“Precocious” means developing more quickly than is usual, though it can also mean talented, clever, or "gifted." As for the other answer choices, “cumbersome” means burdensome or difficult to carry or transport; “incongruous” means not matching the situation at hand and overtly out of place; "frustrated" means annoyed; and "learned" means wise as a result of much time spent learning in an academic setting.

The word “quixotic” entered the English language from the literary work Don Quixote by Cervantes. It tells tales of idealized chivalry, portraying a stylized and “romantic” ideal of the knight. To be “quixotic” is therefore to be idealistic or romantic (in the sense of being idealistic). The name became an adjective, and this word may be well represented for you on many standardized tests.

Although we can think of “sophistication” as implying some sort of academic or mental prowess, this is really just an additional characteristic that follows from the primary meaning of the word. In its strictest sense, something that is “sophisticated” is very developed and perhaps complex. When this is said of a human person, that person is often so named because he or she has a lot of worldly wisdom. In such cases, the person is considered “enlightened”—perhaps only in a worldly way but still more aware of the complexities of life than one less experienced. Among the options given, the non-correct answers all attempt to have you choose based on secondary associations you might have with the word “sophisticated.” Stick as closely as possible to the correct definition. Here “enlightened” does that.

Supercilious means arrogant or haughty.

"Extroverted" means sociable or outgoing, so "outgoing" is the correct answer. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "extroverted": "reclusive" is an antonym of "outgoing" and means solitary and avoiding other people; "fickle" means constantly changing; "harsh" means severe or cruel; and "merciful" means sympatheitc or forgiving.

"Convivial" means lively or enjoyable and often is used to describe an environment or event. None of the other answer choices are close in meaning to "convivial": "exotic" means foreign or nonnative; "ferocious" means fierce or savage; "generous" means very willing to give or donate to other people; and "insolent" means rude and arrogant.

The people of ancient Sparta (a region also called Lakonia) were known for sparing their words. Today the word "laconic," meaning concise or succinct communication, keeps the memory of the ancient Spartan concision alive in the English language.

The word “stoic” is taken from a school of Greek and Roman philosophy that emphasized the need of being detached from emotions and unmoved by the fortunes of life. When someone is said to be “stoic” or “stoical,” he or she is being described as “accepting things as they come in a calm manner.” When someone is “resigned,” he or she accepts something that is undesirable precisely because he or she cannot alter the situation.

"Tractable" and "manageable" both mean controllable or easily grasped. "Obstinate" means stubborn or determined. "Eclectic" means diverse or varied. "Loquacious" means talkative. "Vacuous" means empty or unintelligent.

"Verbose" and "loquacious" both mean wordy or long-winded. "Succinct" means brief or to the point. "Venturesome" means courageous or adventurous. "Venerable" means respected or esteemed. "Pejorative" means negative or belittling.