From the three windows, through the cracks of the old wooden shutters, came only a few scattered sunbeams which, in the midst of the obscurity, made a soft brightness that bathed surrounding objects in a diffused and tender light.
Which word, if substituted for "diffused" in the first paragraph, would best retain the meaning of the passage?
Soft
Sharp
Skimpy
Saturated
I think it is either A or D, but i think D is a better fit???
I don't agree with D.
Is it A?
Yes, A.
To determine the best word to substitute for "diffused" in the passage, let's first understand the meaning of "diffused." In this context, "diffused" means spread out or scattered in different directions. The sentence describes the sunbeams creating a gentle brightness that bathes the surrounding objects.
Let's analyze the word options one by one:
A) Soft: This word relates more to the quality or nature of the brightness rather than the way it is spread or scattered. So, it does not capture the meaning of "diffused."
B) Sharp: This word conveys the opposite meaning of "diffused," as it suggests a concentrated or focused light rather than a spread-out or scattered one. Therefore, it is not the best choice.
C) Skimpy: This word means insufficient or inadequate. It does not align with the idea of a soft brightness that bathes the surrounding objects, as described in the passage.
D) Saturated: This word refers to a state where something is completely soaked or filled to its maximum capacity. Although saturation might describe the intensity of light, it doesn't capture the sense of dispersion or scattering that "diffused" conveys.
Considering the options, the best word to substitute for "diffused" in the passage is "soft," as it retains the idea of a gentle and tender light that is spread or scattered throughout the surroundings, maintaining the overall meaning of the passage. Therefore, the correct answer is A) Soft.