Lantana dwelt in a ruined cottage on the hillside?

Analyze the question: You are asked to find the word closest in meaning to "dwelt" in the sentence "Lantana dwelt in a ruined cottage on the hillside."

Explain the concept: "Dwelt" is the past tense of the verb dwell, which means to live in a place or to reside somewhere. It is often used in formal or literary English. Past tense: dwell → dwelt (or dwelled). Synonyms: live, reside, inhabit, stay (permanently).

Step-by-step solution:

Let's test each option by replacing "dwelt" in the sentence:

• A. sat: "Lantana sat in a ruined cottage." This describes a single posture or action, not where someone makes their home. ✗
• B. worked: "Lantana worked in a ruined cottage." This is about a job or activity, not residence. ✗
• C. slept: "Lantana slept in a ruined cottage." This is only part of what happens at a home, and it is not the same as living there. ✗
• D. lived: "Lantana lived in a ruined cottage on the hillside." This keeps the meaning of the original sentence exactly. ✓

The word "cottage" (a small house) also supports the idea of a place of residence, which matches "lived."

Correct answer: D. lived

Tip: In "nearest in meaning" questions, substitute each option back into the sentence and see which one keeps the original meaning. Also remember these common verb pairs: dwell = live, reside; abode = home; dweller = resident. Knowing "dwell" and its noun "dwelling" (a house) will help you spot this quickly.