The word “gusto” is perhaps a bit informal; however, it is regularly used in speech and even somewhat formal writing. Often, you will see it expressed in some form similar to, “Since he greatly loved his work, John performed it with gusto, always ready to take on a new task.” In such contexts, the word means “enthusiasm,” “readiness,” or even “enjoyment.”   It is related to the Latin for “taste,” which can be found in “gustatory” as well as “digest.” If someone “has a taste” for something, he or she likely has a great love for it and does it with much enthusiasm.

The word “precinct” comes from the Latin for “to encircle.” A “cincture” is a type of belt, though the term is rarely used any more (except among Benedictine monks, who still call their belts “cinctures”). Since the borders of a given section of land can be said to “encircle” that area, that area is at times called a “precinct.” You will often hear talk of “precincts” during elections, signifying the areas in which votes are collected.

The word ingredient is not limited in usage to food. Actually, the “-gredient” in the word is related to the Latin word for step, found in words like “grade” and “gradual” in English. In a general sense, the word “ingredient” means “something stepping or, more appropriately, going into a larger whole.” Just as in chemistry the “elements” are (at least from a certain aspect) the smallest “building blocks” of larger compounds, likewise can “ingredients” be considered the elements of the things that they constitute.

Do not be tricked by the relationship between the words “nebula” and “nebulous.” The word “nebula” comes form the Latin for “mist.” These astronomical bodies appear like “mist” in the heavens because they are diffuse matter. When something is “nebulous” it is like mist in the sense that it is hazy or indistinct. When related to someone making an argument, it means that the argument is vague and not direct.

The word “veridical” is related to “verify,” which means “to confirm the truth of something.” The “ver-” root is taken from the Latin for “truth.” The second half of the word “veridical” comes from the word for “to say or speak.” It can be found in English words like “dictate” and “diction.” To be “veridical” is to speak the truth or to be truthful.

The word “docile” comes from a number of Latin words related to the notion of teaching. In English, we can find words like “docent” (a guide or lower level university teacher), “doctor,” and “doctrine.” If someone is “docile,” he or she is “able to be taught.” Such a person is likely submissive to one instructing him or her. This is the most general usage of the word. Consider a sentence like: “It is always a joy to have a room full of docile students who gladly receive your instruction instead of fighting you every step of the way.”

The word “gregarious” might have a number of “positive” connotations for you. Above all, it is means “friendly” and, even more, “liking being around others.” It comes from Latin for “flock” (as in “flock of sheep”). It is likewise related to words for “gathering together” like “aggregate,” “congregate,” and “segregate.” Among the options given for this question, “sociable” best expresses the sense of liking the company of others.

The word “vivacious” is derived from a number of Latin terms related to “life.” Think of the words “survive” and “revive.” Both have to do with living—either continuing to live or coming back to life. In a sense, the word “vivacious” could be said to mean “lively.” Often, it is used to speak of woman’s temperament that is both lively and attractive. However, it can be used more generally and thus can mean buoyant, cheerful, active, animated, and so forth .

The word “perennial,” literally means “through the year.” Often, it is used to name flowers that last multiple seasons—they live from season to season (even if not in flower). The “-ennial” portion of the word is related to “annual” as found in (for instance) “biennial,” meaning “taking place once every two years.” The best option among the proposed answers is “enduring,” for the word “perennial” is regularly used in this wide sense as opposed to “passing” or “fleeting.”

Do not be tempted by the “odor” words that are presented as options for “odious.” The base word for “odious” is really “hateful,” not “smelly” (or something of the like). The best option is “repugnant,” for while that word might be used to describe something that is physically disgusting, it can likewise mean merely “very distasteful.” The word “repugnant” comes from Latin roots related to the notion of fighting or “boxing.” A “pugilist” is a boxer. Something “repugnant” is something “resisting” one’s sensibilities (like a boxer—metaphorically speaking, of course).