Scoff' similarly means to mock or express derision. The other options do not have similar meanings.

Contumacy means stubborn refusal to obey or comply, so its synonym is 'Stubbornness'. The other options do not relate to this meaning.

Acerbity means bitterness or harshness, especially in speech or temper. Its antonym is 'Gentleness,' which means kindness or mildness, making option C correct.

The antonym of 'flippant' (which means not showing a serious or respectful attitude) is 'considerate,' meaning showing careful thought or regard for others. The other options do not convey the opposite meaning.

Egotism means an excessive sense of self-importance or self-conceit. Among the options, 'Self-Conceit' is the correct synonym, while the others are unrelated words.

The word 'furtive' means secretive or stealthy, so the synonym is 'Secretive'. The other options do not match the meaning of 'furtive'.

The word 'Hue' means a shade or tint of a color, so its synonym is 'Color'. The other options do not relate to the meaning of 'Hue'.

The word 'gratuitous' primarily means something that is unnecessary, uncalled for, or without good reason. It can also mean given free of charge. Among the options given, 'Voluntary' is not a precise synonym because 'voluntary' means done by one's own will, which does not necessarily imply unnecessary or unwarranted. The other options 'Justified' and 'Shear' are unrelated. Therefore, none of the options A, B, or C accurately synonymize 'gratuitous'. The correct answer is 'D' (None of these).

The word 'calibre' refers to quality or ability. Its antonym is 'inability,' which means lack of skill or competence, making option A correct.

Chagrin means distress or embarrassment caused by failure or disappointment, which is closely related to annoyance. The other options do not match the meaning of chagrin.

An 'adage' is a traditional saying or proverb expressing a general truth that has gained credibility through long use. Its antonym would be a word that contrasts with this meaning, such as 'harangue,' which means a long, aggressive speech or lecture, differing significantly in nature from a concise, wise saying. The other options (Motto, Proverb) are synonyms or similar in meaning to 'adage,' and 'Zenith' is unrelated. Some sources suggest 'misconstruction' as an antonym, but among the given options, 'harangue' is the best fit as an antonym in context.

The word 'effeminate' describes a man showing traits traditionally considered feminine. Its antonym is 'manly,' which refers to qualities traditionally associated with men. Therefore, option C is correct.