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Difficulty: MediumIdioms and Phrasal Expressions in Context

Although early quantum physicists faced immense skepticism, their mathematical proofs gradually gained currency among the wider scientific community. Initial objectors, who clung to classical mechanics, argued that subatomic uncertainty was a temporary theoretical glitch. However, as independent laboratories replicated the anomalous experimental results, the new quantum framework could no longer be dismissed as mere speculation. Within two decades, it became the foundation of modern physics.

As it is used in the first sentence of the passage, what does the phrase 'gained currency' most nearly mean?

  1. A
    accumulated monetary wealth
  2. B
    circulated rapidly as rumor
  3. became widely acceptedAnswer
  4. D
    received financial funding

Answer

became widely accepted
The phrase 'gained currency' is used to describe how the mathematical proofs of quantum physicists were eventually recognized and embraced by the broader scientific community after initial skepticism. Therefore, the phrase most nearly means 'became widely accepted.'

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context surrounding the target phrase 'gained currency' in the first sentence.
The passage notes that despite initial skepticism, the mathematical proofs of quantum physicists 'gradually gained currency among the wider scientific community.'
To identify context clues that signal the meaning of the idiom.
2
Evaluate the subsequent sentences to see how the reception of the proofs changed over time.
The text states that the framework 'could no longer be dismissed as mere speculation' and 'became the foundation of modern physics.'
To confirm whether 'gained currency' refers to the validation and acceptance of the theory.
3
Match this meaning with the provided options, eliminating literal or off-context distractors.
The meaning aligns with 'became widely accepted' while distractors like 'accumulated monetary wealth' or 'received financial funding' are eliminated as literal or irrelevant.
To select the option that accurately reflects the context-dependent meaning.

Key Concept

Idioms and Phrasal Expressions in Context
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Topics

Idioms and Phrasal Expressions in Context

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