For most people, "elect" and "election" are words related directly to the political process. We think of electing senators and presidents and speak of the next "election cycle." These meanings are not improper, but they are only a limited application of the more general meaning of "elect". To "elect" literally means to choose. When we elect a president, we choose that person. However, we can also say that we elect to do something or other. For example consider the sentence, "Peter elected to stay home instead of going out for dinner." This means that he chose to stay home. Thus, the best option provided here is "decide".

When we "probe" something, we investigate it. The noun "probe" describes a kind of scientific instrument used for investigating the details of some environment. Here, the word is used as a verb. The wrong answers each try to get you to think of things often associated with probing but are not correct. We think of probes being pushed into things, as when a probe might be pushed into a vein to test the blockage in a person's circulatory system. We also think of "probes" into legal matters when someone does something wrong. Likewise, most probings are insightful and thoughtful. Hence, "deduce" might seem to be correct as well. However, the best meaning provided here is "investigate." To say, "I will probe more deeply into the matter," means, "I will investigate the matter in further detail."

The word "degrade" comes from Latin roots meaning to go down a step. The "grade" portion of the word comes from "gradus," which means step. Something that is "gradual" is step by step, as opposed to sudden. The "de-" prefix means down or down from. It is seen in words like "descend" and "depressed." To "degrade someone" means to belittle or insult that person so as to treat him or her with disrespect. Thus, the best option here among those given is "humiliate."

You might think of the word "confine" as used in the expression "solitary confinement." This refers to a type of imprisonment that keeps someone alone in a cell for a period of time. Now, the word "confine" actually comes from Latin roots meaning within the boundaries. The "con-" prefix means with or (in this case) within. The "-fine" portion of the word is related to the English word "final", which means at the end. This comes from the Latin for "boundary." Now, when you confine something, you restrict it within given limits. Thus, you might confine your discussion so as to avoid topics that could cause an argument. Do not be tempted by the wrong answers "latch" or "fasten." While it is true that you can confine someone by placing that person in prison, these two options are too limited in their meaning. They do not describe the actual act of confining. They merely indicate the means by which you might keep someone confined.

To "acquire" something means to purchase or obtain it. Thus, you might say, "I acquired five new comic books today," or, "John acquired a whole set of the works of Thomas Aquinas." Thus, the best option among those provided is "purchase." When you acquire something like stocks in the stock market, you do indeed "invest" in them, but that does not really indicate the same thing as buying. It is a very particular kind of acquiring, so it is not a great synonym. Likewise, you might buy something at a retail store. Indeed, the word "retail" may even be used as a verb, as in, "The shirt retailed at $15;" however, this is not the same thing as the act of acquiring.

The word "inhibit" comes from Latin roots that mean to have or to hold. The word "habit" comes from this same root. A "habit" is something that we have or hold on to in our character. Also, the word "habit" refers to the clothing worn by monks in certain religious orders in the Catholic church. This comes from the Latin "habitus," meaning dress or attire (among many other meanings).

 When we "inhibit" something, we prevent it from happening. For instance, you could say, "Being drunk inhibits a person's ability to drive or even to think clearly." Likewise, someone could say, "Being illogical inhibits a person's ability to argue in a convincing manner." Thus, the best option here is "hinder", which in general indicates an action that makes things difficult for someone. When we hinder a person's actions, we inhibit his or her actions.

"Bombard" is a verb synonymous with besiege, harass, or attack. One might "assist" someone with a bombardment, but the two are not close to synonymous, if you "bombard" a city you are destroying, not assisting it. A successful bombardment may help an army "prevail" in a battle or war, but it is not directly synonymous.

"Exploit" is a verb meaning to take advantage of. For example: "The needs of our large machines and large appetites cause us to EXPLOIT our natural resources for material gain."

"Extract," when used a verb, refers to the action of removing something. To "discover" something is to find it. "Flatter" is a verb referring to the action of complimenting or praising someone.

"Kindle" means to start a fire, or ignite, something. For example: "Jose knelt next to the fire pit, touching a match to the straw to kindle the blaze."

While you might "read" using a device named after this verb, this is not a direct synonym. "Dousing" something with gasoline is a good way to "ignite" it, but this is a tangential relation, not a synonym.

To "trace" something means to copy something by drawing over its outlines. To provide further help, "depict" means draw, represent; "quash" means completely remove or eliminate; "quell" means put a stop to, particularly putting a stop to a rebellion; "query" means question something.