What is the correct meaning of the word torrid?
The torrid conditions sapped energy from the runners, so they struggled to reach the finish line.
- sweltering
- competitive
- relentless
- frightening
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is 1. sweltering.
Explanation:
The word “torrid” is often used to describe conditions that are extremely hot and intense, usually referring to weather or environments. In the context of the sentence you provided — “The torrid conditions sapped energy from the runners, so they struggled to reach the finish line.” — the word “torrid” indicates that the weather or conditions were intensely hot, which caused exhaustion and made it difficult for the runners to complete the race.
Let’s break down each option:
- Sweltering: This is the most appropriate synonym for “torrid.” “Sweltering” specifically refers to an oppressive or extremely hot environment, which is exactly what “torrid” conveys in this context. The runners are struggling because the heat is overwhelming.
- Competitive: This is unrelated to the meaning of “torrid.” Competitive refers to a situation or atmosphere focused on rivalry or striving to win. It doesn’t fit the description of weather or environmental conditions in the sentence.
- Relentless: While “relentless” can describe something that is harsh or unyielding, it is not specific to heat or temperature. It could refer to anything that is persistent and unceasing, whether it’s a challenge, pressure, or even weather, but it doesn’t convey the extreme heat implied by “torrid.”
- Frightening: This word means something that causes fear or alarm. While hot weather can sometimes be dangerous, the sentence focuses on the effect of the heat (exhausting the runners) rather than evoking fear, so “frightening” doesn’t match the context.
Thus, “sweltering” is the best synonym, as it specifically describes the type of intense heat that would cause the runners to struggle, much like “torrid” does.