Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumSecondary Meanings and Polysemy

In historical linguistics, researchers note that while lexical innovations emerge rapidly in urban centers, archaic grammatical conventions continue to __________ in isolated mountain enclaves, resisting external stylistic shifts. Which TWO of the following words, when inserted into the blank, produce sentences that are logically coherent and equivalent in meaning?

  1. obtainAnswer
  2. prevailAnswer
  3. C
    procure
  4. D
    solicit
  5. E
    amass

Answer

The correct selections are the words meaning to be customary, established, or widespread ('obtain' and 'prevail').
The sentence describes how ancient grammatical rules continue to exist and remain in force within rural enclaves. The polysemous verb 'obtain' carries a secondary meaning of 'to be prevalent, customary, or in effect' (e.g., 'the custom still obtains'). The verb 'prevail' similarly denotes continuing to exist or being widespread. Together, both words render equivalent, coherent sentences.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze structural clues and sentence tone
The sentence sets up a contrast between rapidly changing urban speech and rural grammatical rules that persist despite external changes.
The blank requires a verb indicating that these old structures continue to exist, hold true, or remain established.
2
Evaluate word choices for secondary definitions
The word 'obtain' has a prominent secondary definition meaning 'to be prevalent, customary, or established' (e.g., 'the rule still obtains'). The word 'prevail' similarly means 'to be widespread or current'.
Both words complete the sentence with complete logical and semantic equivalence.
3
Eliminate distractors based on primary definition traps
Options such as 'procure', 'solicit', and 'amass' rely on the common transactional meaning of gaining or getting items, which fails in this context.
Grammatical conventions cannot actively acquire or gather physical items.

Key Concept

Secondary Meanings of Polysemous Words
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Rate this question

Topics

Secondary Meanings and Polysemy

More questions from this topic