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Difficulty: MediumSecondary Meanings of Common Words

While the lead architect’s proposal for the new civic center received broad praise for its innovative use of green spaces, several committee members felt compelled to qualify their endorsement. They raised concerns regarding the long-term maintenance costs of the elaborate rooftop gardens, pointing out that local municipal budgets were historically volatile. While they supported the aesthetic vision, they insisted that the final approval be contingent upon a detailed financial audit. Thus, their support was not a blank check, but rather a guarded acceptance that depended on future fiscal assurances.

As it is used in the passage, the word 'qualify' most nearly means:

  1. A
    certify
  2. B
    withdraw
  3. limitAnswer
  4. D
    promote

Answer

The word 'qualify' most nearly means 'limit' in this context.
In the context of the passage, the committee members 'raised concerns' and insisted that the final approval be 'contingent upon a detailed financial audit,' indicating they wanted to place conditions or limits on their support. Therefore, 'qualify' most nearly means 'limit.'

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context surrounding the target word in the passage.
The passage notes that although the committee members supported the 'aesthetic vision,' they also 'raised concerns' and 'insisted that the final approval be contingent upon a detailed financial audit.' Their support is described as a 'guarded acceptance' rather than a 'blank check.'
Identifying context clues helps determine the specific tone and meaning intended by the author.
2
Evaluate the definitions of the word 'qualify' to see which fits the context of adding conditions or reservations.
While the primary meaning of 'qualify' relates to being certified or eligible, its secondary meaning is to limit, modify, or restrict an assertion or agreement. The committee's actions of adding conditions to their endorsement align directly with this secondary meaning of limiting or modifying support.
Selecting the meaning that aligns with the context clues ensures correct interpretation of the vocabulary word.

Key Concept

Understanding secondary meanings of common words in context
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Secondary Meanings of Common Words

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