Question

Possessed of an insatiable sweet tooth, Jim enjoyed all kinds of candy, but he had a special _________ for gumdrops, his absolute favorite. a. container b. affinity c. odium d. nature e. disregard f. predilection

Short answer

The correct answer is 'f. predilection'.

Step-by-step solution

Interpret the sentence context

Understanding that the sentence speaks about Jim's special liking for gumdrops, the word to fill the blank should express this strong liking or preference.

Analyze the choices

Examine each option and consider its meaning. The words 'container', 'odium' (which means general or widespread hatred or disgust), 'nature', and 'disregard' (which implies ignoring or having lack of attention towards something) are clearly not appropriate in this context as they do not express a strong liking or preference. This leaves us with 'affinity' and 'predilection'.

Final Selection

The words 'affinity' and 'predilection' can both describe a strong liking or preference. However, 'predilection' has a more specific meaning indicating a preference or special liking for something; a bias in favor of something, which makes it the more suitable choice for the blank in the context of this sentence given that gumdrops are described as Jim's 'absolute favorite'.

Key concepts

Synonym Selection

When encountering multiple choice questions like the one given in the exercise, it is crucial to be adept at synonym selection. Synonyms are words that have similar meanings. To successfully choose the right word, the main task is to determine which words from the list match the particular meaning required by the context. In Jim's case, we are selecting a word to fill the blank that aligns with his strong preference or liking.

• Review each option’s definition.
• Narrow down to those that are close in meaning.
• Select the synonym that most precisely fits the context of the sentence.

This process involves eliminating options that are contradictory or irrelevant to the sentence's theme. For example, words like 'odium' and 'disregard' denote negative emotions and hence, are not synonyms for a word that signifies liking.

Contextual Understanding

Understanding the context of a sentence is like looking at the bigger picture. It involves grasping the essential message or feeling behind the words. In the given exercise, Jim's statement focuses on his fondness for gumdrops. This tells us that the word in the blank must relate to something he particularly enjoys.

• Read the sentence carefully to catch the overall meaning.
• Identify emotional cues or themes, such as enthusiasm or preference here.
• Use these cues to judge which word fits most naturally into the sentence.

By dissecting the sentence context, we quickly see that Jim's love for gumdrops means only certain types of words logically complete the sentence—likely words denoting positive feelings.

Word Meaning Analysis

The key to mastering vocabulary exercises is a thorough word meaning analysis. Delve deeper into each word's definition and nuances, understanding not just their basic meanings but also their specific connotations. This deeper insight helps select the most accurate word.

• Analyze each word for its literal and figurative meanings.
• Differentiating between similar words is vital, such as distinguishing 'affinity' and 'predilection'.
• Consider subtle differences, for example, 'affinity' can be general, while 'predilection' suggests a decided preference.

This analysis will sharpen your ability not only to select the correct word but also to appreciate why that word is better than similar options in specific contexts, refining your overall vocabulary skills.