Corrections Officer Entrance (CJBAT) Practice Exam

What is the meaning of the word 'gangly'?

1. Short

2. Lanky

3. Athletic

4. Stocky

The correct answer is: Lanky

The term 'gangly' refers to a person, typically tall and thin and often characterized by awkward movements or a lack of coordination. The choice of 'lanky' aligns closely with this description, as 'lanky' also conveys a sense of being tall and thin with long limbs, sometimes suggesting a certain clumsiness or awkwardness in movement. This is consistent with the imagery associated with 'gangly,' which evokes the idea of someone who is ungracefully tall rather than short, athletic, or stocky. The other options describe different body types: 'short' indicates a lack of height, ‘athletic’ suggests a well-proportioned, fit physique, and ‘stocky’ describes someone who is solidly built and usually shorter. None of these terms accurately capture the essence of being tall and thin, which is central to the meaning of 'gangly.'