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Difficulty: MediumInferring Vocabulary Meaning from Context

During routine inspections of suspension bridges, civil engineers pay close attention to minor cable corrosion that could compromise the integrity of the entire structure. Even negligible rust weakens the tensile strength of individual steel strands over time, gradually undermining the bridge's capacity to withstand high crosswinds and heavy traffic loads. Although slight surface oxidation may appear harmless, letting it progress unchecked will endanger the safety of the roadway.

As used in the passage, what does the word "compromise" most nearly mean?

  1. A
    Settle a dispute through mutual concessions
  2. Weaken or expose to hazardAnswer
  3. C
    Reinforce or strengthen structurally
  4. D
    Examine carefully for defects

Answer

Weaken or expose to hazard
The passage describes how corrosion progressively harms a bridge. Subsequent sentences clarify that rust 'weakens' individual strands, 'undermines' load-bearing ability, and will 'endanger' roadway safety. Therefore, 'compromise' in this context directly means to weaken or expose to hazard.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Locate the target word in the passage and identify its immediate grammatical context.
The target word appears in the phrase: 'minor cable corrosion that could compromise the integrity of the entire structure.'
Understanding how the word operates in the sentence clarifies whether it describes an action by an inspector or a physical consequence of corrosion.
2
Examine the surrounding sentences for contextual clues, explanations, and synonyms.
The following sentences specify that corrosion 'weakens the tensile strength', 'undermin[es] the bridge's capacity', and will 'endanger the safety of the roadway.'
These explanatory phrases define the specific nature of the damage caused by corrosion.
3
Synthesize the clues to determine the contextual meaning and select the matching definition.
'Weaken or expose to hazard' accurately matches the negative, damaging effect described throughout the text.
The correct choice must reflect structural vulnerability rather than interpersonal negotiation or inspection procedures.

Key Concept

Inferring Vocabulary Meaning from Context
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Inferring Vocabulary Meaning from Context

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