The scientist's groundbreaking theory was initially met with considerable skepticism; many of her peers found its implications too radical to accept, until compelling empirical evidence began to ______ her audacious claims. Which word, if inserted into the blank, best fits the meaning of the sentence?
- Aundermine
- Bvalidate
- Cdispute
- Dobscure
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. validate
The sentence describes a shift: initially 'skepticism' because the theory was 'too radical,' but then 'compelling empirical evidence began to ______ her audacious claims.' The evidence must have done something positive to overcome the skepticism. 'Validate' means to prove or declare to be true or well-founded, which fits the idea of evidence supporting previously doubted claims. 'Undermine' and 'dispute' are negative actions, contradicting the idea that evidence changed skepticism. 'Obscure' means to make unclear, which doesn't fit the context of evidence changing perceptions.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 'Undermine' means to weaken, which contradicts the idea of 'compelling empirical evidence' changing skepticism.
- C. 'Dispute' means to argue about or challenge, which would maintain or increase the skepticism, not resolve it.
- D. 'Obscure' means to make unclear, which would not lead to acceptance of the claims.
Definition/Clarification Clues
Words or phrases in a sentence that provide a direct definition, explanation, or clarification of another word or concept, helping to determine the meaning of a blank.
- Look for synonyms, antonyms, or explanatory phrases.
- Punctuation like commas, dashes, or parentheses can signal definitions.
- The surrounding text often clarifies the relationship between ideas.
Memory trick: Evidence clarifies, it never just terrifies.