Whenever something subsides, it lessens in its strength or force. The prefix "sub-" means "under." The "-side" portion of the word comes from the Latin root for "to sit." This same root is found in words like "sedentary" and "sedate." Something that "subsides" starts to "sit under"—not in a literal sense, of course! It just means that the thing in question lessens. The only option among those provided that expresses the idea of lessening is "slacken." When a rope slackens, it becomes less tight. The general idea of slackening is that of becoming less or looser. Hence, this is an acceptable synonym for "subside," at least among the options provided.

Whenever something is "excessive," it is too much. Thus, whenever someone is fined for "excessive speed," this means that the person was driving far too quickly. Thus, in general, to "exceed" means to go over or to be bigger. Whenever one thing surpasses another, it "goes over" it (or becomes "more" than it). The prefix "sur-" means over. Thus, the word really could mean "to pass over"!

An "autobiography" is a written, first person account of someone's life written by that person, so "memoir," which means a written, first person account of some event, is the correct answer, because both an "autobiography" and a "memoir" are written, first person accounts of real events. As for the other answer choices, a "documentary" is a film exploring a factual issue, a "recital" is a musical performance, and "fiction" can mean the genre of written works that concern events that have not actually happened.

"Apathy" means indifference or lack of interest, so "indifference" is the correct answer

"Antithesis" means an opposite, so "opposite" is the correct answer.

"Hyperbole" is exaggeration of something. The best choice is "exaggeration" because it is a part of the definition of "hyperbole." Considering the other choices, "coax" means urge, "conduit" means a pipe or tube for moving liquids from one location to another, and "hear" means listen to.

"Antipathy" means a strong feeling of dislike. To provide further help, a "miscreant" is someone who behaves badly; "abhorrent" means grotesque and hateful; "sympathy" is a feeling of sorrow for someone else's feelings; "apathy" means not caring. 

An “antecedent” is something that comes before, a forerunner. The prefix ante- means before, preceding, as seen in “antebellum” which means before the Civil War. To provide further help, “obsolete” means no longer needed or of any use; “antiquated” means obsolete, ancient; “nomadic” and “itinerant” are two words used to describe wandering people who do not have a fixed home.

A “euphemism” is a less offensive way of saying something; it requires careful avoidance of specifically stating a subject. This process can also be called “circumlocution,” which means talking around an issue. There are many relevant prefixes and suffixes at play here. The prefix "eu-" means meaning to do well. The prefix "circum-" means round and the suffix "-locution" means related to talking. To provide further help, “encroachment” means advancing into someone else’s space; “temerity” means audacity; “eloquence” is the ability to speak well; “jubilation” is great happiness. 

Someone who suffers from “aphasia” has a lack of language skills. The root word here is "phon," which refers to language; it has been changed over time into "pha-," but the meaning is unchanged. The prefix "a-" is a negation principle and gives the word it is added to the opposite meaning of the original word.