Read each sentence below and analyze the surrounding context clues. Match each bolded word from the left column to its correct contextual meaning in the right column.
- Rather than relying on untested theoretical ideas, the senior technician implemented a pragmatic diagnostic plan focused entirely on proven field methods.Practical and focused on real-world application rather than theory
- Heavy rainfall had washed away the foundation beneath the retaining wall, leaving the heavy generator in a precarious position near the ledge.Unstable, insecure, and dangerously positioned
- To handle the sudden surge in logistics requests during the operation, the supply division had to augment its transport fleet with commercial vehicles.To increase, enlarge, or supplement existing resources
- During high-traffic flight operations, the tower controller issued terse directives, cutting out all unnecessary chatter to keep the radio clear.Brief, concise, and stripped of excess words
Answer
The sentence with 'pragmatic' matches 'Practical and focused on real-world application rather than theory'; the sentence with 'precarious' matches 'Unstable, insecure, and dangerously positioned'; the sentence with 'augment' matches 'To increase, enlarge, or supplement existing resources'; and the sentence with 'terse' matches 'Brief, concise, and stripped of excess words'.
Each pairing is determined by explicit clues in the sentences: 'pragmatic' contrasts directly with 'theoretical ideas'; 'precarious' is supported by 'washed away foundation' and 'near the ledge'; 'augment' is demonstrated by adding commercial vehicles during a surge; and 'terse' is defined by 'cutting out all unnecessary chatter'.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Deducing vocabulary definitions using contextual contrast, cause-and-effect, and descriptive cues