Question

Difficulty: MediumWords in Context: High-Utility Vocabulary

Which word completes the text with the most logical and precise meaning?

Answer:In architecture, the term 'brutalism' is often associated with raw, imposing concrete structures that can seem indifferent to their surroundings. However, proponents of the style argue that this aesthetic is not meant to be hostile; rather, it represents a desire for honesty in materials, presenting buildings that do not 【conceal】 their structural elements behind decorative facades.

Answer

conceal (or hide, disguise, mask, obscure)
The passage contrasts the raw aesthetic of Brutalism with decorative facades that hide structural elements. Since Brutalism is described as representing a desire for 'honesty in materials,' the text asserts that these buildings do not hide or cover up their internal structures. Therefore, a word like 'conceal' logically completes the sentence.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the context of the sentence containing the blank.
The sentence states that Brutalism represents a desire for 'honesty in materials' and presents buildings that do not do something to their 'structural elements behind decorative facades.'
Understanding the contrast between the raw concrete aesthetic and decorative facades helps determine the relationship between the structures and their elements.
2
Determine the meaning required for the blank.
Since the style is characterized by raw concrete and a desire for 'honesty,' the buildings would not cover up or hide their structural elements behind facades.
The blank must be filled by a word meaning to hide, mask, or keep from sight, such as 'conceal'.

Key Concept

Identifying a word that fits the logical and precise context of a passage by analyzing surrounding clues.
Rate this question