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Question

Difficulty: MediumAntonym Context Clues

Despite the lead technician's expectation of an unbreakable mechanical bond, the temporary clamp created only a tenuous connection between the fuel lines. What is the meaning of the underlined word tenuous as used in this sentence?

  1. A
    durable and firm
  2. slight and fragileAnswer
  3. C
    hazardous and toxic
  4. D
    tenacious and sticky

Answer

The correct definition of 'tenuous' in this context is slight and fragile.
The sentence uses the contrast marker 'Despite' to show a contradiction between the expected 'unbreakable' bond and the actual 'tenuous' connection. The opposite of unbreakable is weak or delicate, making 'slight and fragile' the correct contextual definition.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the contrast signal and context clue within the sentence.
The preposition 'Despite' indicates an oppositional relationship between the expected 'unbreakable mechanical bond' and the resulting 'tenuous connection'.
Contrast signal words establish that the target word has a meaning opposite to the descriptive phrase provided.
2
Deduce the opposite meaning of the clue and select the matching definition.
The opposite of 'unbreakable' is weak, thin, or easily severed, which precisely matches 'slight and fragile'.
Applying antonym deduction resolves the contextual definition of 'tenuous'.

Key Concept

Using contrast context clues to determine the meaning of an unknown word
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Antonym Context Clues

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