Although similar, synonyms have subtly different meanings and are used in different contexts. For example, the words calculate, cipher, cypher, figure, reckon and work out are all synonyms of each other because they have roughly the same meaning, but there are subtle differences. Test your synonym knowledge.



X a. servile
X b. obsequious
X c. slavish
X d. subservient
e. toadyish

XX 1. If you want to get ahead with your boss, you might try being __, which suggests an attitude of inferiority that may or may not be genuine, but that is assuumed in order to placate a superior in hopes of getting what one wants.

XX 2. While __ may connote similar behavior, it is more often applied to those who are genuinely subordinate or dependent and act accordingly, for example, a timid, __ child who was terrified of making a mistake.

XX 3. __ is a stronger and more negative term, suggesting a cringing submissiveness, for example, the dog's __ obedience to her master.

XX 4. __, suggesting the status or attitude of a slave, is often used to describe strict adherence to a set of rules or a code of conduct, for example, a __ adherence to the rules of etiquette.

1 d

4. c

3. b

I think I would have to disagree and go with 2d, changing other answers to 1b and 3a: these are quite difficult and I was also tempted towards 1e.

CCBomber's 4C and Lex's 2d are correct

I'll leave changes to 1 & 3 to Remi, Michele & other Gardeners

Yes Lex, synonyms can be quite difficult at times

I seem to have succeeded in discouraging everyone else, so I'll take another stab: 1a.

Lex your first changes were spot on...I misread them...but not 1e or 1a...as e was a red herring