What did you mean by that?
The words behind a good conversation.
Ten questions, with the answers explained. Try them in your head, then open each answer when you're ready.
Play this quiz →QUESTION 1 / 10
Which word fits: to make an unclear point easier to understand?
- Imply
- Reassure
- Clarify
- Elaborate
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Clarify
You clarify a plan by explaining the part that left people guessing.
QUESTION 2 / 10
Which word fits: to acknowledge a point after initially resisting it?
- Concede
- Infer
- Interrupt
- Contradict
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Concede
You can concede that someone has a fair point without agreeing with everything they say.
QUESTION 3 / 10
Which word fits: to suggest something without saying it directly?
- Summarize
- Imply
- Reassure
- Paraphrase
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Imply
A raised eyebrow can imply doubt without a word.
QUESTION 4 / 10
Which word fits: to reach a conclusion from clues?
- Contradict
- Infer
- Clarify
- Elaborate
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Infer
You infer that it rained when you find wet streets and dripping umbrellas.
QUESTION 5 / 10
Which word fits: to give the main points in a shorter form?
- Summarize
- Paraphrase
- Concede
- Interrupt
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Summarize
A summary keeps the essentials and leaves out much of the detail.
QUESTION 6 / 10
Which word fits: to add more explanation or detail?
- Reassure
- Elaborate
- Imply
- Clarify
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Elaborate
When someone asks you to elaborate, they want more than the short version.
QUESTION 7 / 10
Which word fits: to break into someone else's turn or activity?
- Infer
- Concede
- Contradict
- Interrupt
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Interrupt
An interruption cuts across what was already happening.
QUESTION 8 / 10
Which word fits: to reduce someone's worry with support or information?
- Paraphrase
- Summarize
- Imply
- Reassure
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Reassure
You reassure a friend by helping them feel less anxious.
QUESTION 9 / 10
Which word fits: to state something that conflicts with another claim?
- Contradict
- Infer
- Elaborate
- Clarify
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Contradict
Saying the door was open contradicts the claim that it stayed closed.
QUESTION 10 / 10
Which word fits: to express the same meaning in different words?
- Paraphrase
- Summarize
- Concede
- Interrupt
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Paraphrase
A paraphrase changes the wording while keeping the underlying meaning.