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Context Clues for Synonyms

63 questions

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Question 61Question →

Review the context clues provided in each sentence below. Which definition accurately matches each bolded vocabulary term?

Click a left item, then click its matching right item

Items

The survey team refused to cross the precarious suspension bridge because several support cables were severely frayed and swinging violently in the wind.
Although the inspector suspected a defect in the hydraulic valve, she collected digital sensor logs to substantiate her report before halting assembly line operations.
Rather than performing an exhaustive safety check, the technician completed only a perfunctory review, briefly glancing at the gauges before signing the certification.
The naval research team selected a specialized composite for the hull because it was remarkably resilient, withstanding intense pressure cycles without permanent deformation.

Matches

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Answer

precarious matches 'Insecure, hazardous, and dangerously unstable'; substantiate matches 'To verify or prove true with concrete evidence'; perfunctory matches 'Superficial and hurried without careful attention'; resilient matches 'Capable of recovering shape and strength after stress'.
Each bolded word is defined by specific context clues in its sentence: 'precarious' is supported by descriptions of frayed cables and violent swinging; 'substantiate' is framed by the need for sensor data to validate a suspicion; 'perfunctory' is directly contrasted with 'exhaustive'; and 'resilient' is defined by the material's ability to resist deformation under high pressure.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context clues for 'precarious' in the bridge sentence.
The clues 'severely frayed' and 'swinging violently' describe physical danger and instability.
Descriptive context signals hazardous conditions.
2
Analyze the context clues for 'substantiate' in the inspection sentence.
The clause 'collected digital sensor logs... before halting assembly' indicates proving an initial suspicion with data.
Contrast between suspicion and concrete proof points to verification.
3
Analyze the context clues for 'perfunctory' in the maintenance sentence.
The contrast 'Rather than performing an exhaustive safety check' paired with 'briefly glancing' signals a surface-level, rushed action.
Antonym/contrast framing indicates the opposite of thorough.
4
Analyze the context clues for 'resilient' in the hull material sentence.
The phrase 'withstanding intense pressure cycles without permanent deformation' describes toughness and elasticity under stress.
Direct explanatory outcome clarifies material properties.

Key Concept

Using syntactic, contrast, and cause-effect context clues to determine precise synonym definitions of vocabulary words.
Estimated Time:1m 15s
Question 62Question →

Instead of offering vague reassurances during the system outage, the network administrator chose to be completely candid about the severity of the malfunction. In this sentence, the word candid most nearly means which of the following?

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Answer: straightforward

Answer

The word 'candid' most nearly means 'straightforward'.
In this sentence, the introductory phrase 'Instead of offering vague reassurances' sets up a clear contrast between ambiguous, evasive language and open, truthful disclosure. Therefore, 'candid' means frank and honest, making 'straightforward' the correct contextual synonym.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence structure and identify the target word.
The target word is 'candid', used as a predicate adjective to describe how the network administrator communicated regarding the outage.
Understanding the grammatical role of the target word helps locate the key modifiers and relationships in the sentence.
2
Examine the surrounding context clues and transition markers.
The opening dependent clause 'Instead of offering vague reassurances' introduces a direct contrast clue, indicating that the administrator's approach was the opposite of vague, ambiguous, or misleading.
Contrast signal words like 'Instead of' establish that the target word possesses a meaning opposite to the stated alternative.
3
Match the deduced meaning of openness and honesty to the closest synonym among the choices.
'Straightforward' directly conveys the meaning of being open, honest, and direct.
A person who is candid speaks plainly and truthfully without concealing the facts.

Key Concept

Using contrast context clues to determine the precise contextual synonym of a word.
Estimated Time:45s
Question 63Question →

Rather than pursuing idealistic theories that were unproven in field trials, the senior engineer took a pragmatic approach to redesigning the hydraulic valve.

In this sentence, the word pragmatic most nearly means which of the following?

Show answer & explanation

Answer: practical

Answer

practical
The correct answer is 'practical'. The sentence sets up a clear contrast using the introductory phrase 'Rather than pursuing idealistic theories...', which indicates that the engineer chose an approach grounded in realistic execution and tangible results rather than abstract conjecture.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence structure and identify contextual transition markers
The phrase 'Rather than pursuing idealistic theories' acts as a direct contrast clue.
Contrast clues signal that the target word possesses a meaning opposite to the concept being rejected.
2
Determine the meaning of the contrasting concept and deduce the target word's definition
The opposite of 'idealistic theories that were unproven' is a realistic, results-oriented, and applied strategy.
An engineer adopting an approach in direct opposition to abstract theory is choosing a functional, practical method.
3
Match the deduced meaning with the most precise synonym among the choices
The word 'practical' accurately captures the definition of 'pragmatic' as used in the sentence.
Both words describe dealing with things sensibly and realistically based on practical considerations rather than theoretical ones.

Key Concept

Identifying contrast clues to determine contextual synonyms
Estimated Time:45s
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