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Difficulty: EasyContextual Word Meaning and Vocabulary in Passages

Read the excerpt below carefully and complete the statement by filling in the blank with the correct contextual meaning of the highlighted word.

Answer:Excerpt: "Despite the tempestuous debate that threatened to divide the assembly, the speaker maintained a placid demeanor throughout the proceedings."

In the excerpt above, the word 'placid' contextually means 【calm】.

Answer

The word 'placid' in this passage contextually means calm or peaceful.
In the passage, the contrast marker 'despite' establishes that the speaker's behavior was opposite to the 'tempestuous' (stormy/turbulent) atmosphere of the debate. Thus, 'placid' contextually signifies being calm, serene, or peaceful.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the contextual clues provided by the preposition 'despite'.
The word 'despite' introduces a contrast between the nature of the debate and the speaker's behavior.
Contrast clues signal that the speaker's demeanor is the opposite of the 'tempestuous' (stormy and violent) debate.
2
Deduce the contextual meaning of 'placid'.
Since the debate was stormy and chaotic, the speaker's opposite demeanor must be tranquil and composed.
Therefore, 'placid' describes an undisturbed state, meaning calm or peaceful.

Key Concept

Contextual Word Meaning and Vocabulary in Passages
Estimated Time:45s
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Contextual Word Meaning and Vocabulary in Passages

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