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Question

Difficulty: MediumSynonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning

During the tense labor dispute, the mediator attempted to mollify the aggrieved workers before the union called for an immediate strike. Which word is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as used in the sentence?

  1. appeaseAnswer
  2. B
    exasperate
  3. C
    interrogate
  4. D
    coerce

Answer

The word nearest in meaning to 'mollify' in this context is 'appease'.
In the given sentence, the mediator seeks to pacify or soften the anger of aggrieved workers. The word 'appease' means to bring peace or satisfy grievances, making it the option nearest in meaning to 'mollify'.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the target word in context
The target word is 'mollify', positioned in a scenario where a mediator seeks to calm 'aggrieved workers' to prevent a strike.
Contextual analysis helps determine the exact denotation and connotation required.
2
Identify the core meaning of the target word
'Mollify' derives from Latin roots meaning soft, translated in modern usage as pacifying, soothing, or reducing anger.
Connecting root meaning to the sentence context eliminates unrelated actions like questioning or forcing.
3
Evaluate the options against the target meaning
'Appease' means to pacify or satisfy an aggrieved party, matching 'mollify' precisely.
Only 'appease' functions as a contextual synonym without altering the intended meaning.

Key Concept

Contextual Synonymy
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Topics

Synonyms and Words Nearest in Meaning

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