Understanding the Phrase "Wound Up" in Context

The question asks for the meaning nearest to the underlined phrase "wound up" as used in the sentence: "The discussion was wound up after a long and fruitful exchange of views." We need to understand how "wound up" is used here in the context of a discussion ending.

Analysing the Meaning of "Wound Up"

The phrasal verb "wind up" (past tense "wound up") has several meanings, but when used about a meeting, discussion, or business, it typically means to bring it to an end or conclusion. The phrase "after a long and fruitful exchange of views" suggests that the discussion ran its full course and achieved its purpose before ending.

Evaluating the Options

Let's look at the given options and see which one is nearest in meaning to "wound up" in this sentence:

• postponed: This means to delay something until a later time. The sentence implies the discussion finished, not that it was delayed. So, this option is incorrect.
• cut short: This means to end something earlier than planned or expected, often abruptly. The description "long and fruitful" suggests the discussion was not cut short but completed fully. So, this option is incorrect.
• interrupted: This means to stop something briefly or suddenly, often before it is finished, by someone or something else. While an interruption can occur during a discussion, "wound up" indicates the final ending, not a temporary stop due to interruption. So, this option is incorrect.
• concluded: This means to bring something to an end or finish it. This meaning perfectly fits the context of a discussion being finished after a "long and fruitful exchange".

Determining the Nearest Meaning

Based on the analysis, the word "concluded" is the nearest in meaning to "wound up" when referring to the end of a discussion or meeting. The sentence describes a discussion that completed successfully.

Detailed Explanation of the Correct Option

The phrase "wound up" is an idiomatic expression here. When a discussion, meeting, or event is "wound up", it means it is brought to a formal or final close. The fact that the discussion was "long and fruitful" reinforces that it reached a natural end point, which is precisely what "concluded" signifies. The sentence essentially means "The discussion was concluded after a long and fruitful exchange of views."

Comparing "Wound Up" with Similar Phrases

Consider these examples:

• "The meeting wound up at 5 PM." (The meeting finished at 5 PM.)
• "They decided to wind up the business." (They decided to close down the business.)

In the context of a discussion, "wound up" clearly indicates completion.

Conclusion

The most appropriate meaning for "wound up" in the given sentence is "concluded".

Revision Table: Understanding Phrasal Verbs

Additional Information on "Wind Up" Meanings

The phrasal verb "wind up" can have other meanings depending on the context:

• To make a clock or mechanical device work by turning a handle (e.g., "wind up a watch").
• To make someone feel excited or angry (e.g., "He knows how to wind her up").
• To find yourself in a particular place or situation (e.g., "He wound up living in Canada").
• To close down a company (e.g., "The company was wound up last year").

However, in the context of a meeting or discussion, the primary meaning is to finish or conclude it.