Question

Difficulty: MediumContext Clues for Synonyms

Because the main runway was blocked by storm debris, the flight controller had to divert incoming aircraft to an alternate airfield. In this sentence, divert most nearly means which of the following?

  1. A
    delay
  2. rerouteAnswer
  3. C
    continue
  4. D
    divide

Answer

The word 'reroute' is the contextual synonym for 'divert'.
The sentence provides a cause-and-effect context clue: because the primary runway is inaccessible, planes must be redirected to an alternate landing site. Therefore, 'reroute' is the exact contextual synonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the target word and analyze the surrounding context.
The target word is 'divert', used in a scenario where a primary runway is blocked and aircraft are directed toward an alternate airfield.
Context clues provide the essential semantic frame for determining the specific meaning intended in the sentence.
2
Analyze the cause-and-effect relationship established by the conjunction 'Because'.
The blockage of the primary landing site forces an action that alters the navigational destination of the aircraft.
Recognizing that the aircraft cannot use the original path indicates that 'divert' describes changing their course.
3
Select the synonym that matches redirecting something along a new course.
'Reroute' precisely means to direct along an alternative route, fitting the sentence seamlessly.
Substituting 'reroute' into the original sentence preserves the exact meaning without altering the syntax or intended message.

Key Concept

Using cause-and-effect context clues to determine the precise contextual synonym
Estimated Time:45s
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