Question

Difficulty: EasySynonym Context Clues

Review the highlighted word in each sentence and use the surrounding synonym context clues to determine its meaning. Which definition correctly matches each bolded term?

  • The technician chose a versatile tool, preferring an adaptable device that handled several different repair jobs.Adaptable
  • The supply unit ordered durable storage cases—sturdy containers designed to survive heavy wear and tear.Sturdy
  • The dispatcher gave a succinct report, offering a brief summary that omitted unnecessary details.Brief
  • Ground personnel remained cautious during fueling, following careful steps to prevent any accidents.Careful

Answer

Versatile matches Adaptable; Durable matches Sturdy; Succinct matches Brief; Cautious matches Careful.
Each sentence provides a direct synonym context clue: 'adaptable' defines 'versatile', 'sturdy' defines 'durable', 'brief' defines 'succinct', and 'careful' defines 'cautious'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Locate the explicit synonym clue for 'versatile' in the first sentence.
The clause 'preferring an adaptable device' links 'versatile' directly to 'adaptable'.
Restatement clues explain the target word by using a familiar synonym.
2
Locate the dash restatement clue for 'durable' in the second sentence.
The dash introduces 'sturdy containers', indicating 'durable' means 'sturdy'.
Punctuation such as dashes often sets off immediate synonym definitions.
3
Locate the clarifying phrase for 'succinct' in the third sentence.
The phrase 'a brief summary' clarifies that 'succinct' means 'brief'.
Appositive noun phrases define the preceding adjective/noun concept.
4
Locate the action-based synonym clue for 'cautious' in the fourth sentence.
The participial phrase 'following careful steps' matches 'cautious' with 'careful'.
Contextual descriptors demonstrate the exact meaning of the condition.

Key Concept

Identifying explicit synonym context clues such as appositives, restatements, and paired descriptions to determine unfamiliar word meanings.
Estimated Time:45s
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