What does the word 'pernicious,' commonly used to describe a harmful effect, mean?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Destructive.' 'Pernicious' is used to describe something having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way. The other choices are incorrect because 'Valued' means considered important or cherished, 'Finicky' means overly particular or fussy, and 'Perpetual' means continuing indefinitely or recurring.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: Justification.' Justification means showing that an action is reasonable or right. In this context, it implies that there was no valid reason or excuse for the way she treated her boyfriend. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. An 'alibi' is an excuse to explain one's whereabouts during a crime, not applicable here. 'Rational' means based on reason or logic, which does not fit the context of the sentence. 'Reasonable' means fair and sensible, but the sentence suggests a lack of valid explanation rather than fairness or sensibility.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this context, 'insidious' means progressing slowly but having harmful effects. This matches the meaning of 'gradual,' making it the correct answer. 'Momentous' means significant or important, which is not the meaning conveyed by 'insidious.' 'Sudden' means abrupt or unexpected, opposite to the slow progression indicated by 'insidious.' 'Innocuous' means harmless, which is the opposite of the harmful effects associated with an insidious disease.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Immigrating' because it refers to people coming to live permanently in a foreign country. 'Emigrating' (Choice A) means leaving one's own country to settle permanently in another, which does not fit the context of people coming into the United States. 'Migrating' (Choice C) is a general term for moving from one place to another without emphasizing the aspect of settling in a new country. 'Emigrated' (Choice D) is the past tense of emigrate and does not convey the ongoing action of people moving to the United States.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Undesirable.' In this context, 'adverse' means harmful or undesirable, specifically referring to the negative side effects experienced from the medication. Choice B, 'Frequent,' is incorrect as 'adverse' does not imply how often the side effects occur but rather their nature. Choice C, 'Noticeable,' is incorrect as 'adverse' does not necessarily mean that the side effects are easily noticeable, but rather that they are harmful. Choice D, 'Constant,' is incorrect as 'adverse' does not indicate that the side effects are continuous but rather that they are negative.