Read the passage excerpt below carefully:
'The board's decision to shelve the proposed expansion plan was met with mixed reactions. While critics claimed the executive committee attempted to gloss over significant fiscal deficits, proponents maintained that the delay would precipitate a much-needed audit of operational expenditure and ultimately sanction prudent asset management.'
Based on the context of the passage, match each bolded word on the left with its precise contextual meaning on the right.
- shelveDefer or put aside from immediate consideration
- glossOffer a superficial explanation to minimize seriousness
- precipitateInstigate or hasten the occurrence of
- sanctionGrant formal authorization or explicit approval for
Answer
Each bolded word matches its precise contextual meaning: 'shelve' matches 'Defer or put aside from immediate consideration'; 'gloss' matches 'Offer a superficial explanation to minimize seriousness'; 'precipitate' matches 'Instigate or hasten the occurrence of'; and 'sanction' matches 'Grant formal authorization or explicit approval for'.
Each contextual pairing is determined by the tone and subject matter of the passage: 'shelve' means setting aside plans; 'gloss' means downplaying deficits deceptively; 'precipitate' means triggering an audit quickly; and 'sanction' means formally endorsing sound governance.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Contextual Word Meaning and Contronym Resolution in Formal Prose