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Difficulty: MediumSecondary and High-Frequency Alternative Meanings

In his treatise on institutional governance, Dr. Aris Thorne contends that rigid procedural rules do not inherently stifle constructive deliberation; rather, when thoughtfully designed, such formal constraints serve to check the erratic impulses of political factions, ensuring that proposed policy shifts are subjected to systematic review.

In the context of the passage, the word "check" most nearly means which of the following?

  1. A
    verify
  2. restrainAnswer
  3. C
    investigate
  4. D
    dismantle
  5. E
    document

Answer

The correct answer is 'restrain', as the author uses the word to mean curbing or holding back erratic political impulses.
In this context, the word functioning as a verb means to curb, hold back, or keep in check. The author states that procedural rules serve to limit the volatile impulses of political factions. Therefore, the choice meaning 'restrain' is the only option that preserves the author's intended logic.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the passage context surrounding the target word.
The target word describes what formal procedural constraints do to 'erratic impulses' so that policy shifts are subjected to systematic review rather than abrupt execution.
Contextual clues like 'constraints' and 'stifle' establish a semantic framework involving limitation and control.
2
Evaluate the primary definition of the target word against the passage context.
The primary meaning ('to verify' or 'to inspect') does not logically describe how constraints affect volatile factional impulses.
Primary definitions frequently serve as distractors in GRE vocabulary-in-context questions.
3
Identify the secondary definition that provides a coherent reading.
The secondary definition ('to hold back, curb, or restrain') fits the structural role of institutional rules moderating volatile behavior.
Substituting 'restrain' maintains the logical argument that rules prevent hasty, unchecked actions.

Key Concept

Secondary Word Meanings in Context
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Secondary and High-Frequency Alternative Meanings

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