Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blanks.
The monk’s teachings, though ancient, still ______ relevance today and continue to ______ seekers across the globe.
Correct Answer :
retain, inspire
Solution :
The correct option is retain, inspire.
Let us analyze the sentence step-by-step to understand why this option is the most appropriate fit for the blanks:
Analysis of the first blank:
The sentence states: "The monk’s teachings, though ancient, still ______ relevance today..."
The conjunction "though" introduces a contrast. Even though the teachings are "ancient" (very old), they still continue to hold or keep their relevance in the present day.
- Retain means to continue to have something or keep possession of it. This fits the context perfectly.
- Attain means to reach or achieve, which does not fit because teachings do not "achieve" relevance after already being established.
- Detain means to delay or hold someone in custody, which is completely irrelevant.
- Reclaim means to recover or win back, which does not fit the idea of continuously holding relevance.
Analysis of the second blank:
The second part of the sentence states: "...and continue to ______ seekers across the globe."
Teachings are meant to guide, motivate, or fill spiritual searchers (seekers) with positive feelings or ideas.
- Inspire means to fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially something creative or spiritual. This fits the context of "seekers" perfectly.
- Infuse means to fill or pervade, but it usually requires a preposition (e.g., "infuse seekers with hope") when applied to people.
- Revive means to restore to life or consciousness, which is too dramatic and less suitable than "inspire".
- Console means to comfort someone at a time of grief, which is too narrow in scope compared to the general guidance seekers look for.
Therefore, the words retain and inspire complete the sentence logically and grammatically: "The monk’s teachings, though ancient, still retain relevance today and continue to inspire seekers across the globe."
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