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Question

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.

Many scientists believe that oceans will not look the same in the future. Oceans will change their colour. The reason behind this scenario will be climatic change as it will make the blue and green colour of the oceans bluer and greener, respectively. Many scientific researchers have proven that it will stimulate the growth of many creatures that live in oceans and affect the colour we see. The reason we find an ocean blue is the combination is the sunlight’s interaction with water molecules and whichever creatures live in the water. The molecules presented in water absorb all colours except blue which is reflected back. The green colour of the water is because of Phytoplankton which are tiny microscopic organisms like plants that use sunlight to create a chemical energy which is essential for their survival.

Select the most appropriate synonym of the given word.

Absorb

The correct answer is

Assimilate

Finding the Synonym for Absorb from the Passage

The question asks us to find the most appropriate synonym for the word "Absorb" based on the given passage and options. A synonym is a word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word.

In the passage, the word "absorb" is used in the sentence: "The molecules presented in water absorb all colours except blue which is reflected back." Here, "absorb" means to take in or soak up, referring to water molecules taking in certain colours of light.

Understanding the Word "Absorb"

The word "absorb" generally means to take in or suck up (energy, liquid, etc.) or to take something in and make it part of a larger whole. In the context of light, it means to take in light energy rather than reflecting or transmitting it.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the meanings of the given options to find the best synonym for "Absorb" as used in the passage:

  1. Renew: This means to resume after an interruption, or to make something new or fresh again. This meaning is not related to taking something in.
  2. Embrace: This means to hold someone closely in one's arms, or to accept or support a belief, theory, or change willingly and enthusiastically. This meaning is not related to taking something in physically or absorbing light.
  3. Assimilate: This means to take in and understand fully, or to absorb and integrate (people, ideas, or culture) into a wider society or culture. It can also mean to absorb nutrients or to make something similar to the surrounding things. In a broader sense, it involves taking something in and integrating it. This meaning is close to the idea of absorbing or taking in.
  4. Replace: This means to take the place of someone or something, or to put something back in a previous place. This meaning is not related to taking something in.

Comparing Meanings

Comparing the meanings, "Assimilate" is the closest synonym to "Absorb," particularly in the sense of taking something in and integrating it. While "absorb" specifically refers to taking in energy or substance, "assimilate" carries a similar sense of taking something in and making it part of oneself or the whole, which aligns with water molecules taking in colours of light.

Therefore, "Assimilate" is the most appropriate synonym for "Absorb" among the given options.

Revision Table: Absorb Synonym

Word Meaning in Passage Context General Meaning Synonym (from options)
Absorb Take in (light colours) Take in, soak up, integrate Assimilate

Additional Information on Synonyms and Context

Finding the correct synonym often depends on the context in which the word is used. While "absorb" can have various meanings (like absorbing a shock, absorbing information, or absorbing liquid), in the passage, it specifically relates to the physical property of water molecules taking in light energy.

"Assimilate" also has different uses, such as assimilating into a culture or assimilating food. However, its core meaning of taking something in and integrating it makes it the most suitable synonym for "absorb" in this context compared to the other options.

Understanding context is crucial for choosing the best synonym or antonym for a word.

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Important Questions from Reading Comprehension

  1. Why, according to the writer can't people be motivated to use a resource prudently?

    1. They feel that others may overuse the resource

    2. It is possible to substitute the resource

    3. Abundance of the resource availability

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  2. When do people use resources exhaustively?

  3. The self-interest of people affects the use of renewable resources

  4. People rooted in a locality

  5. Which among the following is closest in meaning with the word 'deplete'?

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