The artist’s painting looked realistic from a distance but abstract up close. What does realistic mean?

The hallway fell silent when the new student entered. His peculiar outfit made everyone turn and stare. What does peculiar mean?

She hesitated at the starting line, her hands trembling slightly. Though she felt reluctant, she knew this race was her chance to prove herself. What does the word reluctant mean?

The weather was so dismal that the soccer game felt endless — gray clouds hung low, and rain drizzled nonstop. What does dismal mean?

He tried to sound confident, but his uncertain tone gave away his nerves. What does uncertain mean?

Jasper worked in meticulous detail, lining up each photograph exactly two inches apart on the poster board. Not a single edge was crooked. What does meticulous mean?

The scientist remained persistent, working late every night despite repeated failures. Eventually, her invention changed how people lived. What does persistent mean?

The teacher’s explanation helped clarify the confusing directions on the worksheet. What does clarify mean?

The mayor’s decision to close the park was controversial, sparking heated debates across town. What does controversial mean?

The mystery novel was so intriguing that he couldn’t put it down until the last page. What does intriguing mean?

Her friends admired her resilience—no matter what challenges she faced, she always bounced back. What does resilience mean?

The crowd waited in anticipation as the curtain slowly rose on the stage. What does anticipation mean?

The old building had an eerie stillness, as if time itself had stopped. What does eerie mean?