If the inspectors feared the consequences then logically they would have been thoughtful, careful and cautious. So, the correct answer is "circumspect." Additionally, "blithe" means inappropriately cheerful and careless; "specious" means misleading, potentially genuine but actually false; "maligned" means criticized; "incorrigible" means not able to be controlled.

You can tell from context that the weather must be pretty bad, so the correct answer is "bleak," which means (of weather) cold and wet and (of a situation) hopeless. Additionally, "durable" means tough, reliable, long lasting; "unbridled" means not restrained, not held back; "interminable" means never ending; "legendary" means treated as legend, awe inspiring.

You know from context that the journey "undertaken" (this implies a challenge) by the monks is difficult and grueling, so the correct answer is "arduous," which means tough to accomplish, hard work, challenging. Additionally, "militant" means passionate about something to the point of being violent; "customary" means traditional, polite; "trivial" means insignificant, unimportant; "oblique" means slanting. 

An "atrocity" is a terrible act of violence or injustice committed against someone. News of a terrible and horrific thing would likely make a group of people feel "aghast," which means shocked and horrified. Additionally, "destitute" means poor, completely without possessions; "tenacious" means determined, hard working; "genteel" means polite; "meek" means lacking confidence, shy.

People who love having guests would probably pride themselves on being welcoming or "hospitable." Additionally, "pompous" means arrogant and self-involved; "fickle" means inconsistent, changeable, unreliable; "abject" means miserable and hopeless; "illiterate" means unable to read or write.

The speaker implies that his grandfather had not laughed for a while and that his usual behavior is one that would be considered good-natured, playful, and amusing. So, the correct answer is "jocular." Additionally, "conniving" means manipulative, cunning; "senile" means physically or mentally weakened due to old age; "lenient" means tolerant, not strict, patient; "dismissive" means not considering the opinions of others, arrogant.

If the speaker had to make a decision for both parties it makes sense that the subject must not have cared one way or the other. To be indifferent of two potential outcomes is to be "ambivalent." Additionally, "abstemious" means not partaking in vices, not indulging desires; "rakish" means charming, attractive; "articulate" means well-spoken; "robust" means strong and healthy.

Based on the context of this sentence you know that the correct answer must relate to some quality that some people might find offensive. The correct answer is therefore "sacrilegious," which means offending God, insulting religion. Additionally, "adequate" means sufficient, good enough; "terse" means to the point, concise, brief; "ultimate" means best, greatest; "perennial" means constant, occurring on a repeating and eternal basis.

Based on the context of this sentence you know that you are looking for an adjective that describes a reason why someone might be respected or admired. The correct answer is therefore "genteel," which means polite, respectful and respected. Additionally, "condescending" means rude and obnoxious and talking down to people; "supple" means bendy, flexible; "sullen" means grumpy, moody; "ductile" means obedient or flexible.

A group of people who had to beg for money could be described as "destitute," which means extremely poor, lacking any possessions. Additionally, "dismissive" means arrogant, ignoring other people's opinions; "vigilant" means watchful; "infallible" means flawless, incapable of being wrong; "congenial" means agreeable, friendly.