CSLB General Building (B) — All Questions

"Abundant" most nearly means:

• a.plentiful✓
• b.scarce
• c.hidden
• d.costly

Abundant describes something existing in large quantity or great supply. Plentiful is its closest synonym. Scarce is an antonym meaning in short supply.

"Cautious" most nearly means:

• a.reckless
• b.careful✓
• c.cheerful
• d.curious

Cautious means acting with care to avoid danger or mistakes. Careful is the nearest match. Reckless is the opposite, meaning careless.

"Vacant" most nearly means:

• a.crowded
• b.locked
• c.empty✓
• d.dirty

Vacant means not occupied or containing nothing. Empty is the closest synonym. A vacant lot or apartment has no one in it.

"Fatigue" most nearly means:

• a.hunger
• b.anger
• c.strength
• d.tiredness✓

Fatigue is a state of extreme weariness or exhaustion, usually from exertion. Tiredness is its nearest meaning. It is the opposite of feeling energetic.

"Rigid" most nearly means:

• a.stiff✓
• b.flexible
• c.smooth
• d.warm

Rigid means stiff and unable to bend easily. Stiff is the closest synonym. Flexible is the antonym, describing something that bends readily.

"Conceal" most nearly means:

• a.reveal
• b.hide✓
• c.gather
• d.clean

To conceal something is to keep it out of sight or secret. Hide is its nearest synonym. Reveal is the opposite, meaning to show.

"Ample" most nearly means:

• a.tiny
• b.broken
• c.sufficient✓
• d.rapid

Ample means more than enough or fully adequate in amount. Sufficient captures this meaning of an adequate supply. It is the opposite of insufficient.

"Diminish" most nearly means:

• a.expand
• b.repair
• c.brighten
• d.decrease✓

To diminish is to make or become smaller or less. Decrease is the closest synonym. Expand, meaning to grow larger, is its antonym.

"Novice" most nearly means:

• a.beginner✓
• b.expert
• c.leader
• d.traitor

A novice is a person new to a field or activity. Beginner is the nearest match. An expert, being highly skilled, is the opposite.

"Verify" most nearly means:

• a.deny
• b.confirm✓
• c.forget
• d.delay

To verify is to check or prove that something is true or accurate. Confirm is the closest synonym. Deny is an antonym meaning to reject as untrue.

"Hostile" most nearly means:

• a.welcoming
• b.quiet
• c.unfriendly✓
• d.wealthy

Hostile describes an unfriendly or antagonistic attitude. Unfriendly is the nearest meaning. Welcoming is the opposite.

"Fragment" most nearly means:

• a.whole
• b.engine
• c.signal
• d.piece✓

A fragment is a small broken-off part of something larger. Piece is the closest synonym. It contrasts with a whole or complete object.

"Prohibit" most nearly means:

• a.forbid✓
• b.allow
• c.praise
• d.measure

To prohibit something is to formally forbid it by rule or law. Forbid is the nearest synonym. Allow is the antonym, meaning to permit.

"Sturdy" most nearly means:

• a.fragile
• b.strong✓
• c.gentle
• d.distant

Sturdy means solidly built and strong. Strong is the closest match. Fragile, meaning easily broken, is its opposite.

"Vivid" most nearly means:

• a.dull
• b.silent
• c.bright✓
• d.heavy

Vivid describes something bright, intense, or strikingly clear. Bright is the nearest synonym. Dull is the antonym, meaning lacking brightness.

"Assemble" most nearly means:

• a.scatter
• b.ignore
• c.sell
• d.gather✓

To assemble is to bring or come together into a group or whole. Gather is the closest synonym. Scatter is the opposite, meaning to spread apart.