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Question

Difficulty: MediumFigurative Use of Language and Connotations

Read the sentence below carefully:

'When asked about the sudden budget shortfall, the financial director offered a watered-down explanation that left the board members unconvinced.'

Which of the following best captures the connotative meaning of the phrase 'watered-down' as used in the sentence?

  1. Diluted in clarity and detail to diminish its severityAnswer
  2. B
    Physically saturated or mixed with liquid
  3. C
    Fabricated through illegal and fraudulent accounting
  4. D
    Exceptionally thorough and detailed

Answer

Diluted in clarity and detail to diminish its severity
The phrase 'watered-down' is used figuratively to describe a statement or report that has been weakened, censored, or stripped of its strong points to make it less harsh or less revealing. In the given context, it conveys that the explanation was softened to minimize the severity of the financial deficit.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the sentence context
The financial director presents an explanation regarding a budget deficit that fails to satisfy the board.
Understanding the surrounding scenario helps establish whether the modifier is literal or figurative.
2
Evaluate the figurative connotation of 'watered-down'
Applied to speech or reports, 'watered-down' connotes reducing forcefulness, precision, or severity by omitting critical facts.
The expression draws an analogy from diluting liquids to describe weakening the impact of language.

Key Concept

Figurative Use of Language and Connotations
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Topics

Figurative Use of Language and Connotations

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