In English usage, the verb "to angle" most commonly means ______.

Introduction / Context:
This question tests your knowledge of a less common verb form. The word angle is usually known as a noun in mathematics and geometry, but it can also be used as a verb in everyday English. You must select the meaning that correctly describes this verbal usage, especially in outdoor or countryside contexts.

Given Data / Assumptions:
The verb phrase is:

• to angle

The options are:

• To measure the breadth of a river
• To fish with a net
• To fish
• To sit and watch the river

Concept / Approach:
As a verb related to outdoor activity, to angle specifically refers to fishing, especially with a rod and line. An angler is a person who fishes in this way. The definition does not restrict the method to nets, and it certainly does not include measuring or simply watching the river. The correct option must therefore point to the general activity of fishing.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that an angle in geometry is a noun, but the question asks about the verb to angle in a different context. Step 2: Remember the word angler, which refers to someone who fishes as a sport or hobby, typically with a rod and line. Step 3: Connect angler with the verb to angle, which then means to fish. Step 4: Examine the option To measure the breadth of a river. This is unrelated to the word angler and has nothing to do with fishing. Step 5: Consider To fish with a net. Although it involves fishing, the phrase is too narrow and specific. The verb to angle does not focus on nets but on the general activity of fishing. Step 6: Evaluate To fish. This is a simple and accurate description of what it means to angle. Step 7: Consider To sit and watch the river, which clearly does not describe fishing. Step 8: Therefore, the best and correct answer is To fish.

Verification / Alternative check:
Look at an example sentence: They went to the lake to angle for trout. In this sentence, to angle clearly means to fish for trout. If it meant to measure the breadth of a river, the sentence would not make sense in a normal context. Similarly, an angling club is a group of people who enjoy fishing, not measuring rivers. These examples confirm that the verb to angle simply means to fish.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
To measure the breadth of a river is wrong because there is no lexical link between angle as a verb and measuring distance in this way. To fish with a net is wrong because the method of fishing is not restricted to nets in the meaning of to angle. The term mainly implies fishing with rod and line. To sit and watch the river is wrong because it describes a passive activity with no fishing at all.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may be distracted by the mathematical meaning of angle and think of measurement. Others may assume that any fishing related phrase involving a tool like a net is correct. The key is to recognise the connection between angle and angler and to remember that angling is a general term for fishing as a sport. Observing such word families in reading practice helps solidify vocabulary and prevents confusion in exams.

Final Answer:
The verb to angle means To fish.