In difficult words-in-context questions, distinguish closely related qualities rather than matching a single clue. Here, use the entire contrast: the current result is confident and decisive, but its status can change when the evidence base changes.
Hints
- Hint 1
Separate two qualities
Consider whether the text portrays Ortiz as uncertain about the current result or as willing to reconsider it when the evidence changes.
- Hint 2
Use both sides of the contrast
The correct choice must fit both the unhedged likelihood and the decision to rerun the analysis after the corpus expands.
Step-by-step
- Step 1
Identify the key distinction
The text distinguishes confidence from permanence: Ortiz can report a high likelihood without hedging while still rerunning the analysis when the available corpus changes.
- Step 2
Determine the required meaning
The missing word must describe a conclusion that can be decisive under present evidence yet remain open to replacement after a later analysis.
- Step 3
Select the precise word
A conclusion accepted for the present but subject to later revision is provisional.