Finding the Appropriate Word for Sentence Completion

The question asks us to select the most appropriate word to fill in the blank in the sentence: "The old man was ______ and poor." We need a word that describes a condition often associated with being old and potentially aligns with being poor.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the meanings of the given options:

• Infirm: This word means not physically or mentally strong, especially because of age or illness. An old person is often infirm. Being poor can also contribute to or be associated with ill health or lack of strength. This word fits the context well.
• Infer: This word means to deduce or conclude information from something known or assumed. For example, "We can infer from his silence that he is unhappy." This word is an action related to thinking and logic, not a descriptive state of a person's physical condition. It does not fit the blank.
• Confirm: This word means to establish the truth or correctness of something, or to make something stronger or more definite. For example, "Please confirm your booking." This word is also an action and does not describe the state of an old man. It does not fit the blank.
• Luxurious: This word describes something extremely comfortable, elegant, or enjoyable, usually involving great expense. This is the opposite of being poor. An old man who is poor would not be luxurious. This word does not fit the blank.

Selecting the Correct Word

Based on the analysis, the word that best completes the sentence and describes the condition of an old man who is also poor is 'infirm'. The sentence "The old man was infirm and poor" makes logical sense, describing his physical state (weak/frail) and his financial state (poor).

Final Answer

The most appropriate word to fill the blank is infirm.

Revision Table: Understanding Vocabulary in Context

Reviewing key terms and concepts:

• Sentence Completion: Choosing a word or phrase to complete a sentence logically and grammatically.
• Vocabulary: The body of words used in a particular language. Understanding word meanings is crucial for sentence completion.
• Context Clues: Hints within the sentence or passage that help you understand the meaning of unfamiliar words or determine the correct word for a blank. In this case, "old man" and "poor" provide context.
• Synonyms/Antonyms: Words with similar or opposite meanings. Useful for evaluating options. 'Infirm' relates to weakness, while 'luxurious' relates to wealth/comfort.

Additional Information: Words Describing Physical Condition

Here are some other words that describe physical states, which might be relevant in similar sentence completion exercises:

• Frail: Easily broken or damaged; delicate; weak and delicate. Similar to infirm, often used for older people.
• feeble: Lacking physical strength, especially as a result of age or illness; weak. Similar to infirm.
• Robust: Strong and healthy; vigorous. An antonym for infirm, frail, or feeble.
• Vigorous: Strong, healthy, and full of energy. An antonym for infirm.

Choosing the correct word depends heavily on the specific context provided in the sentence.