The first important clue here is the word "formerly," suggesting that there will be a shift in meaning contrasted with the word "now." The last part of the sentence tells us that the lake was changed in a negative way. Only "pristine" and "adulterated" fit the meaning of the sentence.

You are looking for an adjective that would describe how a pillow might irritate someone’s face and make their flight "vexatious," or unpleasant. "Abrasive" means rough, coarse, or harsh, so is the only answer choice that fits the context of the sentence.

“Aromatic” is similar to “aroma,” except that it refers exclusively to things that smell good. “Savory” has a similar definition. “Acrid” refers to a sharp, unpleasant smell. “Permeate” means to fill or pass through every part. “Acrid . . . permeating” is the correct answer.

The philosopher seems to have expressed his or her theory in some manner. It would also be possible to say that he or she held the opinion. None of the options are about the actual having of the opinion. Therefore, it is better to focus on words pertaining to expressing it.

Now, "divulged" and "promulgated" both have to do with expressing something. Divulging something deals with telling private information, and promulgations usually happen in official affairs (or at least with more fanfare than is indicated in this sentence). Thus, the word "propounded" is the best option, as it means expressed for consideration.

As regards reality being a shadow that will pass away, the word "evanescent" describes something that will fade away in this manner. Something that is "evanescent" is something that will not last for a long period of time.

The first important clue here is the word "formerly," suggesting that there will be a shift in meaning contrasted with the word "now." The last part of the sentence tells us that the lake was changed in a negative way. Only "pristine" and "adulterated" fit the meaning of the sentence.

The smell of the cheese is different from the "perfume of various oils and herbs." This means it is pungent or sharp, the definition of "acrid." It is being hidden or covered, the definition of "obscured," by the herbs and oils.

The words in the blanks must have dissimilar meanings since the two phrases are separated by the word “but.” “Enervated” means drained of energy, so it is dissimilar to “urgent” and, unlike “distracted,” it is a state that is likely to be caused by a monotonous voice.

Note that the first part of the sentence presents us with a double shift, indicated by “though” and “anything but.” Thus, both parts of the sentence are more or less equivalent. “Jaded” means to make weary or dull. “Visceral” refers to an intuitive feeling involving base emotions. To “addle” means to confuse. “Visceral . . . addled” is our answer.

A group of lawmakers would be inclined to block the voting process if they didn’t believe the amendment fixed the real issue. Therefore, “marshaled” and “actuated” can both be eliminated. “Boycotted” means they combined in abstaining from voting. To “address” means to deal with something. “Boycotted . . . addressed” is the correct answer.

Based on the context of these two sentences, we can tell that the individual in question has commited some "base and undignified crime." Furthermore, based on the use of "hard to imagine," we know that, even though he wasn't well-liked, his employees still felt that his actions were surprising. As such, we can reasonably infer that the first blank will involve conveying a sense of surprise or shock, that the second blank will in some way describe the severity of the crime committed, and that the third blank will describe a characteristic that contrasts with "base and undignified."

Given this, "flabbergasted," meaning astonished, and "bewildered," meaning perplexed, both could make sense for the first blank. "Nonplussed," meaning unphased, would clearly not work here. "Chagrined," meaing embarassingly vexed, isn't completely nonsensical, but doesn't quite fit given the context. "Buttressed," meaning supported, also does not work. This narrows our options down to "flabbergasted . . . odious ... highfalutin," or "bewildered . . . insipid . . . prodigious."

Moving to the next blank, we can see that "odious" is a definite possibility, as it means revolting. "Insipid," meaning unimaginative, does not seem to work quite as well. This is confirmed when we examine the final blank, in which "prodigious," meaning impressively large, gives a nonsensical meaning to the sentence. By contrast, "hghfalutin," meaning pompous, fits the context perfectly, and so by process of elimination, we are left with the correct answer: "flabbergasted . . . odious . . . highfalutin."