The “-mersed” portion of this word is related to similar forms found in English words like “submerge” and “emerge.” It is derived from the Latin for to dip. The prefix “im-” is a version of “in.” Although “immersion” can describe the process of dunking someone into water, it likewise can mean that someone is completely absorbed in some activity. Consider a sentence like: “He was immersed in programming, little aware of anything in the world other than himself and his computer.” Likewise, we sometimes speak of people studying languages “by immersion,” that is, by living in the context of the language and using only the language being learned instead of their native languages for communication.

The word “amble” comes from the Latin for “to walk,” which is found in English words like “ambulatory” and “ambulate.” It means “to walk in a relaxed manner.” Among the options, “saunter” best describes such walking. One might say, “She ambled about the county paths, not wishing to hurry past any of the beauties of the autumn scenery.”

Someone who is "diligent" pays attention to the details of something. For instance, a diligent student is one who studies much and does his or her work in a thorough manner. The word comes from the Latin for to love or take delight in, which is found in the word “predilection,” meaning a preference for something. If someone is "diligent," that person probably has a love for the activity on which he or she is focusing. A "meticulous" person is very careful regarding details, so this is the best option for this word.

"Vigor" is a noun defined as "physical strength and good health" or "effort, energy, and enthusiasm." So, neither "exhaustion" nor "illness" can be the correct answer, as each is an antonym of "vigor." "Intelligence" cannot be the correct answer either, as "vigor" has to do with "physical strength and good health," not anything related to the mind or intelligence. "Vitality," however, is a noun defined as "the state of being strong and active; energy" or "the power giving continuance of life, present in all living things." Because "vitality" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "vigor," it is the correct answer.

"Drawback" and "impediment" both mean a disadvantage or hindrance. "Puissance" means energy or force. "Virtuosity" means skill or craft. "Gaffe" means a mistake or faux pas. "Accretion" means a gradual growth or addition.

"Harbinger" means something that signals the approach of a person. "Vegetation" refers to plants or crops. "Proposal" means plan or a suggestion. "Tactic" is a strategy or plan. "Probability" means the chance or likelihood of something occuring.

"Recant" means to disavow or take back something said. "Serenade" means to sing a song or ballad. "Foster" means to promote or support. "Laud" means to give acclaim or praise. "Obscure" means to darken or make something less clear.

"Nullify" and "revoke" both mean to cancel or invalidate. "Validate" means to ascertain the truth of something. "Ratify" means to affirm or authorize. "Sanctify" means to hold in highest esteem. "Vituperate" means to criticize sharply. 

Since "anomaly" is a noun which means "a deviation from the norm or what is expected," we need to find another noun that means "a deviation from the norm."  While "tangent" may look like a potentially correct answer choice, "tangent" means "a line that touches a curve at one point, but does not intersect it," or "a completely different line of thought or action." So, while "tangent" can be used in a context where it means a deviation from the norm of a conversation, it does not itself mean "deviation from the norm," so it can't be the correct answer. "Incongruity," however, means "something that is strange because of not agreeing with what is usual or expected," so it is the correct answer because of the given answer choices, it is closest in meaning to "anomaly."

"Corporeal" and "somatic" both mean pertaining to the body. "Congenital" means inborn or ingrained. "Pertinent" means relevant or suitable. "Wary" means careful or cautious. "Egregious" means outstandingly bad or outrageous.