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Difficulty: Very hardWords Commonly Confused and Homonyms

Although the minister insisted that his failure to disclose the offshore accounts was merely a ________ error, the parliamentary commission declared his covert financial transactions to be deeply ________ and grounds for immediate dismissal. Which pair of words contextually completes the sentence correctly?

  1. venial / exceptionableAnswer
  2. B
    venal / exceptional
  3. C
    venial / exceptional
  4. D
    venal / exceptionable

Answer

The pair 'venial / exceptionable' correctly completes the sentence.
The word 'venial' means pardonable, excusable, or minor, which aligns with the minister's attempt to minimize the fault ('merely a venial error'). The word 'exceptionable' means open to objection, causing disapproval, or unacceptable, which aligns with the commission finding the act severe enough to warrant dismissal.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the first blank
The word 'merely' indicates that the minister is trying to downplay his offense as minor or pardonable.
The adjective needed must mean excusable or minor. 'Venial' refers to a minor or pardonable sin/offense, whereas 'venal' means corrupt or open to bribery.
2
Analyze the context of the second blank
The phrase 'grounds for immediate dismissal' indicates that the commission found the act highly objectionable and worthy of condemnation.
The adjective needed must mean open to objection or causing disapproval. 'Exceptionable' means objectionable, whereas 'exceptional' means unusually good or extraordinary.
3
Combine the evaluated terms
Selecting 'venial' for the first blank and 'exceptionable' for the second blank maintains logical contrast and grammatical precision.
The sentence contrasts the minister's view of a 'venial' (pardonable) mistake with the commission's view of an 'exceptionable' (objectionable) breach.

Key Concept

Distinguishing paronyms and commonly confused words (venial vs. venal, exceptionable vs. exceptional)
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Words Commonly Confused and Homonyms

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