Understanding the Meaning of NOVEL in Sentences

The question asks us to identify which of the given sentences best expresses the meaning of the word "NOVEL". Let's first understand the common meanings of the word "novel".

The word "novel" can be used in two primary ways:

• As an adjective, meaning new, original, or unusual.
• As a noun, referring to a long work of fiction, typically a book.

Now let's examine each sentence provided:

Sentence A: "Dad stayed on the farm most of the time, and Mom was the novel housewife."

In this sentence, "novel" is used as an adjective describing "housewife". If we interpret "novel" as "new or unusual", this phrase suggests an unusual type of housewife. While grammatically possible, this usage feels awkward and lacks a clear context to support the idea of an "unusual housewife". It doesn't seem to express a common or clear meaning of "novel".

Sentence B: "Many of his bold and novel theories have provoked strenuous opposition, while others have met with general acceptance, except among scholars of the more conservative type."

Here, "novel" is used as an adjective describing "theories". The phrase "novel theories" fits perfectly with the meaning of "new, original, or unusual". New or unusual theories would logically provoke opposition, especially from conservative scholars, while bold and original ideas could also gain acceptance. This sentence uses "novel" in a standard and meaningful way to describe something innovative or different.

Sentence C: "There is more novel than dialogue in this play."

In this sentence, "novel" is used as a noun and compared to "dialogue". Dialogue is a component of a play. A "novel" (the book) is a distinct literary form and is not typically a component of a play in this comparative sense. This usage seems incorrect or nonsensical in the context of discussing the elements of a play. It is clearly not using "novel" in either its adjective form or its noun form referring to a book in a standard way that relates to a play's structure.

Conclusion:

Based on the analysis of each sentence, Sentence B is the only one that uses the word "novel" correctly and clearly, expressing its meaning as "new" or "original" when describing theories. Sentences A and C use the word in ways that are awkward or grammatically incorrect in the given context.

Therefore, Sentence B best expresses the meaning of the word novel.