Read the short passage excerpt below carefully:
"The local magistrate was famed for his ostentatious displays of generosity, often throwing lavish banquets for wealthy merchants while completely neglecting the impoverished villagers at his gate. His apparent benevolence was merely a calculated façade designed to win favor with the governor, masking a deeply mercenary nature that sought personal gain above all else."
Match each vocabulary word from the passage to its correct contextual meaning.
- ostentatiousShowy and intended to impress others
- benevolenceAn inclination to perform good or charitable acts
- façadeA deceptive outward appearance masking reality
- mercenaryMotivated primarily by financial or personal gain
Answer
'ostentatious' matches 'Showy and intended to impress others'; 'benevolence' matches 'An inclination to perform good or charitable acts'; 'façade' matches 'A deceptive outward appearance masking reality'; 'mercenary' matches 'Motivated primarily by financial or personal gain'.
Each term directly aligns with its contextual meaning within the passage: 'ostentatious' highlights showy displays, 'benevolence' signifies goodwill, 'façade' indicates a deceptive front, and 'mercenary' reflects money-driven self-interest.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Determining Contextual Word Meaning and Vocabulary in Prose