Given the context which meaning best fits the use of the word meanest
a. dullest
b. stingiest
c. unkindest
d. most ashamed
e. least important
passage:
Yet, love, mere love, is beautiful indeed
And worthy of acceptation. Fire is bright,
Let temple burn, or flax; an equal light
Leaps in the flame from cedar-plank or weed:
And love is fire. And when I say at need
I love thee . . . mark! . . . I love thee—in thy sight
I stand transfigured, glorified aright,
With conscience of the new rays that proceed
Out of my face toward thine. There’s nothing low
In love, when love the lowest: MEANEST creatures
Who love God, God accepts while loving so.
And what I feel, across the inferior features
Of what I am, doth flash itself, and show
How that great work of Love enhances Nature’s.
I believe it is C but I would like a second opinion
Since lowest explains meanest, then would least important be the answer?
I disagree.
Consider the word in context, and if you aren't crystal clear of EVERY word in these lines, be sure to look them up at www.dictionary.com
" ... There’s nothing low
In love, when love the lowest: meanest creatures
Who love God, God accepts while loving so."
"meanest ... " is apparently intended to explain more about " ... lowest:"
Again, make sure you know ALL the possible meanings of every single word.
Right!
To determine the meaning of the word "meanest" in the given context, we can analyze the passage provided. In the passage, the speaker discusses the concept of love and how even the lowest and meanest creatures can love God and be accepted by God. Based on this context, the meaning of "meanest" is likely referring to the creatures who are perceived as the least important or of the lowest status. Therefore, the correct answer would be:
e. least important.