Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Conceivable
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This is a one word substitution question that asks you to replace the phrase "Capable of being imagined or grasped mentally" with a single word. Being able to compress long definitions into precise vocabulary items is valuable for exams and for reading advanced texts, where such words appear frequently.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The key idea in the phrase is that something can be imagined or understood in the mind. The word "Conceivable" directly carries this meaning. It comes from the verb "conceive", which means to form an idea or concept of something in the mind. The other options are mainly about visual impressiveness or emotional impact, rather than mental possibility or understandability. Thus, the solution is to identify which option focuses on mental grasp rather than physical appearance or beauty.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Use the options in a simple sentence. "Such a plan is conceivable" means such a plan can be imagined or is possible in theory. This matches the phrase perfectly. If you substitute "dazzling", "stunning", or "spectacular", the sentence shifts to describing appearance or effect, not possibility of mental understanding. "Fantastic" can suggest unreal or exaggerated, rather than clearly understandable. This confirms that conceivable is correct.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Dazzling, stunning, and spectacular all focus on strong impact, especially visual or emotional, and not on mental conceivability. Fantastic often indicates something extremely good or bizarre, but again it does not mean that it can be grasped mentally. In fact, fantastic ideas can be hard to believe. None of these words are defined as "capable of being imagined or grasped mentally". Only conceivable has that precise meaning, making all other options unsuitable as one word substitutes for the given phrase.
Common Pitfalls:
Many learners associate impressive sounding adjectives like stunning or spectacular with any sort of strong idea, and thus may be tempted to select them even in mental context questions. However, vocabulary questions require attention to exact dictionary meanings. Look at the root of the word: "conceivable" links to "conceive", which directly connects with forming ideas in the mind. This root clue helps avoid confusion and leads to the accurate choice.
Final Answer:
The best one word substitute for "Capable of being imagined or grasped mentally" is "Conceivable", so the correct answer is Conceivable.
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