following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it…

Analyze the question: The underlined word is "claim" (as a noun), used in a legal context: "the plaintiff's claim was false." We need the word closest in meaning.

Explain the concept: In law, a plaintiff is someone who brings a case to court. Their "claim" is a statement that something is true, usually without proof yet. That is exactly what an allegation is: an assertion that someone has done something wrong or that something is true, made before it is proven.

Check each option:

• A. surmise: a guess made without firm evidence. A claim is a formal assertion, not just a guess, so this is weaker.
• B. pronouncement: an official or authoritative declaration, such as a judge's ruling. A plaintiff does not make pronouncements, so this does not fit.
• C. allegation: an assertion made without proof, especially in court. It fits "plaintiff's claim" very well.
• D. contention: an assertion or point put forward in an argument. It is close in meaning, but it is more about a position argued in a debate.

Answer: The best match is C. allegation.

Tip: When a question has a legal context (plaintiff, court, accused), look for legal vocabulary. "Claim" by a plaintiff is usually an "allegation." Also note that "contention" is a close distractor, so choose the word that best fits the setting, not just any word with a similar meaning.