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Difficulty: EasyContextual Word Meaning and Vocabulary in Passages

Read the passage excerpt below carefully:

"Despite the scorching heat that parched the fields, the old farmer remained unyielding, tending to his withered crops from dawn until dusk with relentless determination."

In the passage above, what is the contextual meaning of the word "unyielding"?

  1. resolute and steadfastAnswer
  2. B
    physically rigid and unbreakable
  3. C
    surrendering easily under pressure
  4. D
    unemotional and cold towards others

Answer

The word "unyielding" contextually means resolute and steadfast.
The correct answer captures the contextual meaning of perseverance and determination implied by the farmer working continuously despite harsh conditions.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context surrounding the target word.
The text describes a farmer working from dawn to dusk despite scorching heat and withered crops with "relentless determination".
Contextual clues reveal the attitude or character of the farmer in the face of hardship.
2
Differentiate between literal dictionary definition and contextual usage.
While "unyielding" literally describes solid objects that do not bend, when applied to a person fighting adversity, it describes perseverance.
Literary passages frequently use descriptive words figuratively to reflect character traits.
3
Select the option that best matches the contextual trait of perseverance.
"Resolute and steadfast" correctly captures the farmer's refusal to give up.
It aligns with the supporting phrase "relentless determination" in the passage.

Key Concept

Contextual Vocabulary Interpretation
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Topics

Contextual Word Meaning and Vocabulary in Passages

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