Classification – Pure temperature adjectives vs heat-humidity condition: three words denote temperature level only; one specifically denotes hot and humid conditions. Which is the odd one out? Options: Cool, Warm, Sultry, Hot.
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ACool
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BWarm
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CSultry
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DHot
Answer
Correct Answer: Sultry
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Weather descriptors can denote temperature alone or a composite of temperature and humidity. That semantic difference separates one option from the rest.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Cool: low temperature sensation.
- Warm: moderately high temperature.
- Hot: high temperature.
- Sultry: oppressively hot and humid (sticky air), not just “hot.”
Concept / Approach:Group by semantic scope: temperature-only adjectives versus a combined heat-humidity condition.
Step-by-Step Solution:Cool/Warm/Hot describe temperature intensity alone.Sultry encodes humidity along with heat.Thus, Sultry is the odd one out.
Verification / Alternative check:Standard dictionaries define “sultry” with explicit humidity, making it categorically different from purely thermal adjectives.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:Cool/Warm/Hot: Each is a unidimensional temperature descriptor.
Common Pitfalls:Equating “sultry” with “hot”; humidity is integral to the meaning and is what makes it oppressive.
Final Answer:Sultry