For most of the frst half of the nineteenth century, science at the un

Question

For most of the frst half of the nineteenth century, science at the university was in_____________state, despite the presence of numerous luminaries.

A. a scintillating 
 
  B. a pathetic 
 
  C. a controversial 
 
  D. an incendiary 
 
  E. a veracious

Sajjad1994 · Answer

OE

Since the presence of numerous luminaries, a positive thing, is portrayed as a factor that runs counter to the general state of science at the university, that general state must be negative. Terefore the word that flls the blank must describe a generally negative atmosphere.  “Pathetic”  certainly does. Of the other answers,  “scintillating,”  meaning brilliant, is just the opposite of what is called for, while “veracious” is similarly too positive.  “Controversial”  and  “incendiary”  both describe an argumentative or explosive environment that would not necessarily be mitigated by the presence of numerous luminaries.

Thus the correct answer is a pathetic (Choice B).

For most of the frst half of the nineteenth century, science at the un

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