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Question

Difficulty: Very hardWords Commonly Confused and Homonyms

Although the parliamentary committee sought to ________ guidelines for ethical lobbying, civil rights advocates argued that the proposed measures would inadvertently ________ constitutionally protected freedoms. Which pair of words correctly completes the sentence?

  1. A
    proscribe / prescribe
  2. prescribe / proscribeAnswer
  3. C
    prescribe / flout
  4. D
    proscribe / flaunt

Answer

The correct pair is 'prescribe / proscribe'.
The word 'prescribe' means to issue commands, rules, or guidelines officially. In contrast, 'proscribe' means to forbid, outlaw, or condemn. The sentence contrasts the committee's intention to set up ('prescribe') guidelines with the advocates' fear that the measures would outlaw ('proscribe') rights.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the semantic context of the first blank in relation to 'guidelines'.
The verb required must mean to lay down, establish, or authorize rules. 'Prescribe' fits this context, whereas 'proscribe' means to prohibit or outlaw.
Committees establish or 'prescribe' guidelines for conduct.
2
Analyze the semantic context of the second blank in relation to 'constitutionally protected freedoms'.
The verb required must mean to restrict, forbid, or outlaw freedoms. 'Proscribe' accurately expresses the idea of banning or suppressing rights.
Civil rights advocates fear that regulations might improperly ban or 'proscribe' basic rights.

Key Concept

Distinguishing Paronyms: Prescribe vs. Proscribe
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Words Commonly Confused and Homonyms

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