Choose the correctly spelt word that can substitute the highlighted word in the sentence below. If no substitution is needed, select Option "No replacement required".
The critic praised the novel for avoiding any superflous details, allowing the main plot to remain sharp and focused.
Correct Answer :
superfluous
superfluous
Solution :
The correct answer is superfluous.
Step 1: Identify the spelling error in the sentence
The highlighted word in the sentence is "superflous". This is misspelled because it omits the vowel 'u' in the third syllable (between 'l' and 'o').
Step 2: Analyze the correct spelling and etymology
The correct spelling of the word is superfluous.
• Breakdown: su-per-flu-ous
• Etymology: It originates from the Latin word superfluus ("overflowing"), which combines super- (meaning over or above) with fluere (meaning to flow).
Step 3: Contextual Meaning
The word superfluous is an adjective meaning "unnecessary, redundant, or more than what is required."
In the context of the sentence, avoiding unnecessary or redundant details allows the main plot to remain sharp and focused. Thus, substituting "superflous" with superfluous makes the sentence correct.
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