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Question

Difficulty: MediumWords Commonly Confused and Homonyms

Which words correctly complete the sentence below in the appropriate blanks?

Answer:Although the board of directors was not 【averse】 to adopting innovative strategies, they voted to postpone the expansion plans owing to 【adverse】 market conditions.

Answer

The first blank requires 'averse' (meaning disinclined or opposed to) and the second blank requires 'adverse' (meaning unfavorable or harmful).
The word 'averse' correctly expresses that the board members were not opposed or reluctant to innovate, while 'adverse' correctly describes the unfavorable or hostile economic conditions that forced them to delay their plans.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the context for the first blank following the phrase 'was not... to'.
The blank describes an attitude or inclination of the board toward an action, requiring the adjective 'averse'.
'Averse' means having a strong disinclination, reluctance, or opposition, and is typically followed by the preposition 'to'.
2
Determine the context for the second blank modifying 'market conditions'.
The blank describes unfavorable or hostile external conditions that hindered expansion, requiring 'adverse'.
'Adverse' means acting against or opposing one's interests, harmful, or unfavorable, and is used to modify inanimate situations or conditions.

Key Concept

Distinguishing between commonly confused paronyms 'averse' and 'adverse'
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Topics

Words Commonly Confused and Homonyms

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