Select the meaning of the underlined word in the sentence.
Providing immunizations to the indigent population falls under the aegis of the public health department.
A.
Respectability
B.
Relationship
C.
Ramifications
D.
Responsibility
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is D. Responsibility.
Explanation:
In the sentence, “Providing immunizations to the indigent population falls under the aegis of the public health department,” the word “aegis” is used to indicate the domain or scope of oversight and management. The term “aegis” originally comes from Greek mythology, where it referred to a protective cloak or shield associated with Zeus and Athena. Over time, the term evolved to represent the concept of protection, guidance, or control in a broader context.
In modern usage, “aegis” is commonly used in formal or organizational contexts to denote the authority or responsibility under which certain activities are conducted. Therefore, when the sentence mentions that the public health department is responsible for providing immunizations, it means that the department is charged with overseeing and managing this task.
Here’s a breakdown of why “Responsibility” is the best choice:
- Context of Oversight and Management: The public health department is responsible for organizing and ensuring that immunizations are administered. This is an example of a duty or responsibility that falls within their domain, which is reflected by the word “aegis.”
- Meaning of “Aegis”: The definition of “aegis” in this context aligns with the idea of responsibility or oversight rather than the other choices. Respectability, relationship, and ramifications do not fit the context as well as “responsibility.”
- Respectability refers to the quality of being respectable or worthy of respect, which does not fit the context of organizational duties.
- Relationship implies a connection or association between entities, which is not the focus here.
- Ramifications involve consequences or outcomes, which are not directly relevant to the idea of oversight or management implied by “aegis.”
- Usage in Sentences: In formal contexts, “aegis” is used to convey that a particular task or function is carried out under the authority or protection of an organization. This aligns well with the idea of responsibility.
In summary, the term “aegis” in the sentence refers to the responsibility or oversight under which the public health department operates concerning providing immunizations to the indigent population.