Question 86·Medium·Words in Context
During the early 20th century, radio broadcasting rapidly gained popularity; however, some critics feared that the new medium would ______ existing forms of entertainment such as live theater.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical and precise word or phrase?
For SAT Words-in-Context questions, first read the sentence carefully and mark any clue words (like "however," "although," "because," or emotional words such as "feared," "celebrated"). Decide what general idea belongs in the blank (for example: negative effect, positive support, simple imitation). Then, test each answer in the sentence, eliminating any word whose meaning doesn’t match the tone or logic, even if it seems similar out of context. Aim to pick the word that is both logically correct and the most precise match for the situation described.
Hints
Use the signal words
Focus on the words “however” and “feared.” Do these suggest that critics expected something good or something bad to happen to live theater?
Think about the relationship between radio and live theater
If a new form of entertainment becomes very popular, what might critics worry it will do to older forms—help them, copy them, or threaten them?
Check whether the verb fits the critics’ fear
For each choice, ask: does this verb describe supporting, imitating, or hurting the status of old entertainment like live theater? Only one captures the kind of negative outcome that critics would reasonably fear.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand the sentence and its tone
Read the full sentence: critics feared something about radio and existing forms of entertainment like live theater. The word “however” shows a contrast: radio is becoming popular, but some people are worried about a negative consequence. So the blank must describe a threat or negative effect on older entertainment.
Decide what kind of action the verb should show
Critics would not be afraid that radio would help or support live theater. Instead, they would be afraid that radio might take audiences away from live theater so that the old forms lose importance. In other words, we need a verb that means to take the place of or replace older forms of entertainment.
Test each answer choice against that meaning
Analyze each choice:
- echo: means to repeat or resemble a sound or idea. This shows similarity, not a threat.
- invigorate: means to energize or strengthen. Critics would not fear live theater being strengthened.
- mirror: means to reflect or closely imitate. Again, this shows similarity, not replacement.
- D) is the only choice that means to take the place of or replace something, often by becoming more popular or powerful.
Therefore, the best and most precise word to complete the sentence is D) supplant.