Reverse Dictionary #97

Part 1.

Yes, it is possible to design multiple correct answers into a text quiz, as I occasionally do, and you are welcome to make suggestions such as you did here. If I agree with a suggestion, I will either add a type-in answer or change the answer to an “a | b” answer.

However, I reserve the right to disagree with suggestions. In this case, I am not convinced that “set” or “secured” work for definitions 2 and 3.

I have toyed with the idea of specifying a part of speech for each word. That can get a little messy when I provide multiple definitions for a word, as each definition could be a different part of speech — but it’s do-able. Until I make up my mind, though, here are some cues you can look for more easily determine a definition’s part of speech.

1. I will ALWAYS begin the definition of a verb with an infinitive: “to have,” “to be,” etc.

2. The definition for a noun will always describe a thing, even if it’s an abstract thing, such as an idea or a philosophy. Nounal definitions often begin with “a” or “an,” “the” or “any of.”

3. Definitions of adjectives generally contain other adjectives. It is not unusual for an adjectival definition to begin with a present participle: “having,” “being,” “becoming,” etc.

4. I don’t believe I have used a large number of adverbs in these quizzes, but their definitions will generally describe the manner of some action. The definition may very well contain the phrase “in a manner …”.

5. There are no clear patterns that I can think of for other parts of speech, so you’re kind of on your own with them. But they are infrequently given as answers, so this shouldn’t be a very great burden.

I’m glad you’re enjoying this series. Please continue making suggestions, as I’m always trying to improve my quizzes. BTW, I dumped Wiktionary beginning with this quiz. I think you’ll find the definitions from The Free Dictionary to be clearer.

I agree with your first two suggestions, and I am in the process of updating the quiz.

Although I start out using randomly-generated words for this quiz series, I generally go back and try to balance the quizzes to provide a range of difficulty, from seemingly obvious answers to ones that require a bit more thought.