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Question

Difficulty: HardAntonym Context Clues

While the seismic monitoring array near the primary fault recorded frenetic and violent subterranean shifts, the instruments along the secondary ridge remained remarkably quiescent. In this context, what is the meaning of the underlined word?

  1. A
    turbulent and highly agitated
  2. B
    inquisitive and questioning
  3. inactive and dormantAnswer
  4. D
    permanently destroyed and lifeless

Answer

inactive and dormant
The correct answer accurately defines 'quiescent' as inactive and dormant. The contrast conjunction 'while' contrasts the frenetic and violent activity recorded at the primary fault with the tranquil, motionless state of the instruments on the secondary ridge.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the contrast indicator and opposing clue in the sentence.
The subordinating conjunction 'while' establishes a direct contrast between the primary fault's 'frenetic and violent' activity and the secondary ridge.
Recognizing the contrast marker confirms that the target word must have a meaning opposite to frantic movement.
2
Determine the antonym of the descriptive clue to infer the definition of 'quiescent'.
The opposite of turbulent, frenetic, and violent activity is stillness, calm, or dormancy.
Antonym context clues allow the reader to deduce the meaning of an unfamiliar term by reversing the meaning of the provided clue.
3
Select the option that corresponds to a state of stillness or dormancy.
'Inactive and dormant' matches the deduced meaning.
'Quiescent' specifically denotes a state of temporary inactivity or dormancy.

Key Concept

Using contrast transition words like 'while' to deduce the meaning of an unknown target word from an explicit antonym clue.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Antonym Context Clues

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