Examkin

Question

Difficulty: HardSecondary Meanings and Polysemy

Although the lead researcher was eager to publish her initial breakthroughs immediately, her senior colleagues insisted that she __________ her assertions until the empirical evidence could be independently replicated. Which of the following words best completes the sentence?

  1. qualifyAnswer
  2. B
    substantiate
  3. C
    retract
  4. D
    celebrate
  5. E
    certify

Answer

The word 'qualify' best completes the sentence, using its secondary definition to mean limiting or adding conditions to a claim.
The context requires a verb that means to limit, modify, or add reservations to a statement. While 'qualify' commonly refers to meeting minimum standards, its secondary definition is to make a statement less strong or clear by adding limitations. This precisely reflects the colleagues' insistence that the claims be moderated pending independent replication.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence structure and logical signals.
The opening concession 'Although' creates a contrast between the researcher's eagerness to trumpet her discovery and her colleagues' cautious stance.
The blank must describe an action that tones down or restricts the initial enthusiasm of the claims.
2
Evaluate the secondary meanings of the vocabulary choices.
'Qualify' has a high-frequency secondary meaning in GRE contexts: to limit, modify, or moderate a statement.
Applying this secondary definition fits the context of adding prudent limitations to unverified scientific claims.

Key Concept

Secondary Meanings of Common Words (Polysemy)
Rate this question

Topics

Secondary Meanings and Polysemy

More questions from this topic