Vocabulary Studio 47: Paragon to pedantry

3 questions. Choose the meaning or usage that best fits each situation. Try answering before reopening the passage.

1In the example "The glossary distinguishes pathological change from ordinary variation.", what does pathological mean?A. Harshly discordant or unpleasantly noisy.B. Remaining calm and undisturbed under pressure.C. Having a sharply strong smell or taste; figuratively, sharply effective.D. Relating to disease or showing a persistent, abnormal pattern.

2In the example "The workshop survived through the patronage of local residents.", what does patronage mean?A. Support or sponsorship given to a person or activity.B. A strong feeling of dislike or aversion.C. An urgent need or demanding circumstance requiring action.D. Strong public criticism or disgrace.

3In the example "Useful precision became pedantry when he debated every comma.", what does pedantry mean?A. An imagined hope or creation unlikely to be realized; also a mythical composite creature.B. Excessive concern with minor rules or details, often as a display of learning.C. An old-fashioned, disparaging term for a woman who sells sexual services.D. The quality of evoking a keen or moving emotional response.

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