GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsReading ComprehensionMedium
A student is reading a historical document from the late 19th century that uses the word 'hitherto' in a sentence: 'The advancements in industrialization had brought about changes hitherto unseen in human history.' What is the most accurate modern equivalent for 'hitherto' in this context?
- APreviously
- BSubsequently
- CHypothetically
- DFrequently
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Previously
The context 'changes hitherto unseen' means changes that were not seen before this point. 'Previously' directly conveys this meaning of 'up to this point' or 'before now.'
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 'Subsequently' means afterward, which is the opposite of the intended meaning.
- C. 'Hypothetically' refers to something imagined or theoretical, not something that has actually happened up to a certain point.
- D. 'Frequently' refers to how often something occurs, not when it occurred relative to a point in time.
Archaic Vocabulary in Context
Understanding the meaning of older or less common words by examining their usage within the surrounding text and historical period.
- Old words can have different meanings than their modern counterparts.
- Context clues (surrounding words, sentence structure) are crucial.
- Consider the era in which the text was written.
Memory trick: Old words are like ancient maps, context helps you navigate.