Fill in the blank with a suitable word from the options. The quantum theory…
2024
Fill in the blank with a suitable word from the options.
The quantum theory was initially regarded as absurd, unnatural and ____ with common sense.
- A.
consanguineous
- B.
discernible
- C.
incompatible
- D.
decipherable
Attempted by 43 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation:
A set of words linked by "and" usually lists things of similar meaning or force. The sentence describes how the quantum theory was viewed: "absurd" and "unnatural," so the blank should be a word that also expresses disagreement with or contradiction to common sense.
Why "incompatible" fits:
• "incompatible" means "not able to exist or be true together without conflict" and forms the natural collocation "incompatible with common sense." This matches the sense of being at odds with common sense.
Why the other choices are wrong:
• "consanguineous" means "related by blood" — unrelated in meaning to being contrary to common sense.
• "discernible" means "able to be perceived or noticed" — this does not express being at odds with common sense.
• "decipherable" means "able to be decoded or easily understood" — this would imply understandability, the opposite of what the sentence requires.
Answer: "incompatible" is the best fit because it clearly conveys that the quantum theory conflicted with common sense.