Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Display
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This vocabulary question focuses on the word "manifest" as it appears in the sentence "God will not have his work made manifest by cowards." To answer correctly, you need to understand how "manifest" is used in context, not just rely on a vague memory of the word. The passage talks about God's work becoming visible in the world through brave, sincere action, and that idea guides the correct meaning.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
In English, "to manifest" something means to show it clearly, to display it, or to make it evident. When the author says "his work made manifest", he is referring to God's work being shown in the world through the actions of people. The idea is that cowardly behaviour cannot be a clear expression of divine work. Therefore, the closest synonym in the options is "display", since this also means to show or reveal something so that it can be seen or recognised by others.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Replace "manifest" in the sentence with each option and check the sense: "God will not have his work made display by cowards" is not grammatical, but "made visible / displayed" is the intended meaning.Step 2: Recognise that "Display" is the word that comes closest to "show clearly" or "make evident".Step 3: Consider option B, "Hide". That would produce the opposite meaning, suggesting that cowards hide God's work, which is not what the author is directly saying.Step 4: Option C, "Shout", implies raising one's voice, which has nothing to do with the idea of work appearing in the world.Step 5: Option D, "Try", refers to making an attempt, which is unrelated to the meaning of "manifest". Therefore, option A is correct.
Verification / Alternative check:
Look at other common uses of "manifest": "The symptoms manifested themselves suddenly," meaning the symptoms became visible or apparent. "His fear was manifest in his eyes," meaning his fear was clearly shown. In each example, "manifest" aligns closely with "display" or "show plainly". It never means "hide", "shout", or "try". Therefore, in the passage, God's work being "made manifest" clearly refers to it being displayed or revealed to the world through human action.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B, "Hide", is the direct opposite of "manifest". To manifest is to make something evident, while to hide is to conceal it. Option C, "Shout", is about loud speech, which is unrelated to the abstract idea of divine work appearing in human life. Option D, "Try", refers to attempting something and does not capture the notion of visibility or clarity. None of these options fit the sentence as naturally as "display" does when you consider the intended sense.
Common Pitfalls:
Some students may confuse "manifest" with "protest" or think of "manifesto", which is a written declaration. While related in origin, in this passage "manifest" is clearly used in the sense of "be made evident". Another pitfall is to focus only on the religious context and overcomplicate the meaning, instead of using straightforward vocabulary knowledge. Remember that many exam questions are testing basic synonyms even when the passage is philosophical.
Final Answer:
In this passage, "made manifest" means that God's work is made visible or shown clearly, so the correct answer is Display.
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