In this abstract passage about the idea of a nation, choose the correct word to complete the clause "The nation has been _____ as a relatively extensive, territorial relation of nativity."

Introduction / Context:
The passage here is a theoretical discussion of what a nation is. It uses abstract language to describe the nation as a territorial relation of nativity, meaning a social grouping connected with birth and land. The sentence we must complete reads The nation has been blank as a relatively extensive, territorial relation of nativity. The missing verb must introduce a formal description or meaning of the term nation. The question therefore checks understanding of verbs commonly used when giving definitions in academic writing.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The sentence introduces a formal characterisation of the nation.
• The structure has been blank as suggests a passive verb followed by a description.
• Options are denied, designed, defined, derived, described.
• We need a verb that naturally fits this pattern and context.

Concept / Approach:
When a writer introduces the meaning of a concept, they often say It has been defined as or It has been described as. Defined as is especially common when giving a precise conceptual definition. Since the remainder of the sentence is a compact, technical description, the verb defined is the best match. We evaluate each option to see which forms correct and idiomatic academic English with as plus a phrase that acts as a definition.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Insert denied as. The nation has been denied as is ungrammatical and meaningless. Step 2: Insert designed as. Designed as implies intentional creation of a plan or object and does not fit a conceptual definition. Step 3: Insert defined as. The nation has been defined as a relatively extensive, territorial relation of nativity is standard academic phrasing. Step 4: Insert derived as. Derived as is not a natural collocation; one says derived from. Step 5: Insert described as. Although this would not be fully wrong, defined as is more precise when the statement is clearly giving a formal definition. Step 6: Conclude that defined is the most accurate and idiomatic word for this context.

Verification / Alternative check:
In textbooks and research articles, we repeatedly see formulations like A nation can be defined as or Justice is often defined as. The verb defined signals that the writer is fixing a particular meaning. Here, the author is clearly specifying what they mean by the word nation. Described as could also appear, but it is weaker and less precise. Therefore, The nation has been defined as a relatively extensive, territorial relation of nativity is exactly the type of sentence we expect in social theory.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Denied: Denied as does not form a correct phrase and would contradict the explanatory function of the sentence. Designed: Refers to planning or creating objects and does not introduce a definition. Derived: Needs the preposition from, not as, and indicates origin, not meaning. Described: While partly possible, it is generally less apt when the statement clearly functions as a formal definition; the standard exam answer here is defined. Hence, defined is preferable to all the alternatives.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to rush and pick described because students do not notice the very precise, definition like structure of the sentence. Another pitfall is confusion between defined as and derived from. Careful reading of prepositions and the role of a sentence within the paragraph is essential when handling cloze tests in theoretical or abstract prose.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is defined, so the sentence reads The nation has been defined as a relatively extensive, territorial relation of nativity.