Exercises B2 : use Nuances of meaning in English (answers)

These exercises are designed to help you explore subtle differences in meaning in English. Put your B2 vocabulary skills to the test and learn to choose the right word in every context.

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Exercice 1 — Spot the Nuance

Choose the word or phrase that best fits the meaning of the sentence. Only one answer is correct.

1. She didn't say she agreed, but her smile seemed to ___ that she did.
2. The new policy will ___ all employees, regardless of their department.
3. He was ___ about the outcome, meaning he neither supported nor opposed it.
4. The journalist chose to ___ the controversial details rather than publish them openly.

Correction

1. She didn't say she agreed, but her smile seemed to imply that she did.
2. The new policy will affect all employees, regardless of their department.
3. He was indifferent about the outcome, meaning he neither supported nor opposed it.
4. The journalist chose to allude to the controversial details rather than publish them openly.

Exercice 2 — Match the Meaning

Match each word on the left with the phrase on the right that best captures its precise meaning.

1. curious
2. nosy
3. slim
4. skinny

Correction

1. Eager to know or learn something new.
2. Showing too much interest in other people's private affairs.
3. Attractively thin or small in a way that suggests elegance.
4. Unpleasantly or unhealthily thin, with little flesh on the bones.

Exercice 3 — Precision in Context

Complete each sentence with the most precise word or expression. Write the full corrected sentence as your answer.

1. I didn't ___ to upset you — it was a complete accident. (mean / hope / wish)
2. The two words look similar, but they carry very different ___. (connotations / pronunciations / spellings)
3. She was ___ with her praise, giving only a brief nod instead of a real compliment. (sparing / generous / lavish)
4. He tends to ___ the truth when he knows the facts might cause conflict. (bend / break / ignore)

Correction

1. I didn't mean to upset you — it was a complete accident.
2. The two words look similar, but they carry very different connotations.
3. She was sparing with her praise, giving only a brief nod instead of a real compliment.
4. He tends to bend the truth when he knows the facts might cause conflict.