More Questions from Selecting Words

Degree/intensity collocation – choose the adjective that best intensifies "lack of knowledge". Sentence: "I was astounded at his ______ lack of knowledge about the Continent of Africa." Select the most natural and emphatic adjective.

Verbal Ability Selecting Words Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
  • A
    abundant
  • B
    colossal
  • C
    huge
  • D
    great

Answer

Correct Answer: colossal

Explanation

Given data

  • We want a strong intensifier before "lack of knowledge".

Concept/ApproachColossal collocates well with abstract nouns to indicate enormity (e.g., colossal ignorance, colossal mistake). The other choices are weaker/less idiomatic here.

Option analysiscolossal — best collocation: "colossal lack/ignorance." ✅abundant — positive connotation of plentiful supply; does not fit "lack".huge — possible but less idiomatic with "lack of knowledge".great — generic and weaker; "great lack" sounds odd.

Style tipCommon pairings: colossal ignorance, colossal blunder, colossal waste.

Final Answercolossal

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