TO GATHER TOGETHER means to ?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: TO GATHER TOGETHER means to bring things or people together in one place. The word "assemble" is synonymous with gathering together and is the most appropriate choice among the given options.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Became.' In this sentence, we need the simple past tense 'became' to describe the action that occurred in the past. 'Become' (choice A) is incorrect as it is the base form of the verb and doesn't fit the sentence structure. 'Been' (choice C) is incorrect as it is the past participle and doesn't match the sentence context. 'Had become' (choice D) is unnecessary as the sentence doesn't require the past perfect tense.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Regulations refer to rules or directives established by authorities to govern conduct or actions. Therefore, the correct answer is A - 'Rules for Conduct.' Choice B, 'Official Standards,' is incorrect as regulations go beyond just setting standards to include specific rules for behavior. Choice C, 'Personal Guidelines,' is incorrect as regulations are not individualized but are generally applicable rules. Choice D, 'Suggestions,' is incorrect as regulations are mandatory and carry legal weight, unlike suggestions which are optional and not binding.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: To buttress a fence means to reinforce or support it, typically by adding extra material or structures to prevent it from falling apart. In this scenario, the homeowner needs to strengthen the deteriorating section of the fence, making 'buttress' the correct answer. 'Degrade' means to diminish in quality, which is the opposite of what the homeowner should do. 'Hinder' means to create obstacles or difficulties, not a solution for the falling fence. 'Flounder' means to struggle or fail, which is not related to repairing the fence.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'B: Getting worse.' When a patient's condition is deteriorating, it means that their health is declining or worsening. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because improving, stabilizing, and reversing all indicate positive changes or holding steady, which are the opposite of deteriorating.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The word 'ephemeral' means lasting for a very short time. In this context, a vacationer feeling that their trip to Hawaii was too short implies that they found it to be brief or fleeting, making 'ephemeral' the most suitable choice among the options provided. Ponderous means slow and clumsy; salacious means obscene or lustful; erudite means showing great knowledge or learning. These words do not convey the idea of brevity or shortness, unlike 'ephemeral,' which perfectly fits the scenario described.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The term 'Gravid' means being pregnant or expecting a child. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choice A, 'Thin,' is incorrect as it does not relate to the term Gravid. Choice C, 'Infected,' is also incorrect as it is not a relevant description of the term. Choice D, 'Healing,' is unrelated to the term Gravid and is therefore incorrect.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct meaning of the word 'Augment' is 'to add to something.' Therefore, choice B, 'Add to,' is the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they all suggest actions that involve reducing or decreasing something, which is the opposite of augmenting.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'A: hung up.' In this context, 'hung up' is the correct phrasal verb to indicate ending a phone call abruptly. The phrase 'hung up' means to abruptly end a phone call. The other choices do not fit the context. 'Picked' implies selecting something, 'held' means to grasp or support something, and 'held on' implies maintaining a grip or connection rather than ending the call.