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Difficulty: HardSynonym Context Clues

During the pre-deployment inspection, the executive officer was exceptionally punctilious—meticulous in documenting every deviation from naval protocol and exacting in enforcing standard operating procedures.

Based on the context clues provided in the sentence, which of the following is the closest synonym for the word punctilious?

  1. A
    punctual
  2. B
    punitive
  3. meticulousAnswer
  4. D
    careless

Answer

meticulous, meaning showing great attention to detail and precise adherence to standards
The correct choice is 'meticulous' because the sentence uses a dash restatement that explicitly defines 'punctilious' as being 'meticulous in documenting every deviation' and 'exacting in enforcing standard operating procedures.' Both terms convey showing great attention to detail and strictly observing rules or etiquette.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Examine the sentence structure to identify the context clue mechanism.
The target word 'punctilious' is immediately followed by an em dash (—) setting off a clarifying restatement.
Dashes are commonly used in standardized assessment sentences to provide an explicit definition or synonym restatement for a difficult vocabulary word.
2
Extract the explicit synonym clue provided in the restatement clause.
The phrase 'meticulous in documenting every deviation... and exacting in enforcing standard operating procedures' defines the target word.
The parallel adjectives 'meticulous' and 'exacting' directly define the behavior characteristic of someone who is punctilious.
3
Select the option that precisely corresponds to the extracted synonym clue.
The choice 'meticulous' directly matches the contextual definition.
Both words describe extreme care, rigor, and attention to exact rules and details.

Key Concept

Synonym Context Clues via Dash Restatement
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Synonym Context Clues

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