Select the most appropriate meaning of the underlined word in a sentence. The eagle seized its prey in a tenacious grip.
persistent
Understanding the Meaning of Tenacious Grip
The question asks for the most appropriate meaning of the underlined word "tenacious" in the sentence: "The eagle seized its prey in a tenacious grip." To answer this, we need to understand what "tenacious" means, especially in the context of how something is held.
Defining 'Tenacious'
The word 'tenacious' generally means holding firm, not giving up easily, or sticking strongly to something. When describing a grip, it means holding on very tightly and firmly, not letting go.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at the given options and see which one best fits the meaning of 'tenacious' in this sentence:
- passive: This means accepting or allowing what happens or what others do, without active response or resistance. A passive grip would be weak or loose, which is the opposite of what's needed to hold prey. So, 'passive' is incorrect.
- persistent: This means continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. While often used for actions or qualities like persistence in effort, it can also describe something that holds on tightly and doesn't let go, which aligns with a strong grip.
- timorous: This means showing or suffering from nervousness, fear, or a lack of confidence. A timorous grip would likely be weak and shaky, not firm and strong. So, 'timorous' is incorrect.
- flexible: This means able to be easily modified or bent. A flexible grip would not be firm and unyielding, which is what a predator needs to hold prey securely. So, 'flexible' is incorrect.
Identifying the Most Appropriate Meaning
Considering the options, 'persistent' is the most appropriate meaning for 'tenacious' in this context. A tenacious grip is one that persists in holding firmly, not allowing the prey to escape. The other options describe qualities that are contrary to a strong, secure hold.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the word 'tenacious' in the sentence "The eagle seized its prey in a tenacious grip" means that the grip was strong, firm, and held on tightly without letting go. Among the given options, 'persistent' best describes this quality of holding on firmly and not releasing.
| Word | Meaning in Context | Appropriateness |
|---|---|---|
| passive | Weak, allowing things to happen | Incorrect |
| persistent | Holding on firmly, not letting go | Most Appropriate |
| timorous | Fearful, lacking confidence | Incorrect |
| flexible | Easily bent or changed | Incorrect |
Revision Table: Understanding Vocabulary
Reviewing vocabulary is crucial for language proficiency. Here’s a quick table summarizing the key word and its meaning:
| Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Tenacious | Tending to keep a firm hold of something; clinging or adhering closely. Or, not readily giving up a position, principle, or course of action; determined. | She has a tenacious will to succeed. The plant has a tenacious root system. |
| Persistent | Continuing firmly or obstinately in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. Or, continuing to exist or endure over a prolonged period. | He was persistent in asking for a raise. The rain was persistent all day. |
Additional Information: Synonyms for Tenacious
To further understand 'tenacious', let's explore some synonyms:
- Stubborn: Resolutely refusing to change one's mind.
- Resolute: Firmly resolved or determined.
- Steadfast: Resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering.
- Unyielding: Not giving way to pressure or persuasion.
- Firm: Having a solid, almost unyielding surface or structure; not soft.
These words highlight different aspects of 'tenacious', emphasizing either a refusal to let go physically or a determination not to give up mentally or on a goal.
Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms
Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four options, (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.
He had the audacity to blame him.
Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four options, (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.
There is exponential growth in the development of the scientific researches in the recent few decades.
Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.
The itinerary of the group’s visit to the hills was given to everyone.
Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.
All mortal elements are impermanent.
Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.
The novel depicts the hapless status of certain sections of society.
