Select the meaning of the underlined word in the sentence.
He had three discrete symptoms, causing the doctor to create an elaborate plan of care.
A.
Common
B.
Difficult
C.
Individual
D.
Separate
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is D. Separate.
Explanation:
In the sentence “He had three discrete symptoms, causing the doctor to create an elaborate plan of care,” the word “discrete” is used to describe the symptoms. To understand the meaning of “discrete” in this context, it’s helpful to consider its definition and usage in English.
The word “discrete” is derived from the Latin word “discretus,” which means “separated” or “distinguished.” In modern English, “discrete” is used to describe something that is distinct or separate from others. It often implies that the items being referred to are distinct and individually identifiable, rather than being part of a continuous or unbroken whole.
In the context of the sentence, “discrete symptoms” means that the three symptoms are separate and not overlapping. Each symptom is distinct and identifiable on its own. This is why the doctor needs to create an elaborate plan of care—because each symptom needs to be addressed individually rather than as part of a single, continuous issue.
Let’s briefly review why the other options are not correct:
- A. Common: The term “common” implies that something is frequent or widespread. However, the sentence is not discussing the frequency of the symptoms but rather their distinctness.
- B. Difficult: While the symptoms may be difficult to manage, “discrete” does not mean difficult. The term “discrete” specifically refers to separateness, not difficulty.
- C. Individual: While “individual” can sometimes be used interchangeably with “discrete,” in this context, “separate” better captures the meaning of distinct and independent symptoms.
Therefore, “discrete” accurately describes the symptoms as being separate and distinct, which necessitates an elaborate and individualized care plan.