The man held his hands in the air, so the correct answer is "aloft." Other synonyms of "aloft" include "overhead" and "high." Additionally, "beneath" means under; "inept" means having insufficient skill, incapable; "sheathed" means (of a weapon) contained within something, concealed, wrapped up; "innate" means natural, (of a personality trait) something one is born with. 

You can see stars better in locations that are far from other sources of light and far from the urban centers of civilization. Something that is located far from the main areas of human population is called "remote." Other synonyms for "remote" include "distant" and "faraway." Additionally, "expensive" means costing a lot of money; "drab" means dreary, dull and boring; "accountable" means responsible; "resonant" means (of a sound) deep and full.

Based on the context of this sentence you are looking for an answer that means something like clumsy, awkward and careless. The correct answer is therefore "bumbling." Someone who is "bumbling" is very clumsy and prone to making mistakes. Additionally, "obese" means very fat; "impartial" means not biased, able to judge fairly and evenly; "grouchy" means moody, grumpy, in a bad mood; "ruthless" means merciless, cruel, showing no compassion.

The context and intensity of this sentence suggests that the correct answer must mean something like completely, entirely, without exception. As in, "ethyl was banned completely." So, the correct answer is "outright" which means completely, altogether, totally. Additionally, "briefly" means lasting a short time; "merely" means just, only, simply; "unexpectedly" means surprisingly; "wearily" means done without enthusiasm, done in a tired-manner. 

Based on the context of this sentence you are looking for an answer choice that relates to the friendly, pleasant, and good-natured atmosphere of a dinner between old friends. So, the correct answer is "cordial." "Cordial" means warm, friendly, polite, pleasant, good-natured. Additionally, "exhilarating" means thrilling, causing excitement and enthusiasm; "hectic" means rushed and unplanned; "spiteful" means cruel, mean and nasty; "laudable" means deserving of praise. 

The word "thorough" means complete or detailed. If you clean your room thoroughly, it means that you have cleaned it totally. Now, to "scan" data is the very opposite of being thorough, so this is out as an option. Although "selection" might seem appropriate, we can guess that the scientist evaluated and thought through the data. Therefore, the best option is "analysis."

The main clue for this sentence is the fact that the people in question do not accomplish their goals. This means that they are likely not very practical people. People who are practical "get things done." The word actually comes from root words meaning to do. When we "practice" we do something in order to be good at it. This is a related word. None of the other options really express this kind of practicality.

The second sentence provide the main clue for finding the correct word. The implication is that William did not tell the story "exactly how it was." It was not a literal retelling of the facts but instead had many added elements. Therefore, the best option is "literal." This word means "exactly representing something else." The "literal sense" of words is their "exact meaning" without any metaphorical meanings added. For example, a "red herring" is literally a kind of smoked fish. Metaphorically it means something that is distracting.

The idea is that forecasters cannot be too sure about their weather forecasts. This means that they cannot be "certain" about them. The only thing that is indicated in the second sentence is that weather is fickle and changing. This does not say anything about the prideful attitudes of forecasters. It only says that they should be careful not to be too sure about such changing and unstable matters.

Do not read too much into the sentence given to you here. The general idea is that the situation must happen to many people. Therefore, we can't say whether or not it is dangerous or even bold. We just know that it is pretty regular. That is, it is not very unique.