GRE General TestVerbal ReasoningEasy
A linguist, studying the evolution of language, observed that certain words, once common, have become ______ over time, their meanings now obscure to all but the most dedicated etymologists.
- Acontemporary
- Bprevalent
- Carchaic
- Dubiquitous
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. archaic
The sentence describes words that were 'once common' but are now 'obscure to all but the most dedicated etymologists.' This indicates that the words have become outdated or no longer in common use. 'Archaic' directly means very old or old-fashioned.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. 'Contemporary' means belonging to or occurring in the present, which contradicts the idea of words from the past becoming obscure.
- B. 'Prevalent' means widespread in a particular area or at a particular time, which is the opposite of becoming obscure.
- D. 'Ubiquitous' means present, appearing, or found everywhere, which contradicts the idea of words becoming obscure.
Semantic Age/Obsolescence
Referring to words or concepts that have fallen out of common use or whose meanings have become outdated over time.
- Often signaled by phrases like 'once common,' 'over time,' 'now obscure.'
- Requires understanding vocabulary related to age, currency, and relevance.
- Distinguish between words that are merely old and those that are no longer understood.
Memory trick: Time's relentless march makes some words fade, into obscurity's deep shade.