Vocabulary Studio 17: Deprecate to desultory

3 questions. Choose the meaning or usage that best fits each situation. Try answering before reopening the passage.

1In the example "The botanist would desiccate the specimen before storing it.", what does desiccate mean?A. To conceal one's true motives or feelings through pretense.B. To walk with a stiff, proud, or self-important air.C. To clear someone from blame or guilt.D. To remove moisture from or dry thoroughly.

2In the example "The invading army threatened to despoil the sanctuary.", what does despoil mean?A. To strip of valuables or damage through plundering.B. To record or support something with evidence.C. To intercept or detain someone unexpectedly.D. To impose something unwanted on another person, often deceptively.

3In the example "Their desultory conversation wandered from weather to ancient coins.", what does desultory mean?A. Only slightly or indirectly related to the main subject.B. Lacking a steady purpose or consistent course.C. Inactive for a time but capable of becoming active.D. Uncertain and unable to make a firm decision.

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