Question Details

Select the sentence containing the homonym of the highlighted word:


The researcher cited a bailey in Norman defensive design.

Options

A

Bailey presented the findings on Norman fortifications at the seminar.

B

The outer bailey encircled the motte and was guarded by watchtowers.

C

The soldiers retreated into the bailey when the main gate collapsed.

D

A wooden palisade was raised around the bailey for extra protection.

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option A

Bailey presented the findings on Norman fortifications at the seminar.

Solution :

Correct Answer: "Bailey presented the findings on Norman fortifications at the seminar."

Understanding Homonyms:
A homonym is a word that shares the exact same spelling and pronunciation as another word, but differs completely in meaning and origin (often distinguished as a proper noun versus a common noun).

Analysis of the Question:
In the given sentence — "The researcher cited a bailey in Norman defensive design." — the highlighted word "bailey" refers to a common noun describing the outer courtyard of a castle or fortification.

Evaluating the Options:
1. "Bailey presented the findings on Norman fortifications at the seminar."
In this sentence, "Bailey" is used as a proper noun (a person's name). Although it has the identical spelling and pronunciation as "bailey" (courtyard), it carries a completely different meaning. Therefore, this is the correct homonym.

2. "The outer bailey encircled the motte and was guarded by watchtowers."
Here, "bailey" refers to the exact same castle courtyard definition as in the prompt.

3. "The soldiers retreated into the bailey when the main gate collapsed."
Here again, "bailey" is used with the original meaning (fortified courtyard).

4. "A wooden palisade was raised around the bailey for extra protection."
This also uses "bailey" in the identical sense of an architectural castle courtyard.

Thus, the sentence containing the homonym (different meaning/usage) is: "Bailey presented the findings on Norman fortifications at the seminar."

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