Question

Difficulty: MediumAnalyzing Multiple-Meaning Words

The word "bearing" has multiple distinct meanings depending on the context in which it appears. Match each sentence containing the word "bearing" on the left with its corresponding contextual definition on the right.

  • The mechanic inspected the wheel assembly and replaced a worn bearing to ensure smooth rotation.A machine part that supports moving elements and minimizes rotational friction.
  • After losing visibility in heavy fog, the navigator used a magnetic compass to establish a true bearing toward the harbor.A directional heading or navigational orientation relative to a reference point.
  • During the formal ceremony, the inspecting officer noted the recruit's dignified bearing and disciplined posture.A person's physical posture, demeanor, or outward manner.
  • The intelligence officer explained that recent weather developments had a direct bearing on the tactical decision.A meaningful connection, relevance, or influence on a matter.

Answer

The mechanical wheel sentence matches the friction-reducing machine part definition; the navigational compass sentence matches the directional heading definition; the ceremonial posture sentence matches the personal demeanor definition; and the tactical weather sentence matches the relevance or influence definition.
Each context sentence provides explicit domain clues that specify the intended definition of "bearing". Mechanical rotation indicates a physical friction-reducing part; compass navigation denotes a directional angle; military ceremony and posture indicate physical demeanor; and impact on operational decisions denotes relevance or connection.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context clues in each sentence on the left to identify the specific domain and sense of the word "bearing".
Identified mechanical clues ("wheel assembly", "smooth rotation"), navigational clues ("magnetic compass", "heavy fog"), behavioral clues ("formal ceremony", "posture"), and relational clues ("weather developments", "tactical decision").
Polysemous words require evaluating surrounding semantic and syntactic context to identify the intended meaning.
2
Pair each contextual usage with the matching definition on the right.
Matched the wheel sentence to the machine part, the compass sentence to directional heading, the ceremonial sentence to posture and demeanor, and the decision sentence to relevance and influence.
Matching each term ensures accurate one-to-one contextual alignment across distinct definitions.

Key Concept

Analyzing Multiple-Meaning Words in Context
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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