Finding the Meaning of Words in Context Quiz

In many African cultures, the African Elephant is a revered animal symbolizing strength and power. Praised for its longevity throughout history despite facing difficult obstacles, it is considered to be the largest terrestrial animal in the world. Despite its favorable reputation, this species has long been at risk of becoming extinct for many reasons, including but not limited to illegal poaching and habitat loss. With only 400,000 specimens surviving across the continent, conservationists are taking extra precautions when it comes to preserving these wild animals. However, they have recently been confronted with an unprecedented situation resulting in a loss of nearly 400 elephants without any known cause.

What is the meaning of the word “revered” as it is used in the paragraph?

Greatly respected or honored

In many African cultures, the African Elephant is a revered animal symbolizing strength and power. Praised for its longevity throughout history despite facing difficult obstacles, it is considered to be the largest terrestrial animal in the world. Despite its favorable reputation, this species has long been at risk of becoming extinct for many reasons, including but not limited to illegal poaching and habitat loss. With only 400,000 specimens surviving across the continent, conservationists are taking extra precautions when it comes to preserving these wild animals. However, they have recently been confronted with an unprecedented situation resulting in a loss of nearly 400 elephants without any known cause.

Which of the following is a synonym for the word “specimens” as it is used in the paragraph?

Samples

When conservationists working in Botswana arrived in the Okavango Delta, they noticed something that they had never seen before. Through their exploration of the area, they quickly came into contact with nearly 200 dead elephants, a number that soared to over 350 in just a few short days. According to the lead conservationist of a local park rescue service, the most disturbing detail was the unknown cause of death. Since this discovery, researchers have been looking into possible explanations, and have created a few theories that seek to explain the strange phenomenon that could eliminate the entire species forever.

Which word would best replace the word “theories” as it is used in the paragraph?

Presumptions

The first theory examined weather patterns in Botswana. Environmentalists looked into the possibility of droughts in the country, since they are the leading cause of mass deaths similar to this case. However, they were unable to confirm any recent periods of drought. In fact, the elephants did not seem to have problems accessing water or getting specific nutrients. Secondly, conservationists verified that all of the elephants contained their ivory tusks as well as all of their molars at the time of death and afterwards, eliminating any chance that poachers had something to do with the events. Although some experts initially considered that poachers may have poisoned the elephants, this theory was not plausible since other types of animals in the vicinity would have also met their deaths. However, scientists hypothesize that while a commercial poison can be ruled out as the cause, natural poisons may have something to do with the occurrence.

Which of the following is a synonym of the word “drought” as it is used in the paragraph?

Dryness

The first theory examined weather patterns in Botswana. Environmentalists looked into the possibility of droughts in the country, since they are the leading cause of mass deaths similar to this case. However, they were unable to confirm any recent periods of drought. In fact, the elephants did not seem to have problems accessing water or getting specific nutrients. Secondly, conservationists verified that all of the elephants contained their ivory tusks as well as all of their molars at the time of death and afterwards, eliminating any chance that poachers had something to do with the events. Although some experts initially considered that poachers may have poisoned the elephants, this theory was not plausible since other types of animals in the vicinity would have also met their deaths. However, scientists hypothesize that while a commercial poison can be ruled out as the cause, natural poisons may have something to do with the occurrence.

What is the meaning of the word “plausible” as it is used in the paragraph?

Believable

Based on past evidence, leading experts believe that naturally-developing anthrax poisoning may be involved, due to the symptoms elephants experienced prior to their deaths. Most elephants seemed to wander in a circle before collapsing on the ground, which has led scientists to consider the possibility of an unknown pathology attacking their central nervous system. Although a natural poison found in nearby vegetation could be the answer, it is also possible that the elephants came into contact with an unknown virus or bacteria. In any case, scientists must wait for the completed autopsies before ruling out any other ideas. However, they have already started preparing preventative measures in order to protect the endangered African Elephants from another mysterious disaster.

Which word would best replace the word “prior” as it is used in the paragraph?

Leading

Despite the popularity of the common phrase, “Money can’t buy happiness”, scientists are prepared to disprove this idea with data. After testing the impacts of an alternative form of welfare on unemployed citizens, scientists have recently analyzed preliminary results of a popular two-year experiment held in Finland. They seek to explore whether a fixed minimum earning system could affect the satisfaction and happiness of unemployed citizens along with decreasing unemployment rates. The results may determine how the country – and others – move forward when it comes to universal social security systems.

What is the meaning of the word “universal” as it is used in the paragraph?

Consistent for all in a collective group

The study ran for a twenty-four month period from 2017 to 2018 and involved two distinct groups of unemployed participants aged between twenty-five and fifty-eight years old. The control group received the country’s standard unemployment benefit with restrictions on how they could spend the money, in that they could only use it to benefit housing, food, health care, or integration within the community. The other group, however, received a monthly minimum income of roughly €550, which would pay for nearly half of a month’s rent in Helsinki, the country’s capital city. An important facet of the study involved the fact that the monthly stipend was administered even if the participants were not actively looking for employment.

Which of the following is a synonym for the word “stipend” as it is used in the paragraph?

Payment

At the end of the program, participants from both the control and experimental groups answered questions regarding their satisfaction with the program and their overall happiness levels. Moreover, they also provided information on their health and current employment situations. In addition to reporting “excellent” or “good” health, over half of the beneficiariesin the control group had a greater confidence in the government and its future situation. Despite the emotional satisfaction, however, their unemployment levels had stayed the same throughout the twenty-four month experiment. In short, participants were happier, but not busier with outside employment commitments, nor were they any closer to sustainingthemselves without government assistance.

Which word would best replace the word “beneficiaries” as it is used in the paragraph?

Recipients

At the end of the program, participants from both the control and experimental groups answered questions regarding their satisfaction with the program and their overall happiness levels. Moreover, they also provided information on their health and current employment situations. In addition to reporting “excellent” or “good” health, over half of the beneficiariesin the control group had a greater confidence in the government and its future situation. Despite the emotional satisfaction, however, their unemployment levels had stayed the same throughout the twenty-four month experiment. In short, participants were happier, but not busier with outside employment commitments, nor were they any closer to sustainingthemselves without government assistance.

What is the meaning of the word “sustaining” as it is used in the paragraph?

Supporting

The study is considered to be one of the longest and most comprehensive government experiments that looks into the possibility of guaranteeing decent living standards for the unemployed community. However, most sociologists had hypothesized contrary results, and were quite surprised to find that unemployment rates remained unchanged despite a fixed monthly income. Not only has the government of Finland decided to reevaluate its unemployment programs, but countries in the greater European community are using these results to reflect on their own social security programs. While it is generally believed that maintaining emotional well-being is important, most governments would prefer to implement unemployment programs that foster one’s re-entry into the job market. Regardless, most agree that this study has rendered priceless results when it comes to money, happiness, and the job market.

Which of the following can replace the word “contrary” as it is used in the paragraph?

Contrasting

Under the sharp ice in the Norwegian mountains lies a road that can transport you to the past — figuratively speaking, of course. The remnants of a glacier in Norway have exposed an ancient trade route used by the Vikings nearly 1,000 years ago. Along with this discovery comes a treasure trove of archaeological remains that have provided a window into the past, and a look at how societies traded and traveled in the region long ago.

Which word would best replace the word “remnants” as it is used in the paragraph?

Remains

During a particularly hot summer in 2011, glaciers in the mountains of Norway began to melt at an exponential pace. The warmer temperatures and decreasing amounts of snow made way for incredible discoveries, the first of which was a 1,700-year-old woolen tunic discovered in the receding ice banks. Shortly after, hundreds of other artifacts emerged, including pieces of sleds, horseshoes, walking sticks, and even gloves. The nature of these elements provided clues as to how people may have used these mountains in order to reach other destinations throughout Europe.

What is the meaning of the word “emerged” as it is used in the paragraph?

Came to be known

During a particularly hot summer in 2011, glaciers in the mountains of Norway began to melt at an exponential pace. The warmer temperatures and decreasing amounts of snow made way for incredible discoveries, the first of which was a 1,700-year-old woolen tunic discovered in the receding ice banks. Shortly after, hundreds of other artifacts emerged, including pieces of sleds, horseshoes, walking sticks, and even gloves. The nature of these elements provided clues as to how people may have used these mountains in order to reach other destinations throughout Europe.

Which of the following is a synonym for the word “receding” as it is used in the paragraph?

Tapering

Scientists were able to use radiocarbon findings on over 60 artifacts, which revealed that the mountainous passage was frequented starting from the Iron Age of the Romans, in around 300 A.D, until roughly 1500 A.D. The period with the greatest amount of traffic was around the year 1000 A.D, when the Vikings were well-known for their commercial progress and success in war throughout the Scandinavian Peninsula and surrounding areas in Europe. Perhaps the most telling items found along the path included horse bones and manure, as they provided clues as to how merchants travelled along the icy roads.

Which word would best replace the word “frequented” as it is used in the paragraph?

Visited

On a large scale, experts posit that the Vikings’ early success is evident in the popularity of this remote mountain location. The pass was an important junction for local trade involving rare goods, such as leather, butter, and animal horns. Surprisingly, the ice and snow made the journey easier than other lower, yet rocky, routes. Still, various items have yet to be classified, such as a small knitting tool and a carrying case specifically made to transfer food for animals. However, scientists have been more interested in identifying time periods with the most heavy traffic rather than understanding the motivations behind each and every piece of evidence.

In any case, categorizing the types of fossilized remains found along the path has also helped historians piece together how the trade route was influenced by historical events. In fact, hardly any items were found from the 11th century onwards, likely due to a series of economic and social factors. Most prominently, the Black Plague arrived in Norway between 1348 and 1349, which would account for the reduced population and thus, the decreased use of the once popular mountain pass. When Europe recovered from the pandemic, it is suspected that new routes were chosen, leaving behind the Norwegian path. Now that it has been rediscovered, however, its legacy can live on.

What is the meaning of the word “legacy” as it is used in the second paragraph?

A great gift to be inherited

The various distinctions of the Nobel Prize are well-known on an international level, ranging from the prestigious awards in Economics to the notable Peace prize. However, most people are unfamiliar with Grazia Deledda, the only Italian to have won the Nobel prize for literature. Her complex background and distinct ability to rise against opposition across the 19th and 20th centuries have labeled her as a role model for many young, female artists across several disciplines. Some would argue that the writer has attained more international fame posthumously, but her contributions to modern Italian society have been appreciated for quite some time.

Born on the island of Sardinia in 1871 to a wealthy family, Deledda showed early interest and strengths in academic pursuits. Contrary to what was common practice for girls at the time, Deledda attended school for approximately five years before studying with a private tutor for the remainder of her studies. Despite her personalized studies, the author’s literary skills were mostly self-taught, brought on by a mix of interest and natural skill. However, Deledda’s familial life was tumultuous and frequently interrupted her scholarly endeavors.

Although the Deledda family was regarded as one of the largest and most powerful families in the area, it gained a notorious reputation over time. Painful family tragedies confronted the budding writer in her youth, including siblings plagued with alcoholism and placed in prison for crimes, and even death. In fact, Deledda’s father had unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack, placing the family in economic distress. With the emotional toll of familial issues and the pressures to provide for her family, Deledda turned to writing to support her relatives as well as herself. Historians believe that this period greatly influenced the writer’s appreciation for tragic themes and approaching her work with societal problems in mind.

Which of the following is a synonym for the word “plagued” as it is used in the third paragraph?

Afflicted

The various distinctions of the Nobel Prize are well-known on an international level, ranging from the prestigious awards in Economics to the notable Peace prize. However, most people are unfamiliar with Grazia Deledda, the only Italian to have won the Nobel prize for literature. Her complex background and distinct ability to rise against opposition across the 19th and 20th centuries have labeled her as a role model for many young, female artists across several disciplines. Some would argue that the writer has attained more international fame posthumously, but her contributions to modern Italian society have been appreciated for quite some time.

Born on the island of Sardinia in 1871 to a wealthy family, Deledda showed early interest and strengths in academic pursuits. Contrary to what was common practice for girls at the time, Deledda attended school for approximately five years before studying with a private tutor for the remainder of her studies. Despite her personalized studies, the author’s literary skills were mostly self-taught, brought on by a mix of interest and natural skill. However, Deledda’s familial life was tumultuous and frequently interrupted her scholarly endeavors.

Although the Deledda family was regarded as one of the largest and most powerful families in the area, it gained a notorious reputation over time. Painful family tragedies confronted the budding writer in her youth, including siblings plagued with alcoholism and placed in prison for crimes, and even death. In fact, Deledda’s father had unexpectedly passed away from a heart attack, placing the family in economic distress. With the emotional toll of familial issues and the pressures to provide for her family, Deledda turned to writing to support her relatives as well as herself. Historians believe that this period greatly influenced the writer’s appreciation for tragic themes and approaching her work with societal problems in mind.

What is the meaning of the word “toll” as it is used in the third paragraph?

A grievous expense

As early as 1886, when Deledda had turned fifteen years old, the local newspaper published her first short story. Shortly after her first publication, she was offered collaborations with other newspapers and magazines in Italy. While these early publications were not well-known throughout the country, they offered opportunities for Deledda to refine her writing skills and attempt to make connections with publishers. Roughly ten years after her first publication, Deledda moved to Rome and married an official involved with the Ministry of Finance. With a change of scenery and a new lifestyle, Deledda began to publish narratives rich with dark tones and compelling themes related to freedom and liberation. Her first novels were critically acclaimed, mostly due to the intensity of the young artist’s writings.

Which word would best replace the word “collaborations” as it is used in the paragraph?

Partnerships

After years of being considered a somewhat unestablished writer, Deledda’s works began to make their rounds abroad, especially in other European countries. The sudden international acclaim resulted in her nomination for and acceptance of the Nobel Prize for literature in 1926. Critics were impressed with her ability to write about global problems while simultaneously considering the interests of the human population on a global level. As of 2017, Deledda was the only Italian female writer to have received this recognition, and her legacy as a determined artist lives on to this day.

Which of the following is a synonym for the word “acclaim” as it is used in the paragraph?

Popularity