Question 162·Hard·Words in Context
Once dismissed as quirky anomalies, ultradiffuse galaxies are now recognized as an _____ component of the cosmic landscape, their ghostly pallor belying the commonality of their formation.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
For words-in-context questions, first read the whole sentence and identify clue words that show tone and direction, such as contrasts ("once... now"), causes, or results. Paraphrase what kind of idea should fill the blank (for example, “now seen as a normal part of the whole”) before you look at the choices. Then test each option directly in the sentence, eliminating those that clash with the meaning, tone, or basic facts of the context. Prefer the choice that fits smoothly and precisely, even if it is a less common word, and do a quick re-read with your selected word to confirm the sentence makes clear sense.
Hints
Focus on the contrast
Pay attention to how the sentence contrasts the past and present: "Once dismissed as quirky anomalies" versus "are now recognized as an _____ component." What kind of shift in attitude is being described?
Think about “component of the cosmic landscape”
The phrase "component of the cosmic landscape" describes how these galaxies relate to the universe as a whole. Ask yourself: does the blank describe them as a steady part of that landscape, or as something minor, short-lived, or still strange?
Plug in each option and check for logic
Try reading the sentence with each option: "ephemeral component," "peripheral component," "integral component," "idiosyncratic component." Which one makes the best logical sense for how scientists now view these galaxies?
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand the sentence structure and contrast
First, notice the contrast:
- "Once dismissed as quirky anomalies" means these galaxies used to be seen as strange exceptions.
- "are now recognized as an _____ component of the cosmic landscape" shows that views have changed.
So, the word in the blank must fit this new, more accepting view. They are no longer just oddities; they are now seen as a regular part of the universe’s structure.
Use the surrounding phrase to narrow the meaning
Look closely at the phrase "component of the cosmic landscape."
- A "component" is a part of a larger whole.
- The sentence is saying these galaxies are part of the overall structure of the universe, not just rare curiosities.
So the missing word should show how they fit into that whole—are they a lasting, significant part, or something minor, temporary, or still weird?
Test each answer choice in context
Now, plug each option into the sentence and see if it matches the meaning and tone:
- ephemeral component: "Ephemeral" means lasting a very short time. That doesn’t fit galaxies, which exist for billions of years, or the idea that they are part of the overall cosmic landscape.
- peripheral component: "Peripheral" means on the edge or not central. But the shift in the sentence is from being dismissed to being fully recognized, which suggests more importance, not something marginal.
- idiosyncratic component: "Idiosyncratic" means highly individual or peculiar. That would keep the focus on their oddness, which conflicts with the idea that they are now accepted as a standard kind of galaxy.
Each of these clashes with the sense that these galaxies are now seen as a normal, built‑in part of the universe.
Confirm the best-fitting word
Since the other three options are poor fits, the remaining choice, "integral", is the one that works. "Integral component" means a necessary, built‑in part of the whole, which matches the idea that ultradiffuse galaxies, once seen as quirky anomalies, are now recognized as a fundamental part of the cosmic landscape.