Question

Difficulty: MediumContext Clues for Synonyms

Match each bolded vocabulary term in the operational statements on the left with its precise contextual synonym on the right.

  • The dispatch coordinator requested a succinct briefing rather than a rambling account to save critical response time.Concise
  • Crossing the uncharted mountain pass was an arduous journey that pushed the survey team to physical exhaustion.Strenuous
  • Despite repeated technical setbacks, the specialist remained tenacious, refusing to quit until the communication link was restored.Persistent
  • At sunrise, the coastal waters were completely placid, with undisturbed surface reflections replacing the turbulent storm swells.Tranquil

Answer

The correct pairings are: the sentence containing 'succinct' matches with 'Concise'; the sentence containing 'arduous' matches with 'Strenuous'; the sentence containing 'tenacious' matches with 'Persistent'; and the sentence containing 'placid' matches with 'Tranquil'.
Each target word is paired with its precise synonym based on supporting textual clues: 'succinct' is contrasted with a rambling account (meaning concise), 'arduous' results in physical exhaustion (meaning strenuous), 'tenacious' describes someone who refuses to quit amid setbacks (meaning persistent), and 'placid' describes undisturbed water that replaced turbulent waves (meaning tranquil).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context clues for 'succinct' in the first statement.
The phrase 'rather than a rambling account' provides a direct antonym/contrast clue, revealing that 'succinct' means concise.
Contrast clues highlight the opposite of the target word to establish its meaning.
2
Analyze the context clues for 'arduous' in the second statement.
The consequence of pushing the team to 'physical exhaustion' indicates severe exertion, matching 'strenuous'.
Cause-and-effect and outcome clues show the impact of the described condition.
3
Analyze the context clues for 'tenacious' in the third statement.
The clause 'refusing to quit' despite difficulties directly defines a persistent attitude.
Restatement and behavioral clues clarify character traits in action.
4
Analyze the context clues for 'placid' in the fourth statement.
The visual description 'undisturbed surface reflections' contrasting with 'turbulent storm swells' defines a tranquil state.
Descriptive imagery combined with contrast reveals state-of-being adjectives.

Key Concept

Identifying synonyms through semantic context clues such as contrast, cause-and-effect outcomes, behavioral indicators, and descriptive restatements.
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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