Read the passage excerpt below carefully and match each highlighted word with its precise contextual meaning as used in the text:
"The committee's trenchant report exposed systemic flaws that previous audits had overlooked. However, critics dismissed several key anecdotes as apocryphal, claiming they lacked verifiable documentation. Despite the chairman's mercurial leadership style, which frequently disrupted committee deliberations, the members avoided making a precipitate judgment on the proposed reforms."
Which contextual meaning correctly corresponds to each highlighted word?
- trenchantIncisive, sharp, and vigorously effective in analysis
- apocryphalOf doubtful authenticity or questionable veracity
- mercurialSubject to sudden, unpredictable shifts in temper or mood
- precipitateHasty, rash, and undertaken without due deliberation
Answer
The word 'trenchant' corresponds to 'Incisive, sharp, and vigorously effective in analysis'; 'apocryphal' corresponds to 'Of doubtful authenticity or questionable veracity'; 'mercurial' corresponds to 'Subject to sudden, unpredictable shifts in temper or mood'; and 'precipitate' corresponds to 'Hasty, rash, and undertaken without due deliberation'.
Each word is matched based on explicit structural and semantic clues in the text: 'trenchant' signifies incisive and effective analysis; 'apocryphal' signifies spurious or unverified authenticity; 'mercurial' signifies volatile and unpredictable behavior; and 'precipitate' signifies a hasty or rash action.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Vocabulary and Word Meaning in Context