VOCABULARY — Choose the best synonym (same meaning) of the highlighted word, based on the sentence. Sentence: “A RUPTURE in the relationship of two brothers is quite apparent.”

Introduction / Context:
“Rupture,” when applied to relationships, means a serious break or severance in friendly or cooperative relations. In diplomatic and interpersonal contexts, “breach” is a precise synonym for a fractured relationship or the violation that causes it.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The noun refers to the relationship between two brothers.
• We need a term that collocates well with “relationship.”
• Options include general and specific nouns for breaks.

Concept / Approach:
While “break” is understandable, “breach” is the established collocation in formal English for a rupture in relations, for example “a breach in relations” or “a breach of trust.” “Damage” is too generic and typically collocates with objects or reputation. “Gap” suggests distance or difference, not necessarily a break caused by conflict.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Map “rupture” to relationship contexts: serious break or severance.2) Choose the closest formal synonym used with relationships: “breach.”3) Validate by substitution: “A breach in the relationship …” fits idiomatically.

Verification / Alternative check:
Common phrases include “breach of friendship,” “breach of relations,” and “breach of trust,” all aligning with rupture.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A) “break” — understandable but less precise in formal contexts.B) “damage” — generic harm, not a discrete relational severance.D) “gap” — implies distance or difference, not a breach caused by conflict.

Common Pitfalls:
Picking a broad everyday word (“break”) when a more accurate collocation (“breach”) exists for relationships.

Final Answer:
breach