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Difficulty: MediumWords Commonly Confused and Homonyms

Which words contextually and grammatically complete the blanks in the sentence below?

Answer:While accepting a minor token of appreciation from a long-time acquaintance might be viewed as a 【venial】 oversight by the ethics panel, taking cash gifts to influence contract awards is a blatantly 【venal】 act that warrants immediate dismissal.

Answer

The first blank requires 'venial' (meaning minor, pardonable, or excusable) to describe a slight oversight, while the second blank requires 'venal' (meaning corruptible or open to bribery) to describe the criminal act of taking bribes.
'Venial' means pardonable or excusable (fitting a minor oversight), while 'venal' means corruptible or open to bribery (fitting the act of accepting cash gifts for contracts).

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the first blank in relation to 'minor token of appreciation' and 'oversight'.
The word needed must describe a mistake or fault that is easily forgiven, minor, or excusable.
The adjective 'venial' specifically denotes a minor or pardonable offense.
2
Analyze the context of the second blank in relation to 'taking cash gifts to influence contract awards'.
The word needed must describe an act involving corruption, dishonesty, or susceptibility to bribery.
The adjective 'venal' specifically means showing or motivated by susceptibility to bribery or corruption.

Key Concept

Words Commonly Confused and Homonyms: Venial vs. Venal
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Words Commonly Confused and Homonyms

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