GRE General TestVerbal ReasoningHard
A political analyst observed that while the new legislation was ostensibly designed to promote economic equality, its actual provisions would likely ______ existing wealth disparities by disproportionately benefiting the affluent, thereby undermining its stated goal.
- Amitigate
- Balleviate
- Cexacerbate
- Dameliorate
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. exacerbate
The sentence presents a contrast between the stated goal ('promote economic equality') and the likely outcome ('disproportionately benefiting the affluent, thereby undermining its stated goal'). If the legislation benefits the wealthy, it would make wealth disparities worse, not better. 'Exacerbate' means to make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse. This directly contrasts the stated goal and aligns with the actual provisions' effect.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Mitigate means to make less severe, serious, or painful, which is the opposite of the intended meaning.
- B. Alleviate means to make suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe, which is the opposite of the intended meaning.
- D. Ameliorate means to make something better, which is the opposite of the intended meaning.
Discrepancy Between Intent and Outcome
This concept tests the ability to identify a word that describes an outcome contrary to an stated intention or goal, often signaled by words like 'ostensibly', 'actual', 'likely', and 'undermining'.
- Look for contrast between stated purpose and actual effect.
- Identify words indicating superficial appearance vs. reality (e.g., 'ostensibly', 'actual').
- Determine the true impact based on the evidence provided (e.g., 'disproportionately benefiting the affluent').
- Choose a word that describes worsening or hindering the stated goal.
Memory trick: What you say isn't always what you get.