The root "loq" means speak or talk and is found in other words like "loquacious" (talkative), "interlocutor" (someone with whom you have a conversation) and "elocution" (diction). Thus, it makes sense that someone who is "eloquent" is able to speak well and beautifully, making "well-spoken" the correct answer.

As for the other answer choices, “artistic” means creative and talented in making art; “nomadic” means wandering and not living permanently in one place; “incessant” means unrelenting; and “terminal” means final or concluding.

The Latin root "mal" means bad or not, so it makes sense that "malicious" means cruel and wanting to cause pain and suffering. "Nasty" is thus the correct answer, as the word can be used to mean mean-spirited and hurtful when describing people As for the other answer choices, “grateful” means thankful for things you have been given; “humorous” means funny; “serene” means quiet and peaceful; and "embarrassed" means slightly ashamed, especially due to something one's actions in front of other people.

The Latin root "mal-" means bad and appears in English words like "malcontent" (someone who instigates trouble due to not being content with the current state of things); "malady" (sickness), and "maladroit" (not adroit, therefore clumsy and uncoordinated). Because of this, it makes sense that "malice" means ill-will or spite, making "malevolence" the correct answer, as "malevolence" means vindictive, evil, or hostile. The opposite of “malevolence” is “benevolence,” which means wishing or doing good things for others. (The prefix "ben-" means good.) “Magnificence” means greatness; “magnanimity” means nobility, kindness and generosity; “benefit” means something or some aspect of something that is useful, good, and helpful.

The prefix "bi-" means two, and "annual" means yearly, so it makes sense that “biannual” means taking place two times per year. A “decade” is every ten years and a “century” is every hundred years. The prefix "dec-" means ten and the prefix "cent-" means one hundred.

The Latin prefix "contra-" means against, and the Latin root "-dict" means speak or talk, so it makes sense that to "contradict" someone or a point is to speak against it—that is, to show that it is false by suggesting that the opposite is true. So, "dispute" is the answer choice closest in meaning to "contradict." As for the other answer choices, “appraise” means evaluate or determine the worth of something; “arrive” means show up; “excavate” means dig up; and “exasperate” means frustrate.

The prefix "sub-" means under, and the "-mer-" in "submerged" stems from the Latin root "mar," which means having to do with the ocean or sea; so, it makes sense that "submerged" means located under the ocean or sea, or completely underwater. "Underwater" is thus the best answer choice. As for the other answer choices, "buoyant" means floating on top of the water instead of being partially or completely underwater; "buried" means located underneath the ground or a pile of solid objects; "nautical" means having to do with the sea or ocean; and "seafaring" means working on ships or using ships to travel over water often.

The prefix "extra-" means beyond, and the "-terre-" in "extraterrestrial" comes from the root "terra," meaning earth, so it makes sense that “extraterrestrial” means from beyond the Earth, or alien in origin. As for the other answer choices, "ground-dwelling" means living on or in the ground; "sage," when used as an adjective, means very wise; "astronomical" means having to do with astronomy or extremely large; and "microscopic" means extremely small or so small that a microscope is needed to aid one's vision for the thing described to be seen.

The "bell-" part of "belligerent" comes from the root word "bellum," the Latin word for war. This word appears in other English words like "antebellum" (before the Civil War) and "bellicose" (antagonistic and wanting to fight). So, it is unsurprising that "belligerent" means warlike, aggressive, or "hostile." As for the other answer choices, someone who is “creative” is imaginative and innovative; “whimsical” means silly, strange, and amusing; “wanton” means random; and “demanding” means arduous or requiring a lot of time, effort, and work.

The word "vocation" comes from the Latin word "vocare," which means to call or speak. This word is often used in the sense of a "calling" to a given career or job. Hence, we sometimes speak of "vocational training." Also, people who become ministers or priests in Christian religions will often speak of their "vocation." Finally, another example can be found when people speak of a "vocation" as a general calling to do some sort of deed. A philanthropist might find helping a given charity to be his or her "vocation."

The word "stellar" comes from the Latin word "stella," meaning star. Thus, something that is called "stellar" is something that is as bright and rare as a star. This is meant to describe something that is marvelous, outstanding, or superlative. The word can also describe things in outer space—like stars. Thus, one would speak of "stellar phenomena," but none of the options pertain to that meaning. Do not be tempted by options like "scientific" and "telescopic."