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Difficulty: MediumWords Commonly Confused and Homonyms

Despite facing __________ market conditions during the economic recession, the board members were not __________ to taking calculated risks to expand their enterprise into international markets.

Which option correctly fills the gaps in the sentence above?

  1. adverse / averseAnswer
  2. B
    averse / adverse
  3. C
    adverse / adverse
  4. D
    averse / averse

Answer

The correct option is 'adverse / averse'.
The option containing 'adverse / averse' is correct because 'adverse' accurately describes unfavorable or hostile market conditions, while 'averse' correctly expresses the board members' disinclination or reluctance when paired with 'to'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the first blank: 'Despite facing __________ market conditions...'
The word needed must describe unfavorable, hostile, or harmful conditions. 'Adverse' is an adjective meaning unfavorable or detrimental.
Economic conditions that are difficult or hostile are accurately termed 'adverse conditions'.
2
Analyze the context of the second blank: '...the board members were not __________ to taking calculated risks...'
The word needed must express reluctance or opposition, taking the preposition 'to'. 'Averse' means having a strong feeling of opposition or disinclination.
The expression 'averse to' standardly indicates an unwillingness or disinclination toward an action.

Key Concept

Distinction between the paronyms 'adverse' (unfavorable/harmful) and 'averse' (reluctant/opposed)
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Topics

Words Commonly Confused and Homonyms

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