Understanding Homonyms in Context

This question asks us to find the best synonym or meaning for the word 'bank' as used in the sentence: 'He could not bank on unreliable friends.' The word 'bank' can have multiple meanings (it's a homonym), so we need to choose the one that fits the context of the sentence.

Analyzing the Sentence Context

In the sentence, 'He could not bank on unreliable friends,' the phrase 'bank on' is used. This is an idiomatic expression. We need to understand what this specific phrase means. It suggests a situation where someone is unable to trust or depend on their friends because the friends are unreliable.

Evaluating the Options

Let's look at the meanings of the given options and see which one matches the context of 'bank on':

• Option 1: Deposit
  The word 'bank' often refers to a financial institution where you deposit money. For example, 'He went to the bank to deposit a check.' This meaning does not fit the sentence about friends.
• Option 2: Borrow
  'Borrow' means to take something with the promise to return it. This word has no relation to the meaning of 'bank' in the given sentence.
• Option 3: Rely
  The word 'rely' means to depend on someone or something with trust. The idiom 'to bank on' means exactly this – to rely on or depend on someone. So, the sentence could be rephrased as 'He could not rely on unreliable friends.' This meaning fits perfectly.
• Option 4: Dismiss
  'Dismiss' means to reject or send away. This meaning is unrelated to how 'bank' is used in the sentence about friends.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, the phrase 'bank on' means to rely on. Therefore, 'Rely' is the most appropriate choice to replace 'bank' in the given sentence, as it captures the intended meaning of dependence and trust in the context of friendship.