Review the context clues provided in each sentence below. Which definition accurately matches each bolded vocabulary term?
- The survey team refused to cross the precarious suspension bridge because several support cables were severely frayed and swinging violently in the wind.Insecure, hazardous, and dangerously unstable
- Although the inspector suspected a defect in the hydraulic valve, she collected digital sensor logs to substantiate her report before halting assembly line operations.To verify or prove true with concrete evidence
- Rather than performing an exhaustive safety check, the technician completed only a perfunctory review, briefly glancing at the gauges before signing the certification.Superficial and hurried without careful attention
- The naval research team selected a specialized composite for the hull because it was remarkably resilient, withstanding intense pressure cycles without permanent deformation.Capable of recovering shape and strength after stress
Answer
precarious matches 'Insecure, hazardous, and dangerously unstable'; substantiate matches 'To verify or prove true with concrete evidence'; perfunctory matches 'Superficial and hurried without careful attention'; resilient matches 'Capable of recovering shape and strength after stress'.
Each bolded word is defined by specific context clues in its sentence: 'precarious' is supported by descriptions of frayed cables and violent swinging; 'substantiate' is framed by the need for sensor data to validate a suspicion; 'perfunctory' is directly contrasted with 'exhaustive'; and 'resilient' is defined by the material's ability to resist deformation under high pressure.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Using syntactic, contrast, and cause-effect context clues to determine precise synonym definitions of vocabulary words.
Estimated Time:1m 15s