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Difficulty: MediumSynonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning

Fill in the blank with a single word that is nearest in meaning to the word pernicious to complete the sentence meaningfully.

Answer:The unchecked spread of unverified rumors had a 【harmful】 effect on social cohesion and public trust.

Answer

harmful (or destructive, deleterious, damaging, ruinous)
The term 'pernicious' means causing great harm or damage, especially in a gradual or insidious way. In the given sentence, describing the negative impact of rumors on public trust, 'harmful' or 'destructive' serves as the word nearest in meaning.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the definition of the target word 'pernicious' in the context of the sentence.
The word 'pernicious' refers to something that causes grave harm, ruin, or destruction, often in a subtle or gradual manner.
Identifying the core meaning of the vocabulary term in context is essential for selecting an accurate synonym.
2
Determine a contextually appropriate synonym to fill the blank.
The word 'harmful' or 'destructive' directly fits the sentence, expressing how rumors erode social trust.
The sentence requires an adjective describing an injurious impact on social cohesion.

Key Concept

Identifying synonyms and contextual word meanings
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Topics

Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning

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