In the same passage, consider the sentence: "The very word \"animal\" can _____ the brutish and the sensual." Select the option that best expresses the idea that this word suggests such negative qualities.

Introduction / Context:
This question again asks you to choose a word that fits logically and stylistically in a critical discussion of how language shapes our view of animals. The author wants to say that the word "animal" carries negative associations in English, linking animals with brutish or purely sensual behaviour. The correct verb must reflect the idea of implication or association of meanings, not repairing or understanding anything.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sentence: The very word "animal" can _____ the brutish and the sensual.
• Options: connote, rectify, trouble, understand.
• Earlier, the passage calls English a distorting lens and says it has perpetuated a cross eyed view of animals.
• The sentence clearly refers to the meaning or associations of the word "animal".

Concept / Approach:
In vocabulary and semantics, denote means to refer to something directly, while connote means to suggest or imply additional ideas or feelings associated with a word. When we say a word connotes something, we mean that it brings extra meanings or emotional colouring. Here the author is saying that "animal" not only denotes non human creatures but also connotes brutish and sensual behaviour. Rectify means correct, trouble means cause worry, and understand is a mental process; none of these verbs naturally take such an object in this context.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the phrase the very word "animal". This points to discussion of meaning and association in language rather than physical actions. Step 2: Consider connote. To connote something is to suggest or imply it in addition to basic meaning. So the word "animal" can connote the brutish and the sensual is a standard way to describe negative associations. Step 3: Consider rectify. Rectify means to correct or put something right, and it normally takes objects like mistake, error or situation. A word does not rectify the brutish and the sensual, so this option is not appropriate. Step 4: Consider trouble. Trouble means to disturb, worry or cause problems. The structure can trouble someone, but trouble the brutish and the sensual does not make sense in this sentence. Step 5: Consider understand. Understand is usually used with a person as subject and an idea as object; the word "animal" cannot understand the brutish and the sensual in this abstract way. Step 6: Thus, connote is the only verb that grammatically and semantically fits the sentence about word associations.

Verification / Alternative check:
In linguistic discussions, we often read sentences like The word "home" connotes warmth and security. This pattern, word connotes quality, is exactly what we see here. If we insert connote, the sentence becomes The very word "animal" can connote the brutish and the sensual, which is parallel to such standard usage. The other options fail either at the level of collocation or basic meaning, confirming that connote is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Rectify is about correcting errors or faults; the word "animal" does not correct brutish or sensual behaviour, it merely suggests it.
Trouble would require a living subject that causes disturbance to someone; using a word as the subject of trouble in this way is highly unusual and would still not capture the idea of implied meaning.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may quickly eliminate rectify and understand but hesitate between connote and trouble, thinking that words can trouble or disturb readers. However, the object here is the brutish and the sensual, which are qualities, not people, so trouble cannot fit smoothly. Whenever a sentence discusses what a word brings to mind, connotation and connote are standard technical terms. Recognizing this connection will help you pick such words with confidence in exams.

Final Answer:
The most appropriate verb is connote, giving: The very word "animal" can connote the brutish and the sensual.