Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumSecondary and High-Frequency Alternative Meanings

In her treatise on nineteenth-century jurisprudence, legal scholar Elena Rostova observes that although formal statutory codes were enacted to centralize judicial authority, informal customary arbitration continued to obtain in provincial courts well into the modern era.

In the context of the passage, which of the following words is closest in meaning to 'obtain'?

  1. prevailAnswer
  2. B
    acquire
  3. C
    deteriorate
  4. D
    transform
  5. E
    originate

Answer

prevail
The word 'obtain' is used in its intransitive secondary sense meaning to be established, accepted, or in customary practice ('to prevail'). The sentence indicates that despite new statutory codes, informal arbitration continued to exist and remain active ('obtain') in provincial courts.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence structure and contextual transition signals.
The clause begins with 'although formal statutory codes were enacted...', signaling a contrast between formal centralization efforts and the persistence of informal customary arbitration.
Understanding the structural contrast illuminates the function of the target word in the sentence.
2
Evaluate the secondary definition of 'obtain' required by the passage context.
In formal and academic contexts, 'obtain' frequently functions as an intransitive verb meaning to be prevalent, customary, or in effect (e.g., 'the rule still obtains').
The standard definition of 'obtain' (to acquire) creates an ungrammatical and illogical sentence in this context.
3
Match the contextual definition with the option choices.
'Prevail' means to exist widely or be current, perfectly matching the contextual meaning of 'obtain'.
Selecting the synonym that retains the semantic integrity of the passage.

Key Concept

Secondary Meanings of High-Frequency Words
Rate this question

Topics

Secondary and High-Frequency Alternative Meanings

More questions from this topic