Fun With Words Trivia Quiz

Answer: Run

A run can be a word that means a typical group of people such as in the phrase "the normal run of people" or "the normal run of things." It is somewhat related to the phrase "run of the mill", although in that case the word run means the normal production of something.

Answer: Run

If you go on a run, you are experiencing a series of events. This definition of run is often used to describe successes and failures. For example, a sports team may go on a run of wins or loses.

Answer: Run

This definition of run is often used to describe a persistent motif. For example, a certain trait or talent may run in one's family. That means that the trait appears frequently within the bloodline.

The word run has many different possible etymological origins. It likely comes from the Old English word "runnen", which means to run. In Old Norse, the word rinna not only meant to run, but also to flow, which is likely where the different definitions of the word began to come from.

Answer: Set

Set can mean to make a decision, particularly after much debate. For instance one can set a wedding date or set one's mind to take up some action or cause.

Answer: Set

A set of objects is a collection. Books, dishes and silverware all come in sets. A complete set is a completed collection of items, typically items meant to be collected like cards or figurines.

Answer: Set

One who is set in his or her way is reluctant or resistant to change.

The different definitions of the word set have different origins. The verb set comes from the Old English word "setten", which means to sit. The noun set comes from the Old English word "sette", which means a camp or settlement. Another possible origin is the Latin word secta which means a fraction or a part.

Answer: Go

In this sense "go" is used colloquially. If something goes, it means the object has malfunctioned or stopped working. If one's TV set goes, it means it no longer works. If one's roof goes, that means it collapsed after a period of weakening.

Answer: Go

Go is a board game that originated in China and is considered the oldest board game in history. It is played on a gridded wooden board with black and white pieces called stones.

Answer: Go

As a noun, "go" can mean a success. If one has made a "go" of something, one has succeeded in that endeavor. Typically, a go is a profitable business endeavor.

Go comes from the Middle English word "goon", which means to leave. The past tense of go, went, actually derives from a different word, the Old English "yode" meaning to depart.

Answer: Take

To take sides with someone means one has aligned his or her reasoning with that person. This can be something as small as a minor argument or as big as a large-scale war.

Answer: Take

To take something can mean to physically grab something, but it can also mean the opposite: to receive something. One can take a bribe or a phone call that is given to one. In this case, the person receiving the item is often doing so reluctantly.

Answer: Take

A take in something is a share in something. If you have a take in an investment, part of that investment is yours and you will share in the profits or losses according to your share percentage.

Take comes from the Old English word "taken", which means to grasp. Another possible origin is the Proto-German word "tekana", which means to touch.

Answer: Stand

Stand can mean to be in a position for something and not necessarily physically so. If one is standing to benefit for something, they are in a position to gain. The phrase "it stands to reason" also uses this definition of stand.

Answer: Stand

A stand can be an open stall. Typically, stands sell products outside of that business's normal location. Businesses often set up stands at fairgrounds, festivals and on street corners.

Answer: Stand

Stand can mean to be upright and erect but it can also mean to remain in place. While people and other living things can move to stand rather than assuming another posture, inanimate objects can also stand. For example, a clock can stand on a tabletop.

The verb to stand comes from the Middle English "stonden", which means to remain in place. This may also be the origin of the noun stand, but that could also stem from the Danish word "stande", which is a type of booth.