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Difficulty: MediumSecondary Meanings of Common Words

Although the settlers vowed to observe the traditional customs of their homeland, the harsh realities of the frontier soon forced them to adapt. With scarce resources and unpredictable weather, strict adherence to elaborate social rituals became a luxury they could no longer afford. Within a generation, formal ceremonies were replaced by practical gatherings, and ancestral celebrations were rescheduled to align with the harvest cycle. While the elders lamented the loss of their heritage, the younger generation viewed these adjustments as necessary steps for survival in a demanding environment.

As it is used in the passage, the word *observe* most nearly means:

  1. A
    watch
  2. followAnswer
  3. C
    notice
  4. D
    study

Answer

follow
The correct answer is the option meaning to practice, comply with, or conform to a custom or ritual. In the context of the passage, the settlers vowed to keep or practice their traditional customs. The target word is used in its secondary sense, which is supported by the subsequent reference to 'strict adherence to elaborate social rituals.'

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence containing the target word.
The sentence states that the settlers vowed to 'observe the traditional customs of their homeland' but were forced by harsh realities to adapt.
This establishes that the target word relates to how the settlers interacted with their traditions.
2
Use context clues to determine the meaning of the target word.
The next sentence mentions 'strict adherence to elaborate social rituals,' indicating that the word refers to adhering to, practicing, or keeping these customs.
Connecting the phrase to 'adherence' and 'celebrations' defines the target word's function in the passage.
3
Evaluate the choices to find the best match for 'adhere to' or 'practice'.
The option meaning to practice or conform to a custom is correct, while the primary meaning and other options do not fit the context of practicing traditions.
This identifies the correct choice based on context rather than the word's most common definition.

Key Concept

Secondary Meanings of Common Words
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Secondary Meanings of Common Words

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