Question 48·Hard·Words in Context
The following sentence appears in a historical account of a nineteenth-century polar expedition.
Aware that the rations would need to last the entire winter, the expedition leader insisted that they husband their supplies, allowing no one more than a handful of biscuits each day.
As used in the sentence, what does the word “husband” most nearly mean?
For words-in-context questions, especially with familiar words used in unfamiliar ways, always start by identifying the word’s part of speech (noun, verb, adjective) in the sentence and then ignore any common meanings that don’t fit that role. Use the surrounding context—especially cause/effect clues, tone, and any descriptions of what is happening—to restate the meaning of the word in your own words. Only after you have a clear idea from the sentence should you look at the choices and pick the one that best matches your paraphrase, rather than trying to force one of the choices to fit your first impression of the word.
Hints
Notice the verb form
Look at how “husband” is used in the sentence. Is it naming a person, or is it describing an action being done to the supplies?
Focus on the situation with the rations
Pay attention to the phrases “need to last the entire winter” and “allowing no one more than a handful of biscuits each day.” What is the leader trying to accomplish with the supplies?
Connect the context to the choices
Think about which answer choice matches the idea of dealing with limited supplies under tough conditions. Are they trying to get more, spread them out freely, write something down, or handle what they already have in a careful way?
Step-by-step Explanation
Ignore the common meaning of “husband”
First, recognize that “husband” is being used as a verb here: “they husband their supplies.” That means it cannot mean “a male spouse” in this sentence. On the SAT, many words have less common secondary meanings, especially when used as verbs.
Use the context around the word
Look at the key clues in the sentence:
- “rations would need to last the entire winter” suggests the supplies are limited.
- The leader “insisted” on a certain action, showing it’s important.
- “allowing no one more than a handful of biscuits each day” shows they are giving out very small amounts. Together, these details show the leader wants to use the supplies very carefully so they don’t run out.
Match the context to the best answer choice
Now compare that idea—using supplies very carefully and sparingly—with the answer choices:
- One option means to use something carefully so it lasts.
- The others mean to get more of something, to spread things out, or to write things down. The choice that means to use resources carefully so they last the entire winter is Conserve.