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 perseverance, though the sentence is slightly garbled. You need the word closest in meaning to it as used in the sentence.

Explain the concept Perseverance means continuing to work hard toward a goal despite difficulties, delays, or discouragement. Its key ideas are persistence, determination, and refusing to give up.

Examine the options

• A. Patience: the ability to wait calmly or tolerate delay. It is related, but it is about calm endurance, not driving on toward a goal.
• B. Tenacity: holding firmly to a goal and refusing to give up. This matches perseverance closely.
• C. Enthusiasm: eager excitement or interest. A person can be enthusiastic and still quit when things get tough.
• D. Humility: modesty. It has no connection to persistence.

Solution A valedictorian is the top student in a class. She would be admired for her determination and persistence in studying, which is tenacity.

Answer: B. tenacity

Tip Link the words by their roots: tenacity comes from the Latin tenere, "to hold", so a tenacious person holds on and doesn't let go. Perseverance, persistence, tenacity, and determination all belong to the same "never give up" group. Patience is about waiting calmly, not about pushing on.